PRAYER #2: WHY DO WE PRAY?

• Why do we pray? There are plenty reasons why do we approach God in prayers. We may want to give thanks for what God has done in us. We may pray to praise God for who God is. We may want to ask God for forgiveness upon our sinful behavior. We may want to ask God for some directions and wisdom in the process of making a tough decision. We may want to request God to satisfy our needs. We may come to God to offer intercessory prayers on behalf of others (family, relatives, friends, church, etc.). We may approach God for healing upon our weaknesses. We may come to God for a spiritual warfare. We also may pray simply because we want to keep in touch with God; because we miss God; because we love God, etc. The list of reasons is again endless.

• There is however one reason that should always be there: We pray because we trust in God. We do not deliver or share important data and information to someone we cannot trust. We do not address specific issues to a wrong party. The intimacy with God results in a relationship that is full of trust. It is not wrong therefore to conclude that prayer in itself symbolizes our dependence on God. In prayers we show that we depend on God whom we can trust in. One who is self sufficient will not earnestly seek the Lord in prayers. Whatever the contents of our prayers are, make sure that as we are seeking God, we come to him because of an urgent need of Him. Do not pray when you do not need God! In most of the time true and honest prayers are not a matter of time and choice. We approach God because we desperately, urgently and earnestly in need of Him - seconds of delay results in fatality. That is a true prayer.