In studying and preparing to write this blog, I came across the following Bible verses:
When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. (Jeremiah 29:12 CEB)
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. (James 5:13 ESV)
To me, these two verses perfectly summarize why we should pray. To me, these two verses encapsulate the pure and unending love God has for us. We are literally promised that if we talk to him in sadness and happiness, He WILL listen to us. Isn’t that amazing?
Prayer can be difficult. It can be hard to know when to pray, what words to say, or if you’re even doing it right. But prayer is the only way we have to communicate with God while we are on earth. Since He cannot be here with us, He gave us prayer. The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16 ESV), and just as any loving parent on earth, God want to hear from us.
Prayer is our way to build and strengthen a relationship with God. Through prayer he can help us feel comfort and he can give us needed direction in life. Through prayer we grow and learn and become more like God.
One Instagram follower put it beautifully: “First, imagine that God is the best Father, the best Mother, the best friend that you could put into words and feelings. Now imagine that He is sitting right beside you. Why wouldn’t you talk to Him?”
Why does prayer matter to you?