The Importance of Prayer By Gabriel Logan
Prayer is simple but effective. It’s just talking to God. If we talk to our co-workers, friends, and fathers, then we should talk to God our Father, Friend, and Co-Worker. Intimacy with the Father involves prayer, and as we grow deeper in Him, our “Prayer-life” develops and changes.
Sometimes when we are new in our walk with Jesus, a lot of petitions are made. Petitions are basically requests made to authority figures for a specific cause or want. For example, when I was in the first grade, I wanted an iPad so badly that I chose to pray to the Lord for one, and God provided one. I’ve observed that sometimes God likes to do those things out of His love, and out of His love sometimes He won’t. For example, one time I was getting Bojangles and I asked for a four-piece combo but prayed that the workers would give me an extra chicken tender, and they did! Then, another time, I asked for the same thing and prayed for an extra tender, but I didn’t get one. I believe, with intimacy, our Father wants us to trust and know that even if we don’t get exactly what we want that He doesn’t love us any less and that He will give us what we need. “If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11 NKJV)
Although they are important, I don’t believe our Prayer-lives should only consist of personal petitions. I believe we should talk to God as a friend and talk to Him about others. Since prayer is an act of faith, and “…faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV), we can tell God about our day and believe He is listening (even if He doesn’t say anything back). I personally sometimes struggle with this, because I can be so concerned with what I want changed, or to be able to see differently, that I forget to just talk to Jesus and thank Him for what I already do have. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…” (Philippians 4:6 NKJV). It’s also important to pray in the Spirit because it builds up your faith. (Jude 1:20) One thing we as Believers can do is pray for others. I have a prayer list of people I try to pray for everyday (sometimes I miss days). I believe praying for others is a way to show love to people whether we know or like them, or not. (Matthew 5:44) These prayers are important. Abraham’s prayers concerning Sodom and Gomorrah would have spared the entire city, (if there were righteous citizens) despite their great wickedness. It is important that we intercede on behalf of countries, loved ones, friends, and enemies.
Overall, prayer is important and necessary in our walk with the Lord. Whether it’s asking questions, having a conversation, or praying for others, developing a Prayer-life is vital for a relationship with Christ. As we grow, our Prayer-lives change and mature—along with our relationship.