What’s this thing about praying? A friend asked me recently, “Doesn’t God know everything? Doesn’t God know what we need before we ask him? So, prayer is a waste of time, it’s unnecessary.”
My answers to the questions are “yes” and “yes”, but my conclusions are different.
Prayer is absolutely necessary in the life of the believer. It is part of the faith-trust relationship. It is an expression of the ongoing dialogue with God. Prayer is discovering God’s will for my life and lining up my life accordingly, following his instructions.
Can you imagine a father and his child living together in harmony not spending as much time as possible conversing? Of course not, because they never run out of something to say.
Prayer does not stop and start, waiting only for certain places and feelings; rather it is a continuous sharing about everything. For instance, Fay and I have been married for over 50 years. Conversation never ends. Some issues are discussed only once, some come up daily for weeks, some are mentioned from time to time. The satisfaction is in the continuing dialogue and clarification that is on-going. “Having your way” or “demanding what you want” is not a suitable attitude. Or assuming a threatening stance, “I want an answer now” is not an option.
The Bible teaches, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That is not about “bargaining with God” or feeling “God owes me”. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:11 about “daily bread” being daily requested? Prayer is a constant dialogue not a drop-in at a 24-hour market to ask a favor.
You can learn to pray in Jesus’ name (John 14:13) and be confident in the answer as you grow closer to him. Prayer is not like a heavenly slot machine with meaningless payoffs, God’s answers are rooted in love!
“What a wonderful assurance, Loving Father, knowing that Jesus lives
in us through the Holy Spirit and is always available to talk. Amen”
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