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The Importance of Prayer in Our Lives

Have you ever asked yourself, “is prayer important?” For any follower of Christ, you would say yes, right?!

Prayer is communicating with God. It’s an intimate way of connecting with him and building a deep and lasting relationship with our heavenly Father. 

As Christians, we often get so busy that we only turn to prayer when we need the Lord’s help.

But prayer is vital to our Christian faith and a blessing that we often forget or overlook. The truth is though we can’t afford not to pray. 

The Bible assures us that God is always listening and ready to connect with us and help us in our time of need which is encouraging. The Lord wants us to pray in times of joy, gratitude, sorrow, and hardships.

You may have wondered  Why is Prayer Important?  We will go into the benefits of prayer and why it’s necessary for us to connect with God regularly as his children.   

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The Importance of Prayer

Prayer is such a vital part of our lives if we know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is our way that we can speak to God, come before Him with boldness, and listen to Him speak as well!

Prayer is an important part of the Christian life. It strengthens your character and helps you grow spiritually.

While we teach our kids to pray before meals and before sleeping, as we grow we realize that prayer is a lifeline not just something we do occasionally. 

Relationships thrive with communication. As we communicate with God our relationship with Him deepens. It helps us become one with the Creator of the world as we get to know him more. 

As we learn to express ourselves to our Heavenly Father, we are transformed and become more like Jesus. God desires all kinds of prayers from us. 

There are warfare prayers and breakthrough prayers in tough times,  confession prayers when we sin and need grace and mercy, and prayers of praise and worship.

Then there are thanksgiving prayers and supplication prayers for our needs and the needs of others. 

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18 NIV

If you are new to prayer and not sure exactly how to get started, here are some creative but powerful prayer methods .

Why is Prayer Important

Prayer is part of our walk with God and it enables us to go before God with our needs and those of others.

It helps us enter the kingdom of God to access solutions, breakthroughs, healing, and deliverance. 

A prayer is a form of worship where we connect with the Lord and get to know him. These are the important reasons  Why Prayer is Important  in our lives as Christians. 

Prayer invites the presence of God

When we pray to God wholeheartedly, we invite his presence in our lives. This releases his power, guidance, wisdom, and strength. Daily prayer allows us to be still and know the mind and heart of God. 

When God is present, we bear much fruit because the Holy Spirit will be with us.

As transformation takes place in our hearts, it will have a snowball effect and change our families, schools, workplaces, communities, countries, and the world. That’s the power of prayer. 

“But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3 WEB

Prayer allows us to hear God’s voice 

We often think of prayer as a chance to tell God what we need and when we need it. It’s often us who do the talking and we don’t allow the Lord to speak. 

A physical relationship requires two-way communication and so does our spiritual relationship with God.

When we are still and listen he gives us revelations, ideas, divine inspiration, his will, solutions to our problems, deep secrets, mysteries of his word, and guidance. 

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

We pray so we can experience the peace of God

Day-to-day life can be overwhelming. There are times and seasons when you are stressed, worried, and anxious about what tomorrow will bring.

That’s when our Heavenly Father invites us to go to him in prayer so we can experience the peace of God . 

We are not promised a trouble-free life as Christians but we can we can pray about any and every situation.

When we pray with thanksgiving we will experience God’s perfect peace even during life’s trials and fiercest storms. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NIV 

Prayer is important because it changes situations 

Esther fasted and prayed and saved the nation of Israel from genocide.

Daniel prayed and when he was thrown into the lion’s den the lions didn’t harm him. Hannah prayed and God opened her womb so that she could bear children. 

These are just a few examples that show that prayer changes situations in our daily lives. When we pray, we tap into God’s infinite power that is greater than ourselves.

The Lord releases divine solutions to our problems. Miracles, healing deliverance, and breakthroughs happen when we pray. 

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” James 5:13 NIV 

Prayer is important because it changes you

When Hannah who had been barren for years, offered a powerful prayer in the temple for God to grant her a child, she met with Eli the priest who blessed her and asked God to answer her prayers.

Even though she had been sad and hurt, after praying she left encouraged and hopeful. 

We pray because prayer changes us. Talking to God and being in his presence changes your attitude toward your circumstances positively and powerfully.

The way you think and respond changes after you have connected with the Lord. 

“Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” 1 Samuel 1:17-18 ESV

We pray because we love God 

When you’re in love with someone you want to be close to them and bond in a special way.

Similarly, prayer is the natural result of our love for God. This is the greatest commandment we need to follow. 

“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 ESV

Praying gives you strength 

In times when the pressures of life overwhelm us and we feel like we can’t take it anymore, prayer sustains and strengthens us .

God carries and leads the way for us when we run out of strength to go on. 

“Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).” Psalm 46:1 AMP 

We pray because Jesus prayed 

As disciples of Jesus Christ, follow his ways. He showed us how to live a prayerful life. He prayed for others, with others, for food, miracles, healing, and breakthroughs.

He taught his disciples how to pray  The Lord’s prayer   and how to pray in private. 

In  John 17 , we see one of his longest prayers as he was about to be crucified. Jesus often went to pray alone in a secluded place. 

Even though he was the Son of God, he needed that daily prayer and deep connection to access God’s power for the work that lay ahead of him.

In a similar way, we need to follow the example of Jesus and long to connect with our Heavenly Father too. 

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16 NIV 

Prayer enables us to be compassionate 

When we pray we realize that we need to love others and show them compassion. Loving God and loving others is the greatest commandment we’ve received from God.

It’s when we pray for the needs of others whether they are family members, friends, colleagues, or the church. 

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16 ESV

Praying for others is important because it helps us to realize that others’ needs can come before ours. Putting the interests of others above our own shows that we care.

We pray because it’s an act of obedience

Jesus Christ encouraged us to pray and even in the New Testament letters to the church, Apostle Paul often encouraged the church to pray for each other, for themselves, and for him. 

God’s Word tells us to pray and our desire should be to obey our Heavenly Father’s commands because our goal is to bring him glory and honor. 

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

Prayer helps us fight the enemy

Life is a spiritual battle against the spiritual forces of evil. That’s why the Bible says we need to wear the armor of God to fight and be victorious.

Prayer shields us from the enemies’ schemes, breaks strongholds, and empowers us to fight against sin and evil attacks.

When we pray, we call on a power higher than our own to come and help us. Prayer is a spiritual weapon in warfare. 

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NIV 

We pray so that we can connect with God 

To be in a relationship with someone you need to spend quality time with them.

Along Biblical disciplines such as Bible Study, fasting, and praise and worship, prayer is important because it draws us closer to the Lord. 

It allows us to know his ways, character, principles, and promises. In turn, the Lord also draws near to us as well. 

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 ESV

We pray to get guidance and wisdom 

As believers, we need the Lord’s guidance to walk on the right path in life. We also need wisdom to make the right decisions and practice the word of God.

Prayer is important because it allows us to get guidance and wisdom from the Lord. 

Wisdom will sustain you more than material possessions and riches.

That’s why when God asked King Solomon what he wanted he asked for wisdom and God granted it to him. He understood that wisdom can unlock blessings, favor, long life, and success. 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 ESV 

Prayer comforts us in our time of need 

A vibrant prayer life is crucial when you’re going through difficult times.

While you can go to a friend, first seek the Holy Spirit who is our Comforter when we experience sorrow and pain.

You can release all your burdens to him and receive his comfort, care, and compassion. 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV 

Prayer helps us rely on God fully 

God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Prayer is important because it humbles us and reminds of that God is in control, at the throne, and sovereign.

As we realize that he is all-powerful and all-knowing, yet loving, good, and faithful we realize that we need him in our daily lives. 

This compels us to humble ourselves, surrender to him, and rely on him fully focusing on bringing him glory and honor. 

“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30 NLT

Prayer enables us to grow in our faith 

Faith is crucial in our relationship with God. When we trust in him, he is moved to act.

As we pray and God answers our prayers, we believe him, trust him, and grow in our faith. 

This means even as we wait for answers we focus on his promises, not our circumstances, and trust that we will receive what we ask. 

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 NIV

Prayer allows us to align ourselves with God’s will

Prayer allows us to discern and know the will of God for our lives and align ourselves with it. This may not be easy but the Lord helps us to obey him and rewards us for our obedience. 

Even Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion chose to obey God’s will and he was rewarded with power, glory, and honor. 

 “And after going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible [that is, consistent with Your will], let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39 AMP 

Prayer helps us overcome temptation 

The importance of prayer should not be underestimated. It’s a powerful tool that we can use to resist temptation and sin.

We can pray for strength and wisdom when we are weak so that we avoid present and future temptations.  

Our Lord Jesus Christ encouraged us to do this because he knows how weak the flesh is and that we need God’s power to fight against sin. 

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41 NLT 

Prayer gives us a chance to ask for God’s forgiveness 

God is holy and he’s also wonderful, gracious, loving, merciful, and forgiving. He wants us to be holy and righteous but so many times we stray from his standards, disobey him, and commit sin. 

That’s when we need to approach the throne of grace, confess our sins, and ask for his forgiveness in our time of need. 

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV

Prayer releases God’s protection 

When you read the word of God in  2 Chronicles 20: 1-30 , you’ll find an encouraging story on the power of prayer.

King Jehoshaphat who reigned over Judah heard that his enemies were coming to attack him. He was alarmed and concerned for the safety of his kingdom. 

But the king humbled himself and led his people with a prayer and fasted before God. When they did that, a miracle was released. 

The Lord fought for them and they didn’t need to do anything to defeat their enemies. Prayer is important because it releases the protection and safety of the Lord to us as his children. 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 ESV 

Prayer is a way of communicating with God. It helps us know him, his ways, his principles, and his promises. It’s a form of worship and a natural result of our love for the Lord.

Are you looking for some tools and tips to boost your prayer life? If so, be sure to visit our Prayer Resources Library where you’ll find everything you need to become a powerful prayer warrior!

Prayer should be the most important conversation of the day and an important part of our lives as Christians.  

Prayer is a gift and a blessing. It grows and shapes us to become more like Jesus Christ.

God’s Word assures us that there are many benefits to prayer which can help us to see prayer as a priority in our lives and not the last thing we think of. 

There are different types of prayer we can offer to our Lord. These can be gratitude prayers, praise and worship , confession prayers, warfare prayers, and supplication prayers. 

Why is Prayer Important?  Because there is power in prayer.

It changes us and the situation and people around us in ways that we can never guess or imagine.

May the Lord help us commit to a vibrant prayer life and develop a meaningful relationship that transforms our hearts and lives. 

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Home > Christian Resources > The Importance of Prayer: 10 Reasons Why We Pray

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The Importance of Prayer: 10 Reasons Why We Pray

Modified: January 9, 2024

Written by: Andy Reece

Ericka Andersen, an editor at Christian.net, expertly merges digital strategy with content creation, focusing on faith and societal issues. Her communication skills enhance the platform's engaging narratives, fostering meaningful dialogue on belief's impact on society.

What is prayer? Why is it important? Find out the importance of prayer and how it can help us to grow in spirit and character.

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• how to pray to God
• importance of prayer
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• what is prayer

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The importance of prayer is often overlooked. Most of us just pray for God to help us, or to bless us. And most of the time because of our busy lives, prayer is like an afterthought. But why is prayer important? In fact, what is prayer? In this article, we look at the definition of prayer and 10 reasons why we pray. Then, we can understand the power of prayer that God has so lovingly bestowed upon us. 

What is Prayer?

Christian prayer is our way of communicating with God. Just like how a child talks and listens to their father, prayer is how we as Christians and children of God converse with Him. And everyone’s conversation with God is different. That is why prayer is the most intimate form of communication that directly connects us to God on a personal level. 

Praying to God is simple – all you really have to do is speak to Him with a genuine heart. And the Bible also makes it clear that prayer is really that straightforward. If we call upon the name of the Lord and come to Him in prayer, God listens to us. (Jeremiah 29:12). Prayer is freely given to us by God, which is why we need to understand the importance of prayer. I like a quote by Hudson Taylor that captures the true importance of prayer – “When you work, you work. But when you pray, God works.”. 

Read more : Why Do We Pray In The Name Of Jesus Christ

10 Reasons To Know The Importance of Prayer 

1. praying to god helps us to grow closer to god.

If I can sum up the importance of prayer into one big reason, it would be this: prayers help us grow closer to God. When we pray, we are welcoming God to be in every part of our lives. The more you spend time talking and listening to God through prayer, the more we draw closer to Him and know more of Him. And thus, God naturally draws close to us too. 

If God is close to us, what else do we have to fear? What else do we have to achieve? Nothing! Just like Paul, we can live fearlessly and courageously because we know that our mighty God is for and with us. 

Psalm 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Image by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

2. Prayer Helps Us To Align Ourselves with God’s Will

When we pray, we are also aligning ourselves with God’s will. We are asking Him to lead us and help us in our journey through life. Prayer is a way for us to surrender our lives to God and trust that He will lead us down the path He has planned for us. When we take the time to pray, we are opening up a dialogue with our Creator. We are able to hear from Him and understand His heart for us.

Additionally, through prayer, we are able to discern the will of God for our lives. As we spend time talking to God and listening for His guidance, He will begin to reveal His plans for our lives. And as we surrender our plans to Him, He will begin to work in ways that we never could have imagined because His plans and ways are higher than ours. That is the importance of prayer. 

Philippians 4:19   And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Image by Samuel Ferrara on Unsplash

3. Prayer Shows You That Your Life is Not About You

​​Not only will praying help us to align to God’s will, but it also helps us come to terms with reality – life is indeed not about us after all. It has and always been about God and fulfilling His will on earth as it is in heaven. Prayer helps us to acknowledge that God is the center of the universe and in control.

Prayer is important because it also helps us to realize that others’ needs can also come before ours, especially when we pray for others. When we do so, we are putting others at the forefront of our minds. In a world that propagates self-centeredness, the importance of prayer cannot be slighted. It helps us to be humble and compassionate toward others. 

John 17:15   My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

Image by Danie Franco on Unsplash

Read more : 20 Reasons Why Giving Thanks Is Important

4. Prayer Gives Us Strength and Hope

It can be easy to feel like we are alone when things are tough, but God is always with us. When we pray, we are reminded that He is in control and will help us through whatever situation we are facing. Prayer for strength can help us get through anything life throws our way because God is always there for us. He will always give us the strength and hope we need to get through anything. So don’t be afraid to pray, because God is always listening and ready to help. 

If you’re feeling lost or scared, take a few minutes to pray and ask God for strength and hope. Take some time to also pray the Armor of God prayer daily to help us overcome our battles. 

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Image by Dan Freeman on Unsplash

5. Praying Gives Us Wisdom and Guidance

Sometimes we pray to seek God’s wisdom and guidance, especially during times we need to make an important decision. When the going gets rough and we don’t know what to do, it’s important to remember that we can always seek guidance from God. Prayer is the perfect way to welcome God to help us. When we pray for wisdom, we are asking God to help us understand what we should do in a certain situation. And when we pray for guidance , we are asking God to show us the path that we should take. 

James 1:5   If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

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6. Prayers Will Increase Our Faith

Another importance of prayer is that it puts our faith into action. We are acknowledging that God is real and that He is in control. That even though we have not received the answers yet, we are already believing that it has been done because God has already answered it. When we make time to talk to God, it helps us keep our focus on Him and His promises instead of our circumstances.

But bear in mind that prayer is not just about us asking God for things. It’s also about us listening to what He has to say. We can learn so much about His will for our lives when we take the time to be still and listen to Him. When we hear from God, it gives us the courage to step out in faith and obey His commands. So if you are looking for ways to increase your faith, start with prayer. It is one of the best things that you can do.

1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith might not rest on human wisdom but on God’s power .

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7. Prayers Bring Peace and Comfort

The importance of prayer is also evident when trouble comes. In this fast-paced life, we are constantly bombarded with stress and anxiety from work, school, and other responsibilities. Sometimes, it can all feel too overwhelming and we just need a break. That is why we need prayers for peace for the kind of comfort only God can provide. 

Whenever we pray, we are reminded that we are not alone in this world and that God is always with us. He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:16). So even when everything else seems to be falling apart, we can find hope and peace in Him through prayer. 

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Image by dominik hofbauer on Unsplash

Read more : Why Is Prayer Important During Lent

8. To Seek God’s Forgiveness and Resist Temptation

When we are guilt-ridden because of sin, prayer is the most powerful tool we can use to seek the Lord’s forgiveness as we come to Him in repentance. Prayer allows us to pour our hearts to God, confessing our sins and asking for His forgiveness. When we are sincere in our prayer, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

In addition, prayer is essential and is a crucial tool that helps us resist temptation. When we are feeling weak and tempted to sin, we can pray for God’s strength to help us overcome. Additionally, prayer gives us the opportunity to ask God for wisdom on how to avoid future temptations. 

Psalm 86:5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good , abounding in love to all who call to you.

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9. To Give Thanks and Praise

We pray not only to ask things from God but also to give Him thanks and praise for who He is and all that He has done in our lives. Essentially, prayer helps us to count our blessings. Prayer allows us to remember all of the good things that God has done in our lives, no matter how big or small. We are also able to reflect on His abounding grace and mercy.  

Our gratitude through our prayers is also an act of honoring Him. It is an acknowledgment that everything we have and all the battles that we have won are because of God who loves us so. That is why prayer is important for us to exalt God and show our love for Him.

James 1:17   Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights .

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10. To Experience God’s Miracles

Prayer also gives us an opportunity to experience God’s miracle. It allows us to tap into His infinite power that is much greater than ourselves. When we do that, amazing things can happen. When we pray, we are putting our trust in God and asking him to intervene in our lives. Sometimes, we may not even know the things to pray for. But that’s okay! God knows what we need and he is always ready to answer our prayers. We only need to look around us. 

There are countless examples of people who have experienced amazing miracles as a result of prayer. Whether it’s healing from a serious illness, overcoming addiction, or finding a job when you’re unemployed, God can work wonders in your life if you let Him. This is the importance of prayer.

Job 5:9 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

Image by Lucas Ludwig on Unsplash

How To Pray to God

When you pray, you are talking to God. It is a conversation between you and Him. There is no wrong way to pray. Like how Max Lucado puts it, “our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.”

If you aren’t too sure how to pray, here are the 15 most powerful prayers in the Bible that you can follow too. But, the one prayer that I always pray is the Lord’s Prayer by Jesus Christ himself: 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Read more : Why Are The Gospels Important?

7 Steps We Can Learn From The Lord’s Prayer

1. Declaration of God’s identity. Declare and acknowledge God’s rightful place as the Father of us.

2. Prayer of Adoration. Praise God for who He is and all that He has done for us. 

3. Prayer of Surrender and Faith.  Acknowledge that it is God’s Will and He is in control of our lives. This is one of the greatest forms of submission.

4. Prayer of Petition. Ask in God’s name for the things that we need such as strength, guidance, and wisdom to overcome whatever circumstance we might be facing. 

5. Prayer of Confession and Forgiveness.  We should always confess our sins so that we can receive forgiveness from God.

6. Prayer of Healing and Deliverance. Ask God for protection and help in overcoming our sins, to deliver us from Satan’s temptations so that we may achieve healing.

7. Glorify God’s name. When we glorify God’s name, we are bringing Him honor and He takes delight in that. 

And if you don’t know how to get started, just say a simple prayer like this: 

“Father, I praise You for the magnificent, loving, and merciful God that You are. I thank You for Your Son, Jesus. I confess that I have sinned against You and ask for Your forgiveness. Please help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. I pray that Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Please meet my daily needs and help me share the gospel with others. Protect me from evil and give me the strength to overcome temptation. All the glory, honor, and praises are Yours alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Short Prayer Quotes 

“True prayer is a way of life, not just for use in cases of emergency. Make it a habit, and when the need arises you will be in practice.” – Billy Graham

Image by Jasmin Ne on Unsplash

“Prayer lays hold of God’s plan and becomes the link between his will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit’s prayer.” – Elisabeth Elliot

Image by Lachlan Gowen on Unsplash

“The reality is, my prayers don’t change God.  But, I am convinced prayer changes me.  Praying boldly boots me out of that stale place of religious habit into authentic connection with God Himself.” – Lysa TerKeurst

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“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.” – Charles Spurgeon

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“Prayer is simply talking to God like a friend and should be the easiest thing we do each day.” – Joyce Meyer

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Why Is Prayer Important?

Scriptures tell us several reasons to pray. Let's take a look at why it's important to pray and the benefits of prayer that you can begin to experience today.

Prayer is important because it makes us more like Jesus and because it reveals to us the heart and mind of God.

When we look at the spiritual powerhouses of the past, we know that prayer was immensely important to them. C.S Lewis stated: “I pray because I can’t help myself. ... I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.” And Martin Luther:  “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer

How do ordinary people live up to that, and why should we? Ordinary people can’t be expected to drop everything to pray, right? Actually, ordinary people can’t afford not to pray. Prayer is a gift given to us—and an activity expected of us—by the Lord. The Bible often says, “ when you pray,” not “ if you pray,” because prayer seems to be assumed of God’s followers.

Let's take a look at what Scripture says about prayer:

• "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people ." ( Ephesians 6:18 )
• "Pray continually."  ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17 )
• "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray."  ( James 5:13 )
• "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  ( Romans 12:12 )
• "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  ( Philippians 4:6 )
• "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." ( James 4:8 )

Praying because we’re “supposed to” isn’t always enough to motivate us, but the truth is that prayer is much more than a rule. 

The Importance of Prayer

1. prayer makes us more like jesus..

If we look at the life of Jesus, we see that he prayed—with others ( Luke 9:28 ), for others ( Matthew 19:13-14 ), and on his own ( Luke 5:16 , Luke 6:12 ). It was a fundamental part of how he approached each day and every decision, retreating faithfully to spend time with his Father.

Clearly prayer was important to Jesus—it was his lifeline and his connection to the Heavenly Father. It equipped him for the battles he was about to face. It kept alive the intimate relationship that sustained him. And it revealed to him God’s desires and direction.

If the goal of a Christian is to become more like Jesus, that process should include imitating his actions and living out his words. As we pray, we will become more like Jesus, and we will find that prayer changes us.

2. Prayer shows us the heart of God.

When Jesus prayed for his disciples in John 17 , he prayed for those who would believe in him, “ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you ” ( John 17:21 ).

Prayer helps us become one with the Father and have the kind of relationship Jesus had with him. The Bible is filled with stories illustrating God’s desire to have an intimate relationship with his people, and any close relationship involves communication. When two people have no contact with each other, their relationship will never advance. And since prayer is, quite simply, a conversation with God, it is how we get to know him.

When we come into his presence, all pretense is gone—there is no longer anything to hide because he sees all and knows all. Prayer humbles us because as we spend time with him, we realize how powerful and able and good God is and how much we need him. And yet, God accepts us as we are—not because he wants us to stay that way, but because he knows that the relationship comes first.

As we grow to love him, we will want to become more like him. When we find forgiveness through prayer, God softens our heart and allows us to forgive others. When we experience God’s compassion and mercy, we will share that with others. When we understand that God’s grace is freely given, we recognize that no one is any more or less deserving of God’s love than we are, and it transforms our hearts and our actions, helping us reveal God’s generous love to others.

3. Prayer reveals the wisdom of God.

The best part about prayer is that it’s a conversation that goes both directions. Yes, we will talk to God , but when we spend time with him and are willing to receive, we will also hear from  him. James 1:5 says, “ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you .”

Jesus prayed all night before selecting the 12 apostles ( Luke 6:12-16 ), and he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane to try to ascertain God’s will regarding what God was asking him to do. His time in prayer helped align his will with that of the Father, just as our time with God will do for us. After getting in touch with the heart of God and realizing how much he loves us, we will learn to trust him and value his insight and guidance.

5 Hallmarks of a Godly Man

As we spend time talking to God, he aligns our will with his, changing the way we experience a situation and respond to a problem.

Sometimes we miss his answers (because we’re not listening or we’re expecting a different answer so we don’t recognize it when it comes), and other times the answer comes through reading the Bible or talking to others, but God will answer. His wisdom far exceeds our own because he sees farther and loves deeper and has his sights set on an eternity with those he loves, not just gratification in the immediate moment. There is no one else who can see and know what he does, and he delights to share his wisdom with us in prayer.

Five Benefits of Prayer

In her article, What are Some Benefits of Prayer? , Danielle Bernock outlines several of the benefits of having a prayer life. Let's take a look at five.

1. Prayer changes our focus.  It’s easy to get caught up in the circumstances going on around us, good or bad. Praying directs our focus away from here on earth to God in heaven.

2. Prayer brings us closer to God.  Because prayer is communicating with God, it helps us build our relationship with him. It’s one of the many ways we can get to know him better.  

3. Prayer ushers us into God’s presence.  In the Old Testament, people needed the priests or prophets to talk to God for them. But when Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn in two, opening the way for us to talk to God ourselves.

4 . Prayer helps calm us.  The world is full of  things that bring anxiety  into our lives and prayer can restore our peace.

5. Prayer brings about change.  The familiar phrase prayer changes things is true. Sometimes the things that change are circumstances, while other times we are the thing that prayer changes.

Kelly O’Dell Stanley  is the author of Praying Upside Down and Designed to Pray . A graphic designer who writes (or is it a writer who designs?), she’s also a redhead who’s pretty good at controlling her temper, a believer in doing everything to excess, and a professional wrestler of doubt and faith. She offers free monthly prayer prompt calendars at kellyostanley.com and calls small-town Indiana her home.

A Daily Prayer

God, thank you for being a loving father who wants to hear from us and for the gift of prayer that allows us to come into your presence. Help me open my eyes to the ways I can spend more of my day with you. I want to know you better and seek your goodness in my life. Thank you for the strength you provide when we are weak. In Jesus name, Amen

Photo Credit:  © Getty Images/Wavebreakmedia

This article is part of Christianity.com's prayer answers including famous, topical prayers and information about the power of prayer. Find more related articles in the collection of prayers below:

The Serenity Prayer , The Lord's Prayer , Morning Prayers , Prayers for Healing , Thanksgiving Prayers , Advent Prayers , Christmas Prayers , Prayers for Peace , Prayers for Protection , Prayers for Strength , Praying in the Spirit .

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Prayer & Possibilities

December 18, 2018 ·

7 Reasons Why Prayer Is Important

For most of my life, prayer was relegated to Sunday mornings, a quick bedtime prayer (maybe), and in those times of most desperate need. I thought I was doing enough to check the box on my list of things “good Christians” do, only that’s all prayer was to me – a to-do list item, not an essential priority in my day. I didn’t understand the importance of prayer.

Why Prayer Is Important

Do you want to experience the power of prayer? Want to know firsthand the benefits of prayer and spending time with God? Want to know if prayer really works?

Prayer is more than something to check off a to-do list. It’s more than an obligation or expectation. Prayer is one of the greatest gifts and privileges we have as Christians. It’s God’s gift of his time to be available for conversation at any time of day or night. His gift to listen to your heart, and to answer in ways beyond your comprehension.

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Commit to daily prayer and open the conversation with God to allow prayer to transform your heart.

7 Benefits of Prayer

Prayer isn’t meant to be an afterthought, a last resort when nothing else has worked. It’s meant to be your guiding star, the most crucial conversation of your day.

Prayer is your conversation with God and how you can develop a personal, meaningful relationship with the God of the universe who loves you. It’s how he can do miracles in your heart.  Through prayer, he can bring your life into alignment with his vision and plans.

It’s your great privilege to enter into prayer with God, yet through prayer he will bless you immensely. Let’s look together at seven reasons prayer is necessary and vital for your life.

1) Prayer can set (or change) the tone of your day

What sets the tone of your day? The frustration of a long commute to work? The pile of dishes in the sink and the never-ending loads of laundry? The mailbox full of bills and bad news?

You wake up full of hope for a new day, then it inevitably hits a snag and you’re sent swirling into frustration, anxiety, or worse.

Starting your day in prayer will help to get your mind in the right place for more joy-filled day.

• Start your day with praise for all God is and all he’s doing in your life.
• Set your mind on God and all his goodness.
• Fill your morning with thankfulness over all the blessings in your life.
• Invite God into the day ahead and ask his help in the areas you know will be difficult.

Turn your daily frustrations into prayer prompts and call upon God to help you reset and restore peace to your heart. Ask him to help you find the joy, even in the struggle and the mundane.

Prayer is the antidote to daily frustrations.

2) Prayer helps you make better decisions

How often do you find yourself making poor decisions and wishing you’d acted differently?

What difference would it make in your day if you instead…

• Decided to react with calm and reasoning instead of yelling?
• Decided to take the time to really listen to a friend instead of rushing off to your next appointment?
• Decided to make a healthier choice instead of falling into old habits?

Even the small decisions in your life make a big difference, so how are you approaching them?

Praying about each decision will help you make better choices.

Ask God for help and guidance. Consider each decision in light of Jesus’ teaching.

Include God in big and small decisions and you’ll find that he’ll lead you make wiser choices.

3) Daily prayer keeps God in the forefront of your mind, not forgotten until Sunday

What role does God really have in your life Monday through Saturday? Or he just for Sunday mornings?

God wants to be in your life every day, all day, not just on Sunday. He wants all 168 hours of your week, not just the 1 you spend in church.

What happens when you make prayer part of your every day , not just your Sunday?

• The more you pray, the more you’ll notice God at work all around you all week.
• When you lean on God in times of trouble, you’ll be filled with his peace and comfort.
• As you ask God’s guidance when faced with decisions, you’ll learn to hear his response.

Daily prayer helps you tap into the full potential of your faith for a life filled with God’s peace, grace, and joy all week long.

4) More frequent communication builds a stronger relationship

How often do you talk to your best friend? To your spouse? To your children? Probably more than once a week, right?

Developing a strong relationship requires frequent communication. The more we talk to each other and have quality conversations, the better our relationship will be.

The same is true with God. If you desire a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God, you need to talk to him more than once a week. You need to have frequent, quality conversations with him .

• Go beyond merely reciting corporate prayers (although these are great places to start).
• Open your heart and invite him into your life.
• Share your struggles and challenges.
• Celebrate the blessings and victories with him.
• Ask his help and guidance.
• Ask forgiveness for the areas you fall short.

The more you pray and share your heart with God, the stronger and more personal your relationship will be.

5) The discipline of daily prayer is submitting your heart to God

Giving your life to Jesus is not a one-time event, but a daily discipline of submission. It’s the daily release of your control to instead live under God’s rule and guidance.

Praying daily is part of that discipline. Not a rule or qualification, but an act of love for the One who loves you dearly and wants to lead your life.

Daily prayer is a way you express your devotion and commitment to God, giving him a priority in your day, precious time from your schedule.

Prayer is an act of love for the One who loves you most, submitting your heart to God’s rule.

6) Answered prayers are prayers prayed

If you aren’t praying and asking for God’s blessings and help, how do you expect him to answer your prayers ?

He’s ready and waiting to bless you with good gifts in his time and his way, but he wants you to first engage him in prayer. He wants your heart and that’s something you can only truly give him through the daily practice of prayer.

Make God a priority in your schedule, opening your heart, and submitting to his lead.

If you want your prayers to be answered, pray daily and pray sincerely.

7) Opening your heart to God daily allows God to transform your heart

Prayer isn’t a transaction. It’s a relationship with God.

God’s focus isn’t results but hearts. He wants to win over your heart and move it closer to his.

He may do that through answering earthly needs, or he may do that by working in your heart to shift your focus to him. When you spend regular, frequent time in prayer, you allow God to do his work in your heart. Through prayer, he will transform your life and bring you to new joy in him.

Prayer is where transformation happens, where your heart is healed and renewed.

Will you make daily prayer a priority?

Learn for yourself why prayer is important. Experience the power of prayer when you commit to regularly spending time with God in prayer.

Prayer – especially regular, daily, personal prayer – can transform your day and your heart.

So, will you take the next step to make prayer a priority in your life?

I know your day is busy (so is mine!), but I promise you can find time for what you hold as a priority.

Pray Deep: Ignite Your Prayer Life

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Imagine igniting a spark in your prayer life, bringing new inspiration and depth to your prayers.

Through this 8-week, video-led study, you’ll:

• Begin to pray deeper, developing more confidence in your prayers, making your prayer life more vibrant and meaningful.
• Bring more focus and power to your prayers.
• Understand how God answers prayers and begin to see the answers in even your unanswered prayers.
• Find solutions to your biggest challenges and struggles with prayer.
• Learn new ways to pray and finally feel more confident that you know how to pray.
• Deepen your relationship with God, connecting with him through prayer.
• Renew your prayer life and grow your faith.

Pray Deep: Ignite Your Prayer Life is the essential course you need to renew, recharge, and inspire your prayer life.

Through 8 video-based lessons and guided reflections and prayers, you’ll learn to:

• Develop a discipline of prayer
• Explore the conversation of prayer and different ways to pray
• Examine the challenges and disappointments of prayer
• Understand how prayer develops your relationship with God
• Begin to unlock the power of prayer in your life
• Practice taking prayer to the battlefield of life .
• Learn 22 different ways to pray !

Begin the journey of a lifetime, learning to PRAY DEEP, developing a powerful and life-changing prayer life.

Deepen and inspire your prayers with 16 ways to pray!

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Reader interactions.

April 23, 2018 at 12:35 pm

Great article! I’ve had a bad habit of not incorporating prayer into my daily routines. The Echo app is awesome because I’m reminded and I can keep track of my prayers. Thank you for this article 🙂

Josette Sammut says

January 18, 2019 at 2:03 pm

In my most difficult times I am enduring because of my husband cancer I find refuge in God almighty through Prayers Faith and crying Prayers are keeping us going on Kindly do say a prayer for my husband Frans for healing of cancer I love praying knowing that God is hearing my prayers God bless you all Josette Sammut Malta

Seek and you will find . Knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

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Why Do We Pray?

In the Bible, God commands people, multiple times, to pray. But why do we need to pray ?

This is a question many Christians, as well as people with other beliefs, have asked.

If God is in control of human history and also directs individual lives, what’s the point of praying? The answer lies in understanding what prayer is.

If you see prayer merely as a means of taking some level of control of your life and the world — as a means of leverage — then you will inevitably be troubled by what appears to be unanswered prayer. But if you see prayer primarily as an ongoing conversation with God , then you’ll realize there is really no such thing as an unanswered prayer.

If prayer is first and foremost a conversation between you and God, then His promise to always listen may be the answer your heart needs most.

God might not choose to do what you ask Him to do when you ask Him to do it. You might have seasons when you find it hard to hear what He’s saying for all sorts of reasons. It’s hard when someone says no, or even not yet, to what seems like a good and valid request.

But if prayer is first and foremost a conversation between you and God, then His promise to always listen may be the answer your heart needs most.

There is a famous verse in the Bible that is often misinterpreted, and it’s vital to the questions we’re thinking about here: “Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, New International Version).

You can interpret this verse as saying if you focus on enjoying God, He will give whatever you want. Or you can understand it to mean that if you take delight in God, over and above anything else in your life, He will shape your heart so it wants the things He already wants to give you. His desires will become your desires.

It’s safe to say that the second interpretation is more consistent with the teaching of the rest of the Bible. Scripture does not guarantee God will provide you whatever you want right now.

With this in mind, let’s look at the reasons we choose to pray — and some reasons we often choose not to.

Here are some shortcuts to specific sections of content if you’re in a hurry:

Why Pray if God Already Knows What Will Happen?

Why Pray if God Already Knows What You Will Say?

What Happens When You Pray?

Why do some christians choose not to pray  , why pray if god already knows what will happen  .

What a great question. Prayer is counterintuitive. In what other situation do you ask for something or plead with someone when you know for certain their mind is already made up about what they will do?

Psalm 115:3 (NIV) even tells us, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.”

To understand all this, we need to think about what Christians call “the sovereignty of God.”

It’s true that God already knows everything that will happen for the rest of eternity. He knows the big events and the small moments of each of our lives, and nothing is beyond His control. So it’s a mistake to think of prayer as the way we change God’s mind or alter His direction in a situation.

Prayer is a process through which we learn to trust God. He listens to us patiently. He takes our requests seriously. Then He considers everything in the context of the bigger picture only He can see.

Pete Greig, the founder of the 24/7 Prayer movement , says, “In prayer, we use our will to come into agreement with God’s will — ‘Let your kingdom come.’”

God knows better than you do what the eventual outcomes of every situation will be. If you pray for dry weather for an outdoor event your church has planned, God might know of another reason why it needs to rain that day. It’s easy to accept this idea when it does not affect a personal situation in your life, but the test of faith comes when God asks you to trust Him with something or someone that matters to you.

Why Pray if God Already Knows What You Will Say?  

Again, this is a valid question. In the Bible, we read these words,

You have searched me, LORD, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, LORD, know it completely. (Psalm 139:1-4, NIV)

If God knows what you are thinking, why is He so concerned about you talking to Him? Because prayer is one of the main ways you develop a connection with God. In prayer, you’re talking with Him, not just to Him.

The apostle Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).

It’s interesting that Paul does not say that when you bring your concerns to God, God will give you peace by explaining or resolving every situation you bring to Him. Instead, he suggests that the peace of God in your heart and mind is somehow more likely to satisfy you and ease your fears than if He fixed or explained everything immediately.

Through prayer, you develop a trusting relationship with God. Over time, you also learn to recognize His voice as He speaks to you. The Bible clearly shows Him choosing to act in response to the prayers of His people.

Through prayer, God transforms your heart so that having your requests fulfilled becomes secondary to feeling truly known by God and precious to Him.

If you are new to prayer, try using our beginner’s guide to prayer to develop the habit of talking with God.

God invites you to pray in all circumstances. Prayer is essential to the way He transforms you, and the Bible encourages you that your prayers can have a powerful effect in the world. So what can you expect to see happen as you commit to praying regularly?

You will recognize that you are not God. Every time it occurs to you to pray, you are saying, “In my own strength, I cannot do all that I want to do. I need something more, someone else.”

You gain strength from God Himself. Prayer is a way of inviting God to join you in life’s struggles. You invite the Holy Spirit to do what He was placed within you to do.

You realize the world does not begin and end with you. Being dependent on someone else to meet your needs is humbling. When infants cry or scream, someone usually comes and meets their needs. It’s easy to allow prayer to become too focussed on registering complaints or making requests (or demands). Whether you pray for yourself or another person, you acknowledge that someone else — God — is the center of the universe. You acknowledge that He needs to change something about you or the situations you are bringing to Him.

You surrender control to somebody else. Everyone craves control to one degree or another. Some just believe they’re better at being in control than others. Prayer allows you to admit to God that He belongs in the driver’s seat of your life.

You communicate your real feelings about a situation. Prayer creates a safe space to process your thoughts and feelings. Do you feel ready to give God control of your life? Do you feel safe being completely known by God, or does that make you feel exposed? You are under God’s protection — in His safekeeping. Over time, as you pray, you will feel able to bring the real you to your moments with God.

You trust that God is with you. Unless you are happy to admit that you talk to floors or ceilings, when you pray, you’re believing that someone is listening. The more you trust in the presence of God’s Holy Spirit as you pray, the more you will learn to trust Him with the outcomes.

You feel inspired to take steps of faith. Perhaps you have a desire to be bolder in talking about what you believe . Or maybe you have a neighbor or colleague you feel God nudging you to go deeper with. Praying for that person is a step of faith in itself, because God may invite you to be part of the answer to your own prayer. Explore what it means to take a step of faith.

The Bible shows God waiting to act in response to prayer. God knows what He wants to do in the world and in our individual lives. He wants us to lean on Him in every situation, and He wants to change the world through us. “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples” (John 15:7-8, NIV). Read more about how God acts in response to our prayers.

These are just a few of the outcomes when people come to God through prayer. As you choose to bring all your fears, hopes, ambitions and desires to God, you will see Him respond in ways that speak to you specifically.

So how does this sound to you? Scary? Intriguing? Exciting? Or utterly confusing?

All of those are natural responses. Prayer is a mysterious activity because, in prayer, you choose to humble yourself before someone you cannot literally see, hear or touch.

It’s not surprising that many Christians struggle with prayer, then, and some of us go through seasons when we choose not to pray at all.

Here are just a few reasons why people sometimes decide not to pray — and what we think God wants to say to you if one of these reasons keeps you from praying.

Fear of disappointment

Have you ever brought a need to God and felt like He did not do what you hoped He would or, worse still, gave you no sense that He’d even heard your prayer? You are not alone.

God never promises to answer prayers the way you want Him to. But as you spend time with God by praying and reading the Bible, you will develop trust in Him. This trust guards your heart during times when you feel let down by God, or even angry with Him.

God is also completely willing to listen to you no matter how you feel about Him at that moment. Try reading Psalm 13 to discover what honest conversations with God sound like.

Struggling to pray “the right way”

Do you ever try to pray but struggle with the feeling that you’re doing something wrong? Maybe you do not feel as connected to God as you want to, or perhaps you just struggle with distraction.

Even the 12 men who spent three years with Jesus — His disciples — had to ask Him to teach them how to pray.

He answered by giving them a simple prayer that Christians the world over have been using ever since. You can read what’s known as “the Lord’s prayer” in Matthew 6:9-13 .

We have also created “How to Pray: A Beginner’s Guide” to help you develop the habit of praying regularly and to refresh your time with God if you’ve already had that habit.

There’s no getting away from the fact that sometimes you just want to do things in your own strength rather than relying on God. Human beings have a natural inclination to be prideful, wanting the credit for making things happen in their lives.

When you pray, it can feel like you are being passive about something important — asking God to act while you do nothing. This feeling is not the truth.

Prayer is about expressing our dependence on God’s Holy Spirit to live the way God wants us to live. Jesus warned His disciples about trying to branch out and do things in their own strength:

If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. ... If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:5,7, NIV)

Prayer is one of the most active things you can do as a Christian. It demonstrates that you are deciding to rely on God’s strength and not your own. It also demonstrates your willingness to give Him all the credit when your prayers are answered.

Your enemy, the devil, wants you to try to live in your own strength because he knows you will inevitably experience more failure that way. He knows those failures lead to disappointment that can turn into resentment toward God. His purpose is to break down your connection with God by whatever means possible. Exploiting your pride is one of his favorite tactics.

If you want your relationship with God to grow deeper over time, you need to communicate with Him regularly.

This is an example of what Christians call spiritual warfare.

Learn more about what spiritual warfare looks like and what it means for your growth as a Christian.

The reasons people neglect or avoid prayer are understandable. Everyone experiences times when praying feels like too much hard work without any obvious reward. But if you want your relationship with God to grow deeper over time, you need to communicate with Him regularly.

There are no rules about how many times each day or each week you need to pray if you want to see God respond. But the more time you spend with anyone, the more known and safe you will feel. The more you bring someone into the situations in your life that matter, the more you will understand how they think and respond. This is true of a friend or a spouse, and it’s true of God our Father.

God wants you to know Him in a way that transforms every aspect of who you are. Prayer is one of the ways He chooses to make that happen.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, NIV)

Here are some resources we recommend to help you pray:

• Things to pray for this year
• How to pray for persecuted Christians
• “How to Pray: A Beginner’s Guide”
• Try Praying — a tool that helps you explore prayer for seven days.

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Why Is Prayer Important for Christians?

• Melissa Henderson Contributing Writer
• Updated Jan 20, 2021

Why is prayer important for Christians? Have you ever wondered why prayer is important, especially if we don’t receive the answer we are hoping for from God? Scripture shares that God calls us to pray ( Colossians 4:2 ). Being obedient to God means we will pray. We give thanks along with sharing our concerns. In every prayer, we know God hears our prayers. There is never a time when He doesn’t hear. Whether the answer is yes, no, or not now, we are called to pray and we can be assured God will answer.

We don’t pray only when in need. Christians pray at all times ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ).

A life filled with Christ means we will go to Him in joyful moments and in times of sorrow. We will pray for others. Family, friends, strangers, and enemies. Praying is an act of obedience.

Scripture shares how Jesus prayed ( Matthew 14:23 ). Jesus spoke to His Father in prayer.

When we pray, we are opening a line of communication with God.

Find comfort knowing when you pray, God is there with you and He is listening. 

Why Is Prayer so Powerful?

Maybe you have heard people say, “There is  power in prayer.” Yes, there is power in praying in the name of Jesus. When we tell someone we will pray for them, we are offering to open the conversation with God. Comfort can be found and burdens lessened when we pray and give our concerns to God.

What Does the Bible Say about Prayer?

The Bible is the Word of God. His Word tells us that we can be confident when we go to God in prayer (1 John 5:14 ). We don’t have to hide our flaws or insecurities. God already knows our every thought and action. Scripture ( Jeremiah 29:12 ) shares that if we go to God in prayer, He will listen.

When we pray, we must have  faith and trust in the Lord. We must lay our burdens at His feet and trust Him. Pray to God and let Him handle the situation according to His will.

Some Ways on How to Pray

Have you ever considered the many different ways of praying? In the Bible, we read about Jesus praying alone. We also read how people prayed together ( Matthew 18:19-20 ). Think of the ways you have prayed. Have you prayed alone? Prayed in a group? Perhaps you have prayed with family and friends? A prayer before a meal? A prayer before bedtime ?

Consider these ways of praying. Each one of these ways can strengthen your relationship with God and draw you closer to Him.

Praying alone:  When you are alone, ask God to open your heart and mind for Him to come in and fill you with the Holy Spirit. Feel His presence as you relax and concentrate fully on the Lord.

Reading Scripture: The Bible is filled with prayers to read and learn more about God. Try reading the Word of God aloud. Read with your family. Take turns reading Scripture and pause to discuss questions. Choose a special time with no distractions to read Scripture.

ACTS- Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication:  Some people prefer a method to prayer, while others choose to speak from the heart. Either way, rest assured God hears our prayers. 

With the ACTS method, the prayer begins with adoration and praise. Thank God for His love and mercy. Thank God for His forgiveness ( Matthew 6:9-13 ).

Confessing our sins and iniquities reminds us that we are flawed people. Salvation is found only through Jesus Christ. During this part of the prayer, ask God to forgive you for sinning, and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Supplication brings time to make your requests known to God. Yes, He knows your thoughts. Now, is the time during prayer to acknowledge your needs. God will answer in His way and in His timing. Be patient. Whatever His answer may be, know that answer is part of His plan for your life or the person you are praying for.

Using the ACTS method may take practice. Be patient. Try this method and feel the presence of God.

Reading prayers at the end of articles:  With online and in print articles and devotions readily available, there is an opportunity to read prayers at the end of these writings. Some blog posts share prayers at the end of the message. The prayer may be used as a conclusion to the message and an invitation to walk closer in a relationship with God.

Starting a prayer journal:  Having a place to note your prayers helps with remembering who you are praying for and allows us to rejoice when a prayer is answered. Note a date for each prayer. When the answer comes, record that in your journal. From time to time, look back at the prayers and rejoice in God’s answers.

10 Reasons Prayer is Important for Christians

Prayer is important for Christians because  prayer opens communication with God.

Prayer strengthens our faith and trust in God.

Prayer has the ability to help bring other people closer to God.

Prayer is an act of obedience. God calls us to pray.

Prayer allows us to intercede on behalf of another person.

Prayer can show others the way to Christ.

Prayer brings comfort and peace.

Prayer gives us the opportunity to turn our concerns over to God.

Prayer provides a way to show others they are cared for and loved.

Prayer reminds us that we don’t need to worry. God is in control.

Whether you pray alone or in a group setting, those prayers are heard by God. If you are taking a walk and enjoying the beauty of God’s creations, pray. When you learn of someone in need of prayer, pause right then, and pray. As Christians, the world will know God’s love through our words and actions. May peace and comfort fill you as you go to Him in prayer.

Below, I’ve included an example of a prayer. 

  Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Fizkes

Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator . Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. 

Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson. com

This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering  how to pray  or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

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The Prayer Life That Matters Most. (It Isn’t Yours.)

More By Tim Shorey

In times of stress and cultural chaos—pandemics, protests, political strife, and more—Christians rightly remind one another of the importance of prayer. A deepening prayer life is often needed, tested, and enriched in times of crisis.

In peaceful times too, Christians will often ask, “So how’s your prayer life?” as a gentle accountability goad to prod saints into a more faithful devotional life. It’s a good and helpful question.

But as worthy as these exchanges are, Scripture reminds us that there is a prayer life that matters most in times like these . . . and it’s not ours. It’s the prayer life of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Best Pray-er of All

That Jesus is a perpetual, nonstop pray- er is clearly taught in Scripture (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 2:17–18; 4:14–16; 7:23–25). He always lives to make intercession for us. To intercede is to approach one person on behalf of another, bearing a request or need. When a sibling says to another sibling, “Go ask Mom if we can have some candy,” he is asking for intercession. When a person seeking work at Company X asks someone there to “put in a good word for me” to the company boss, that person is hoping for an intercessor.

In Christian terms, intercession is prayer before God on behalf of another. We should do this for each other, of course. But more importantly, we need to know that Jesus is doing this for us, all the time (Heb. 7:23–25). He is our access to God (Eph. 2:13, 18). He is the great high priest who enters the Father’s presence, and—through the merits of his blood that has secured everything we need (Rom. 8:32)—carries our needs before the throne of grace. He prays for us that our faith will not fail (Luke 22:31–32).

We should not conclude that because Jesus asks the Father for our needs, there is ever any difference between what the Father wants for us and the Son wants for us. God is not a reluctant Father who needs to be persuaded to give us our needs. He is happily eager to bless. Nevertheless there is, in the redemptive purposes of God, a mediatorial high priestly role for his Son. Between us and God is Jesus—and it’s a good thing. He is the only mediator there is (1 Tim. 2:5), our faithful advocate before God (1 John 2:1–2), and the very best pray- er alive.

Jesus is the only mediator there is (1 Tim. 2:5), our faithful advocate before God (1 John 2:1–2), and the very best pray- er alive.

What a relief this is. In truth, we do not always know what or how to pray, which is why the Holy Spirit lends us his own interceding help (Rom. 8:26–27). Our prayers are often—if not always—flawed and inadequate. Weak and ill-advised, too often they’re little more than poorly motivated attempts to manipulate God to give us what we want; with next to no consideration of what we might need (James 4:3).

This is why it’s good that Jesus is praying for us. He’s the best pray- er of all; the one whose prayers matter most and do the most good. This is true because Jesus always prays for us (Heb. 7:25) and knows what we need (Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:14–16). He always prays in faith, with perfect knowledge of our needs, and in complete accord with the will of God—all of which are essential components of effective prayer (see Mark 11:24; James 5:15; 1 John 5:14).

Best Prayer of All

If Jesus is the best pray- er of all, then what is the best prayer of all? I know of none better than John 17:1–26, which many have called “the true Lord’s Prayer” or “the High Priestly Prayer.” This is Jesus praying passionately—for us. As Jesus (in John 18–19) stepped into the darkness surrounding the arrest, trial, travesty, bloodying, and brutalizing that would lead to his death, he knew the trauma this would inflict on his disciples. So he paused and prayed for them—in their hearing. And in so doing I suspect he intended to offer them—and us—a preview of what he continues to pray on their (and our) behalf (John 17:20). I see five primary requests in this prayer.

1. “Father, Fortify Them”

Jesus prays that in the face of a hostile world and evil enemy, we will be guarded and protected, spiritually secured by the Father’s hand—“though all hell should endeavor to shake” (see John 17:11–15).

2. “Father, Sanctify Them”

Jesus prays that we will so know the truth that it will make us holy, setting us apart from the world and sin, and consecrating us in devotion to God (John 17:16–19).

3. “Father, Unify Them”

Jesus prays that the church—despite all our vast and deep diversity—will be one as he and the Father are one, unified as a single body at the foot of the cross (John 17:20–23; Eph. 2:13–22).

4. “Father, Multiply Them”

Jesus prays that the testimony of a holy and unified church will lead the world to know and believe the truth (John 17:18, 21–23; 13:34–35); that the church will be multiplied because our unified love will have been a compelling witness to the world.

5. “Father, Glorify Them”

Jesus prays that we will see his glory (John 17:24), in part that we might share his glory (John 17:22). Since it is by seeing glory that we are transformed into glory (2 Cor. 3:17–18; 1 John 3:2; Phil. 3:20–21)—Jesus prays this hope would become reality in a glorified church.

His Prayers and Ours

From this best of all prayers we learn what things burden our Savior’s heart—that we be fortified, sanctified, unified, multiplied, and glorified. This prayer also teaches us to rearrange our own prayer priorities. Rather than only requesting material prosperity or political victory or physical health, we too should pray for the security, holiness, unity, increase, and enhanced glory and beauty of the church.

When life is hard and disaster looms everywhere, remember that Jesus is praying for us. From this best of all prayers offered by the best of all pray- ers , we gain peace and hope. We are assured of this: the church will be fortified, sanctified, unified, multiplied, and glorified. For Jesus has prayed that it would be so, and his prayers never fail.

Is the digital age making us foolish?

It doesn’t have to be this way. With intentionality and the discipline to cultivate healthier media consumption habits, we can resist the foolishness of the age and instead become wise and spiritually mature. Brett McCracken’s The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World shows us the way.

To start cultivating a diet more conducive to wisdom, click below to access a FREE ebook of The Wisdom Pyramid .

Tim Shorey is married to Gayline, his wife of 44 years, and has six grown children and 14 grandchildren. After 40 years of pastoral ministry, Tim recently had to step aside due to failing health. Among his books are Respect the Image: Reflecting Human Worth in How We Listen and Talk , 30/30 Hindsight: 30 Reflections of a 30-Year Headache , and his most recent, The Communion Truce: How Holy Communion Addresses Our Unholy Conflicts . For more from Tim, visit his website .

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Introducing The Acts 29 Podcast

By BGEA Admin   •   January 21, 2022   •   Topics: Prayer

If we read the Bible and are obedient to Scripture, why is it important to pray?

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Every person whose life has ever counted for God has been a person of prayer. We are called to follow Christ’s example, and His whole life was saturated with prayer. He rose early in the morning to pray, He prayed while on journeys, and He sought out solitary places to commune with His Father.

A friend liked to define prayer as “a declaration of dependence.” This is a wonderful way to look at prayer, because we are powerless without it. This is why so many people are driven to prayer when they get in trouble, never thinking to pray when life is going along the way they want it to.

What happens when war breaks out? Even news anchors will report on those who begin praying for solutions. When people receive bad news about a life-threatening disease, most people do not resist someone praying for them. This is true for countless people who never think about God until they suddenly find themselves in a crisis that is beyond them. The truth is, we are nothing without God in our lives.

If there are any tears shed in Heaven, they will be over the fact that we prayed so little. Prayers have no boundaries. They can leap miles and continents, and be translated instantly into any language. True prayer is a way of life, not just for use in emergencies. We must make it a habit, and when the need arises, we will be practiced up! Prayer is the voice of faith directed to God. When we know Him personally, we can be sure that God hears our prayers. What a wonderful thought!

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

Do you know God personally? If you seek God, you will find Him.

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Insight for Today A Daily Devotional by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

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The Importance of Prayer (?)

Father in heaven, we call upon You today. We know that You are the Giver of all good things . . . and that You never change like shifting shadows.

O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion before this man." (Nehemiah 1:11)

Father in heaven, we call upon You today. We know that You are the Giver of all good things . . . and that You never change like shifting shadows. We believe that Your heart is moved when Your people pray. So remind us, our Father, as we bow before You, that there is nothing more important we can do when facing situations that are beyond us . . . than to pray.

We remember that prayer forces us to wait, and we must learn to wait patiently for Your timing. Prayer quiets our hearts before You. The chaos subsides and life seems to settle down around us as we pray. Prayer clears our vision, Father, as we think about our lives, as we ponder where we're going, and as we pursue Your will. May we walk with You in such a way that our obedience is revealed through deeds that honor Your name . . . even when that means doing the hard things You want us to do.

For those who are in a difficult strait, under pressure, up against a wall, facing a test—perhaps the greatest in their lives—we ask that You remind them that the saint who advances on his or her knees never retreats. Help them remember that You are still on Your throne and they are still at Your footstool . . . with only a knee's distance between the two of you.

May we all become people who pray. May we also learn to leave the burden with You, rather than pick it up and carry it with us after claiming that we're trusting You. Right now, Lord, take the burden. We cast it upon You, knowing that You’re better able to handle it than we ever will be. We ask that this time of prayer might make a difference in the balance of this day . . . which we commit to You now, in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.

See also Psalm 40:1; Mark 1:35-39; 1 Timothy 2:1; James 1:17; 5:13; 1 Peter 5:7.

Excerpted from The Prayers of Charles R. Swindoll, Volume 1 , Copyright © 2010 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Essay on Importance of Prayer

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Prayer in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Prayer

The essence of prayer.

Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with a higher power. It’s a way to express gratitude, seek guidance, and find solace.

Gratitude and Positivity

Prayer helps us focus on the positive aspects of life. By expressing gratitude, we cultivate a positive mindset that helps us face challenges.

Guidance and Strength

Through prayer, we seek wisdom and strength. It guides us in making the right choices and provides comfort in difficult times.

Connection and Solace

Prayer is a bridge to the divine. It’s a comforting ritual that brings peace and solace, helping us feel connected and supported.

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Importance of Prayer

Prayer, often considered as a fundamental part of various religions, plays a significant role in human life. It is not merely a ritual but a medium for communication with a higher power, offering a sense of peace, hope, and guidance.

Psychological Significance

Prayer serves as a psychological tool that aids in stress management and emotional regulation. It provides a platform for expressing feelings and concerns, often acting as a coping mechanism during challenging times. By providing a sense of hope and strength, it contributes to mental well-being.

Social Cohesion and Unity

Prayer fosters a sense of community and unity among individuals. Collective prayers, such as those performed in churches, mosques, or temples, promote social cohesion and solidarity. They are an expression of shared beliefs and values that bind individuals together, fostering a sense of belonging.

Personal Growth and Transformation

Prayer also facilitates personal growth and transformation. It encourages self-reflection and introspection, leading to increased self-awareness. This process often results in a deeper understanding of one’s values, desires, and purpose, fostering personal development and growth.

In conclusion, the importance of prayer extends beyond religious practices. It plays a pivotal role in psychological well-being, social cohesion, and personal growth. Therefore, regardless of religious affiliation, prayer can be a valuable tool for personal development and mental health.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Prayer

Introduction, psychological benefits of prayer.

Prayer, in its essence, is a form of meditation. It encourages introspection, self-reflection, and a sense of tranquility. According to various studies, prayer has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It helps individuals cope with emotional turmoil and enhances their ability to deal with adverse situations. The act of praying allows people to articulate their concerns, fears, and hopes, offering a therapeutic outlet for their emotions.

Societal Implications

Prayer also has significant societal implications. It fosters a sense of community among individuals who share the same faith. Collective prayer, such as congregational prayers, can strengthen social bonds, promote cooperation, and encourage empathy and understanding among members of a community. It can also serve as a platform for social interaction and networking, contributing to a more cohesive society.

Personal Growth and Development

Prayer as a source of guidance.

Prayer is often used as a source of guidance and wisdom. It is a moment of introspection where individuals can reflect on their actions, decisions, and their consequences. This reflection can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving skills. It provides an opportunity to seek divine guidance, which can offer a unique perspective and potentially lead to innovative solutions.

In conclusion, the importance of prayer extends beyond religious obligations. It offers psychological benefits, strengthens social ties, contributes to personal growth, and serves as a source of guidance. As we navigate through life’s complexities, prayer can be a beacon of hope, a source of comfort, and a platform for self-improvement. Even in an increasingly secular world, the role of prayer remains significant, providing a spiritual anchor in the tumultuous sea of life.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Happy studying!

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Attention this site does not support the current version of your web browser. to get the best possible experience using our website we recommend that you upgrade to a newer version or install another browser., 10 meaningful benefits of prayer.

God, our loving Heavenly Father, wants us to communicate with Him through prayer. He always listens to us when we pray. Daily prayer can bless you, your family, and those you pray for. It can also invite more peace into your life, help you learn more about God’s plan for you, and more. Here are ten ways prayer can improve your life, starting today.

Find Peace through Prayer

Prayer helps you develop a relationship with God

Just like your parents here on earth, your Heavenly Father wants to hear from you and talk to you. When you pray, He listens. Then He answers your prayers in the form of thoughts, spiritual feelings, scripture, or even the actions of other people.

Prayer helps you gain an understanding of God’s loving nature

The scriptures teach, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). You can feel that love as you speak daily with Him through prayer, seeking His guidance in your life.

Prayer provides answers

Praying and listening to the answers God gives you can help you better understand your purpose in life. God will help you understand why you are here and what you can do to return to live with Him after this life.

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Prayer helps you find direction in your life.

When you privately pray to God, you can work through serious decisions in your life. God always listens and often provides the specific answers and guidance we seek. Even when He chooses not to answer immediately or in the way we might have hoped, prayer itself is a way to find peace.

Prayer gives you strength to avoid temptation

Jesus counseled His disciples, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Through prayer, we can overcome temptations to sin. Pray for God’s help to keep you from making wrong choices. This will give you the strength to do what is right.

Prayer aligns your will with God’s will

The purpose of prayer is not necessarily to tell God how you want Him to do things. Rather, it’s to better understand Him and His ways, bringing yourself into alignment with His will. As C.S. Lewis is often attributed as saying, prayer “doesn’t change God. It changes  me .”

Prayer and regular fasting can help you accept God’s will

Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before He began His ministry on the earth. As He did this, He communed with His Father in Heaven in prayer. Likewise, if you pray and fast, you can feel closer to God and better understand the things He wants you to do.

Prayer can work miracles

Throughout the scriptures, we see many examples of the Lord working miracles as an answer to prayer. In Old Testament times, the prophet Daniel was thrown into a lions’ den because he refused to stop praying. When he prayed to God in the lions’ den, angels appeared and closed the mouths of the lions. Through daily prayer, you can also experience personal miracles such as healing, peace, and forgiveness for sins.

Prayer invites the Holy Spirit into your life

As you pray daily, you invite the Holy Spirit to be with you and to comfort and direct you. The Holy Spirit can give you answers, help you feel God’s love, and bring feelings of peace and joy into your heart.

Prayer helps you become more like Jesus

Jesus set the perfect example of prayer. If you try to follow His example through prayer, you will become more like Him and develop a better relationship with Him and Heavenly Father.

Related Articles

Does God Answer Prayers? Yes!

God always listens to us when we pray. The scriptures show countless examples of prayers God has heard and answered. He continues to answer prayers today. Through the power of prayer, you can get answers to your questions and receive the blessings God has in store for you. Answering prayers is one of the many ways God shows His love.

How to Pray

God is your loving Father in Heaven, and He wants to hear from you. You can reach out to Him by praying to Him. As His child, you can ask your Heavenly Father for help and guidance in your life.

God Is There for You

3 Ways You Can Build a Relationship with God

What Is God’s Message for Me Today?

Does Jesus Really Understand How I Feel?

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12 Prayer and the Meaning of Life

• Published: June 2022
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The thesis of this chapter is that prayer is one mode of free and self-conscious appropriation of the divinely revealed nature and purpose of human life. It is subjective adoption of an objectively given meaning. First, the chapter identifies a few parameters of the analytic philosophical discussion of meaningfulness, including potential threats to meaning, the nature of the question of meaning, and the unity or disunity among candidates for meaning-conferring properties. The assumption that Christian theism provides a satisfactory objective meaning framework will not be defended, but in the second section, the chapter sketches some of the facets of that framework using a Thomas Aquinas-inspired approach, and then explores the manner in which prayer may provide personally significant appropriation of the objective meaning framework, using Karl Barth’s theology of prayer as an interlocutor. The fourth section considers how prayer addresses threats to human meaning, focusing on death and suffering as examples. The final section draws out implications of this discussion for theological education and discipleship.

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Importance of Prayer

There are many religions in our world. Each religion follows different rules and traditions. One of the common things they all do is pray. Prayer helps to keep people connected with God. For some people, it is actually like a ray of hope. It makes them feel as if someone of supreme power is present to help them.

Prayers can be of different types. You can pray in a church, temple or even at your own home. No matter where you pray, the ultimate aim of everyone is to talk to God about their sorrows and happiness.

Do you know the importance of prayer? If not, this article will help you understand the significance of praying.

• Gives Confidence – Prayer helps a lot of people to stay confident. Through praying, they feel as if someone is out there to protect them from all the miseries and sorrow. This will give them a hope to live and move ahead in their lives with more confidence .
• Gives a Sense of Morality – Ethics is very important to be a responsible individual. It prevents people from doing immoral things. Prayer steers everyone in the right path. People who pray will have a better understanding of what is right and wrong.
• Brings Peace in Life – Prayer is one of the best methods to bring peace in a person’s life. Rather than quarrelling with others, people will realize the importance of harmony to have a healthy and fruitful life. In short, prayer helps to carve out a better character in a person.
• Helps in Healing – Different people have different types of problems and worries in their lives. Regardless if you are physically or mentally troubled, prayer helps to heal your body and mind. It encourages people to stay optimistic in life.
• Imparts Wisdom – People who pray tend to be more mature and wise compared to those who do not pray. They will also understand the true meaning of life.
• Helps to Forgive – People always find it hard to forgive those who have hurt them. It is not always possible to forget and move ahead in our lives. Prayer makes people more forgiving. It evokes a realization in people that there is no use in carrying forward the revenge and bitterness towards other people in your life. It helps people to come out of their sorrows and forgive those who were partly or wholly responsible for them.
• Becomes Responsible – Praying is one of the most important factors which makes a person responsible. We all get distracted at times. Praying helps everyone to stay on track and perform their tasks properly. Also, different religions have different types of holy books. All these books have stories with morals and advice which make people realize the importance of doing their jobs and other tasks at the right time. Hence, people will become more responsible and refrain from postponing their tasks.
• Boosts Energy – Knowing that there will be someone to help us in all points of time is definitely an energy booster. It helps people to lead their life happier and peacefully. Prayer, to be precise gives more energy to people. It will also help people to become successful in their life.
• Creates Empathy – It is important to understand the emotions and feeling of other people. If not, we may unknowingly create a bitterness or enmity with others. Praying makes people more patient. Hence, they will take proper time to understand what others are going through. Empathizing with people will help to create a better bond between them which indeed brings peace to our lives.
• Reduces Stress and Anxiety – One of the major factors which harms our health is stress. Prayer encourages people to eliminate this stress and concentrate on our deeds. It tries to make people understand that there is no point in being overly anxious over your past actions. Hence, prayer helps people to stay healthy.
• Reduce Disappointment – We all would have felt disappointed at some point in our life. Due to this disappointment, some people hesitate to try again or move ahead with their tasks. Praying helps most of the people to come out of this despair. It makes people realize the importance of hard work. Hence, people who pray will have more patience to try again and succeed in their life.

Also read: Importance of Atheism

From a broader perspective, we can say that prayer not only helps to stay connected with God but it also promotes health and prosperity. Praying helps to heal people rapidly from all the mishaps that have happened in people’s lives.

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