If God is in control of everything, why should I pray?
John Wesley: God does nothing on earth save in answer to believing prayer.
God has such a sense of humor. I am preparing to facilitate a workshop about prayer. Just to make sure I am ready God sent two people to me in the last 24 hours with this question. If God is in control of everything, why should I pray? It is a very good question. It deserves a good answer. Although, I may botch the answer a little, God has made it very clear to me why prayer is vital and necessary?
We can find the answer in God’s original plan. Adam was given complete dominion over the earth. He and Eve where given complete rule. They were God’s emissaries, the enforcers of God’s will on earth. They were intercessors.
Genesis 2:28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
God gave enormous amounts of authority to mankind. It was established since the beginning of time God would work on earth through us, humans. In His great delight He set the stage perfectly. He created the laws of this world to require human interaction on His behalf. This means God needs us. Have you thought about His relationship in such a way? We know God lacks nothing. He is complete (Acts 17:25) but, He has chosen to limit Himself by working through us, His emissaries.
In the garden Adam and Eve surrendered their rule to the Satan. Then, God sent His only son to become the new intercessor. Christ died, arose and returned to heaven. We, his children, are His modern day intercessors on earth. God needs His intercessors to bring requests for change, provision, protection, etc. to His throne. Yes, we are supposed to ask God for something He already wants to do or give. It is the asking that releases His power to do it.
Christ modeled this prayer: Matthew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread. Do you think God knew Jesus needed food daily? Of course and Jesus still petitioned for it, daily. There are numerous accounts of Jesus praying to the Father, seeking His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Interesting.
Our prayers enter us into the relationship with the Father through Jesus our intercessor. There we intercede for this earth, everyone and everything on it. God wants us to ask Him to release His will on planet earth to save, to heal, to bind, to provide.
This is the beginning of understanding. I did not discuss God’s timing and our expectations. There are enemy factions that play a part in answered prayer. Today, my hope is you are motivated to fall to your knees and ask God to move in your world. Prayer is vital and our King longingly waits to answer.
Father, drive us to our knees with this understanding. It is because of your great love and relationship that our prayers make a difference in this world. Hear us from heaven as we pray for your will on earth. Do mighty things because we ask. In Jesus, our intercessors holy name, Amen
“Next to the wonder of seeing my Savior will be, I think, the wonder that I made so little use of the power of prayer.” —D. L. Moody
I realize this question is not answered in its entirety. In this post I am unable to cover multiple aspects of why we should pray. Such as obedience, praying to increase our faith or praying to bend our will to God’s. There are enormous amounts of scripture addressing prayer and its importance and purposes. I am interested in your thoughts about prayer and how God has used your prayers to effect our world. Leave me a comment. Thank you.
I’m struggling with a comment because I just can’t imagine not praying! My conversation with God goes on throughout the day and often times throughout the night and when it’s not going on I feel myself drawn back to his Word or to others that share my belief. I firmly believe in the power of prayer. I believe it can move mountains if it is God’s will!
It’s another great God-mystery. I like what you’ve said and it always amazes me that my prayers can make a difference in the mission field, in the life of an imprisioned, persecuted brother or sister I don’t even know in some other country, or in my own family. But the biggest reason is the relationship. Christ is our groom, the One for whom we wait. God is our Maker, our Father, our friend. Imagine an intimate relationship with no communication. It’s an oxymoron. You can’t have a relationship and not communicate. We pray because we are in love and are loved.
Terri,
I just can’t imagine not praying as well. I found it amazing that some Christians, perhaps new kids in Christ, are struggling with this issue. God pushed me to write about it. Thank you for you wonderful words. I am sure I will bump into you at the Throne.
Janet, It is indeed a great God mystery. I am utterly humbled flat to think the King listens and moves because He loves me and I ask. AMAZING. Thank you for your wise word. Lynn
I read something on prayer recently, too, and it said ‘we pray to know Him better.’ It’s about intimate relationship. Having our will conformed to His. Letting His Spirit infuse us with His love, purpose, etc. Thank you for your wise post today. Always a joy. Sending hugs & love!!
Hi,
I loved your post. I am new to weblog’s, but I have to say what an incredible tool the Lord has afforded us and I am very glad to see it being used to His Glory! Keep up the great posts and speaking forth the truth of His word! Be Blessed Sue
P. S. I agree wholeheartly with prayer.
Vicki, Thank you for your encouraging words and sharing your thoughts on prayer. I feel hugged. *smile*
Welcome Sue, I am so glad you stopped in. I also am amazed at the Christian blogging community. God has provided so many wonderful Christian friends to me through blogging. Thank you for your encouraging words. Lynn
I am so glad you posted this today Lynn!! 🙂 It has spurred me on to spend some time in prayer and study! This morning a flood of thoughts came to my mind; prayer is a “beseeching the Lord” (Exodus 32:11); “pouring out the soul before the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:15); “praying and crying to heaven” (2 Chronicles 32:20); “seeking unto God and making supplication” (Job 8:5); “drawing near to God” (Psalms 73:28); “bowing the knees” (Ephesians 3:14).
I was thinking about Jesus Himself in the garden, His prayer was so fervent that drops of blood poured from His brow. Christ Himself, God the Son entered into the very throne room with His prayers. I can’t even imagine it possible…but we too enter into the throne room, the very presence of God when we pray. What power in His presence!
There are so many scriptures that even speak of our prayers being kept by God, books being written of them, the prayers of the saints rising up to God as a sweet aroma!
“Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. (Revelation 8:3)
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.” (Revelation 8:4)
How amazing to be loved that much by our LORD!
Blessings to you this weekend Lynn! Thank you so much for sharing this awesome topic of prayer.
Lynn,
Thanks for this topic. I have struggled with this exact question. Not so much whether or not I *should* pray – I always am talking to God in one way or another. But that’s just me personally, I have often wondered *WHY* I pray, or if I’m doing it wrong. There has been some debate around the blogosphere about methods, styles, and purposes of prayer and it has brought up more questions than answers.
The idea of me being able to enable God to act is still confusing to me. But I know that there is much power in prayer. Wish I was going to be able to be involved in the workshop! Please keep sharing what you’ve got! 🙂
Lund
Laurie, Oh Laurie, I want to drop to my knees right now and I just returned from a 45 minute walk-and-talk with my Savior. What is happening today in the heavenlies??? God is calling us to pray, pray, pray. Your words and the scripture your brought have inspired me all over again……God writing our prayers in His books… I am utterly….. undone. Thank you for sharing your heart and love for Jesus.
Oh Lund, I cannot thank you enough for your honesty. It is a God-mystery, like Janet said, how much our prayers matter in the spirit realm. Only when we reach heaven, will we begin to understand the depth of their importantance. I am praying for you this day my sweet friend. Lynn
I love to pray, could not live my life without prayer. When I pray I am talking to my Daddy, heart to heart. I am sharing my needs, and the needs of others. I can confide in Him about my day, pour out my heart. I am blessed by precious prayer.
Praying is my lifeline…period =)
I know that many have asked the question – “If God knows before I even ask what I need, why do I need to pray”…Sometimes it is because I ‘wanting’ something that is not in God’s will. Speaking/praying over it , will sometimes make it clear to us that we are going the wrong direction…Not sure, if that makes sense, but it does to me…
Excellent topic and post, my dear friend. I might expand on it on Monday 😛
Blessings to you and yours…