“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
The Bible is replete with different reasons why we ought to pray. Without ado, here are four reasons why:
Firstly, it’s an instruction from God. When teaching on prayer, Jesus said to His disciples “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (Luke 18:1b KJV). Also, Paul echoed this when he instructed the church in Thessalonica to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The instruction remains the same for us today. God desires that we stay in the place of prayer.
Secondly, prayer aligns us with God’s plans for our lives. According to Jeremiah 29:11, God has an expected end for our lives. He has plans for you and for me. As we pray, we get instructions on what to do and where to go to fulfill His desires for us.
Thirdly, we generate power in the place of prayer. Every believer has the power of God residing in them (Ephesians 3:20). Through prayer, we put this power to use and bring about results.
In James 5:17-18, we see an example of how Elijah wielded power to bring rain on the land. How much more the man in Christ? Through prayer, we are able to do much more for the kingdom of God.
Finally, prayer gives strength and helps us build stamina. In Luke 22:43, after Jesus had spent hours praying, the Bible records that angels from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. In this light, prayer is not just about what it does for you but more about what it does in you. In the place of prayer, we build strength for the task ahead.
There is so much we can do and undo in the place of prayer. So pray today like never before!
Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 9:51-62, 1Thessalonians 2:10-20, Psalms 137, 1 Chronicles 29