Why do we pray? There’s so many answers to that simple short question. It’s a very complex topic if you really think about it. Praying requires us to surrender to something much bigger than ourselves and admit that we absolutely cannot do anything on our own. We don’t have the knowledge. We don’t have the resources. We don’t have the connections. We don’t have the information about what the future holds. The list is never ending. I definitely believe God designed us to pray. It’s really just communicating with Him. It’s submitting ourselves under The One who knows the beginning from the end. It’s showing Him we trust in His decision making as our Father. It’s also a faith building tool that brings His people together as a family when in unison surrounding a certain matter. Prayer is a release.
Sometimes we fail to remember that prayer is a privilege. The fact that ordinary people like you and I can actually commune with Almighty God was purchased for us with a very high price. Jesus gave His very life so that simple people can come before a Holy God and have a conversation. I don’t think we quite get the true impact of that. It’s really all we’ve ever known. But the fact that He hears us and answers is an extremely big deal. We’re not just throwing words up to the ceiling. The Lord Himself is listening and responding to His people. “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29 NLT) This is the privilege that belongs to His children. He promises to listen to us. And He doesn’t just listen. He acts! “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” (Jeremiah 33:3 NLT) He gives us insight into things so we can be at peace even during times of turmoil. Prayer keeps our minds focused on The problem Solver, not the problems in our life. This brings peace as we remind ourselves who is on our side. Since He made everything, there’s nothing that doesn’t have to submit to Him.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT) This is such an amazing you do “A” and I’ll do “B” promise from God’s Word. He knows worry and anxiety will weigh us down and completely zap the joy from our lives if we’re trying to carry it by ourselves. He invites us to talk with Him about our issues, thank Him for the fact that He can and will do something about it and then continue on with life in peace. It’s such an amazing formula that He offers His children! I feel sorry for people who carry heavy loads all alone. The whole time they’re living like this, Jesus is saying, “Come to Me”.
The great thing about Jesus is, He’s always with you. He wants you to talk with Him about your life. He knows everything that’s going on anyway. He wants you to put it in more capable hands. He wants to take the heaviness from you and exchange it for His lighter load. He wants to laugh when you laugh, comfort you when you cry and be the arms that never let you go. Stay in constant contact with Him. Pray!
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.