The Importance of Prayer

How leading a prayerful life gets us closer to God

What is prayer?

Prayer might simply be one of the ways we connect and communicate with God, much the same way we might message or call a friend to discuss our day. But it is also much more than that. Prayer is participating in a living relationship with the Almighty that transforms our lives and deepens our faith.

Blessed be the LORD, Because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

Psalm 28:6-7 (NKJV)

Sometimes in our prayers we ask God for help or healing. Other times, we are thanking Him for His blessings and mercy and grace. And all too often we find ourselves praying for peace and safety in the world and for each other.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV )

How important is prayer?

We believe in the Creator, we believe through faith that He is present in our lives, and that He desires to have a relationship with us. God promised this when He made a covenant with Abraham that He would offer protection and abundance to his people if they continue to follow the path of God. Today, thanks to Jesus, this covenant applies to everyone.

Scripture is filled with stories of people who continued to walk in God’s light and glorify His name with praise and prayer. The Prophets David, Isaiah, and Daniel are just a few who kept a strong connection, and received God’s favor for their faithfulness.

“To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.” (Psalms 25:1)

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.” (Isaiah 12:2)

“Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are His.” (Daniel 2:20)

Scripture is also full of stories of people who don’t honor The Lord, and the consequences of their actions. Solomon warned his people what would happen if they turned away from God:

The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:11-12 (NKJV)

When the Israelites were living wicked lives practicing idolatry, sorcery and other sinful acts, the Prophet Micah told them of their impending destruction, but they refused to change their ways.

Therefore, the LORD says:  “I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.”

Micah 2:3 (NIV)

As with every relationship, communication plays an important role in keeping things flowing smoothly. We should ask ourselves, how important is daily communication with our spouse or best friend? Do we grow closer when we are communicating daily or when we are silent?

When it comes to God, we should cultivate a strong desire to reach out and build-up that line of communication. Truly, God is always eager to connect with us, and on a much deeper level than any other relationship we have in our lives…since it is He that created and sustains us.

For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job 33:4 (NLT)

We should be just as eager to connect with Him through prayer, praise and studying his word, so we can in truth glorify His name, praise His righteousness and receive His instruction.

So that we may honor Him and enjoy the gifts and blessings that our daily conversations with God brings into our lives.

Growing closer to God

When we connect meaningfully with an individual, we naturally begin to develop a rapport with them that enables the relationship to grow in meaningful ways. Our relationship with God should grow in much the same way.

When we fill our lives with His holy presence, we get to know Him better, which makes us appreciate Him even more. Our talks with The LORD become the cornerstone of our day, we should call upon Him regularly, just like we would a cherished friend…for indeed He is.

We really do have an easier road when we choose to start the day with a simple prayer of gratitude: I thank you gracious God for bringing slumber to my eyes for the rest and renewal of my body, soul and spirit so that I can continue to do the work the Lord has given me. In the Glorious Name of Jesus Christ…Amen.

Make time for Him everyday

With prayer, we can notice an immediate difference in the way we perceive things and in the way we respond to the world around us.

The quality of our prayer life is tied to the frequency of our prayer time. If we want our prayers to have greater meaning for us, then we need to reach out as much as possible and be active in building a strong bond with the Creator.

A robust prayer life changes things for the better. It transforms us into the type of person that God desires us to be, which in turn transforms the world around us into the paradise we were promised.

And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.

Philemon 1:6 (NLT)