5 Reasons Why We Shouldn't Give Up On Prayer – Part 1

I recently received an email from a friend experiencing a personal tragedy. She completely trusts in God’s sovereignty but questioned why we even bother to pray. “Isn’t God just going to do what He wants to do, anyway?” As I read her words, I thought of all the current prayers I’m lifting up that still remain unanswered. Her question is valid. Why do we pray?Fortunately, there are many solid answers. I’ll only highlight a few in this 2-part blog, but let me also add that God’s big enough to handle these types of honest questions. Never be afraid to ask.

Why Should We Pray?

1. Jesus prioritized prayer.

But he [Jesus] would withdraw to desolate places and pray.(Luke 5:16)

This verse echoes what we see throughout the gospels: Jesus prioritized coming to His Father in prayer. Jesus was co-equal with God… so if He prays, how much more should we?[bctt tweet="Jesus was co-equal with God… so if He prays, how much more should we?"]When I ask myself, “Why should I pray?”, my mind immediately goes to the Garden of Gethsemane where all-knowing Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.” He asks God to do what God is capable of doing… and then continues, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Jesus knew He would complete the journey to the cross. Jesus knew the answer was no, but He still asked. He shows us that there’s more to prayer than just the answer.2. Jesus tells us to come to Him.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”(Matthew 11:28-29)

One of the primary ways we come to Him is through prayer. It’s where we utter our deepest love and deepest fears (and everything in between) to our Heavenly Father. It’s in His presence that our soul can find rest; where we lay down our burdens and take up His yoke.Next week, we’ll focus on three additional reasons why we should pray. We’ll see that prayer causes change. But before we leave, let me acknowledge that it’s often when we’re struggling that we find ourselves asking these types of questions. However, if we follow the logic of not praying because we didn’t get an answer, we must realize no one would pray. Almost every person I know has prayed for a loved one who has died. We must come full circle to acknowledging that when sin entered the world, we became subject to disease and death. God’s heart breaks when His children experience separation from those they love. He subjected Himself and His Son to that very same separation so our pain would be temporary. Whatever your “no” or “wait” is, it’s in the hand of a merciful Father you can trust.Keep praying.[bctt tweet="Prayer causes change."]