Why Should We Bother to Pray?
Wed., Jan. 2. 2013 11:55am EST
Sure, if we pray for something that's contradictory to God's will, He's not likely to grant it, and that's good, because He wants the best for us.
Asking for something that's against His commandments is a no brainer, but there are many times when we don't know God's will until we ask.
If we don't pray because we think "God will do whatever He wants" then we ignore scriptures like Matthew 7:7-8, where Jesus says:
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Faith in God and His Word gives us courage to ask for things as His dearly beloved children, knowing His answers will be for our good, whether yes or no.
I have five kids. I'm committed to giving them what they need, but I also like to give them things they want, provided it won't harm them. But I like to hear them ask ... and ask politely.
It's a great experience for both them and me when I can say yes, whether it's now or "in a little while." When I say no, it's only because I have something better for them.
Sometimes God wants us to pray for a while. We'd think, "Surely He heard me the first time," but what about barren women like Hannah and Rebekah who only had prayers answered after many years?
Don't forget Luke 18:1-8, where the Bible says "Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."
I've asked God for some very specific things in my life and have received specific answers that have greatly increased my faith. Try it!
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