Have you ever asked yourself, “is prayer important?” For any follower of Christ, you would say yes, right?!
Prayer is communicating with God. It’s an intimate way of connecting with him and building a deep and lasting relationship with our heavenly Father.
As Christians, we often get so busy that we only turn to prayer when we need the Lord’s help.
But prayer is vital to our Christian faith and a blessing that we often forget or overlook. The truth is though we can’t afford not to pray.
The Bible assures us that God is always listening and ready to connect with us and help us in our time of need which is encouraging. The Lord wants us to pray in times of joy, gratitude, sorrow, and hardships.
You may have wondered Why is Prayer Important? We will go into the benefits of prayer and why it’s necessary for us to connect with God regularly as his children.
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The Importance of Prayer
Prayer is such a vital part of our lives if we know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is our way that we can speak to God, come before Him with boldness, and listen to Him speak as well!
Prayer is an important part of the Christian life. It strengthens your character and helps you grow spiritually.
While we teach our kids to pray before meals and before sleeping, as we grow we realize that prayer is a lifeline not just something we do occasionally.
Relationships thrive with communication. As we communicate with God our relationship with Him deepens. It helps us become one with the Creator of the world as we get to know him more.
As we learn to express ourselves to our Heavenly Father, we are transformed and become more like Jesus. God desires all kinds of prayers from us.
There are warfare prayers and breakthrough prayers in tough times, confession prayers when we sin and need grace and mercy, and prayers of praise and worship.
Then there are thanksgiving prayers and supplication prayers for our needs and the needs of others.
“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
If you are new to prayer and not sure exactly how to get started, here are some creative but powerful prayer methods.
Why is Prayer Important
Prayer is part of our walk with God and it enables us to go before God with our needs and those of others.
It helps us enter the kingdom of God to access solutions, breakthroughs, healing, and deliverance.
A prayer is a form of worship where we connect with the Lord and get to know him. These are the important reasons Why Prayer is Important in our lives as Christians.
Prayer invites the presence of God
When we pray to God wholeheartedly, we invite his presence in our lives. This releases his power, guidance, wisdom, and strength. Daily prayer allows us to be still and know the mind and heart of God.
When God is present, we bear much fruit because the Holy Spirit will be with us.
As transformation takes place in our hearts, it will have a snowball effect and change our families, schools, workplaces, communities, countries, and the world. That’s the power of prayer.
“But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3 WEB
Prayer allows us to hear God’s voice
We often think of prayer as a chance to tell God what we need and when we need it. It’s often us who do the talking and we don’t allow the Lord to speak.
A physical relationship requires two-way communication and so does our spiritual relationship with God.
When we are still and listen he gives us revelations, ideas, divine inspiration, his will, solutions to our problems, deep secrets, mysteries of his word, and guidance.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
We pray so we can experience the peace of God
Day-to-day life can be overwhelming. There are times and seasons when you are stressed, worried, and anxious about what tomorrow will bring.
That’s when our Heavenly Father invites us to go to him in prayer so we can experience the peace of God.
We are not promised a trouble-free life as Christians but we can we can pray about any and every situation.
When we pray with thanksgiving we will experience God’s perfect peace even during life’s trials and fiercest storms.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NIV
Prayer is important because it changes situations
Esther fasted and prayed and saved the nation of Israel from genocide.
Daniel prayed and when he was thrown into the lion’s den the lions didn’t harm him. Hannah prayed and God opened her womb so that she could bear children.
These are just a few examples that show that prayer changes situations in our daily lives. When we pray, we tap into God’s infinite power that is greater than ourselves.
The Lord releases divine solutions to our problems. Miracles, healing deliverance, and breakthroughs happen when we pray.
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” James 5:13 NIV
Prayer is important because it changes you
When Hannah who had been barren for years, offered a powerful prayer in the temple for God to grant her a child, she met with Eli the priest who blessed her and asked God to answer her prayers.
Even though she had been sad and hurt, after praying she left encouraged and hopeful.
We pray because prayer changes us. Talking to God and being in his presence changes your attitude toward your circumstances positively and powerfully.
The way you think and respond changes after you have connected with the Lord.
“Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” 1 Samuel 1:17-18 ESV
We pray because we love God
When you’re in love with someone you want to be close to them and bond in a special way.
Similarly, prayer is the natural result of our love for God. This is the greatest commandment we need to follow.
“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 ESV
Praying gives you strength
In times when the pressures of life overwhelm us and we feel like we can’t take it anymore, prayer sustains and strengthens us.
God carries and leads the way for us when we run out of strength to go on.
“Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).” Psalm 46:1 AMP
We pray because Jesus prayed
As disciples of Jesus Christ, follow his ways. He showed us how to live a prayerful life. He prayed for others, with others, for food, miracles, healing, and breakthroughs.
He taught his disciples how to pray The Lord’s prayer and how to pray in private.
In John 17, we see one of his longest prayers as he was about to be crucified. Jesus often went to pray alone in a secluded place.
Even though he was the Son of God, he needed that daily prayer and deep connection to access God’s power for the work that lay ahead of him.
In a similar way, we need to follow the example of Jesus and long to connect with our Heavenly Father too.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16 NIV
Prayer enables us to be compassionate
When we pray we realize that we need to love others and show them compassion. Loving God and loving others is the greatest commandment we’ve received from God.
It’s when we pray for the needs of others whether they are family members, friends, colleagues, or the church.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16 ESV
Praying for others is important because it helps us to realize that others’ needs can come before ours. Putting the interests of others above our own shows that we care.
We pray because it’s an act of obedience
Jesus Christ encouraged us to pray and even in the New Testament letters to the church, Apostle Paul often encouraged the church to pray for each other, for themselves, and for him.
God’s Word tells us to pray and our desire should be to obey our Heavenly Father’s commands because our goal is to bring him glory and honor.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV
Prayer helps us fight the enemy
Life is a spiritual battle against the spiritual forces of evil. That’s why the Bible says we need to wear the armor of God to fight and be victorious.
Prayer shields us from the enemies’ schemes, breaks strongholds, and empowers us to fight against sin and evil attacks.
When we pray, we call on a power higher than our own to come and help us. Prayer is a spiritual weapon in warfare.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NIV
We pray so that we can connect with God
To be in a relationship with someone you need to spend quality time with them.
Along Biblical disciplines such as Bible Study, fasting, and praise and worship, prayer is important because it draws us closer to the Lord.
It allows us to know his ways, character, principles, and promises. In turn, the Lord also draws near to us as well.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 ESV
We pray to get guidance and wisdom
As believers, we need the Lord’s guidance to walk on the right path in life. We also need wisdom to make the right decisions and practice the word of God.
Prayer is important because it allows us to get guidance and wisdom from the Lord.
Wisdom will sustain you more than material possessions and riches.
That’s why when God asked King Solomon what he wanted he asked for wisdom and God granted it to him. He understood that wisdom can unlock blessings, favor, long life, and success.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 ESV
Prayer comforts us in our time of need
A vibrant prayer life is crucial when you’re going through difficult times.
While you can go to a friend, first seek the Holy Spirit who is our Comforter when we experience sorrow and pain.
You can release all your burdens to him and receive his comfort, care, and compassion.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
Prayer helps us rely on God fully
God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Prayer is important because it humbles us and reminds of that God is in control, at the throne, and sovereign.
As we realize that he is all-powerful and all-knowing, yet loving, good, and faithful we realize that we need him in our daily lives.
This compels us to humble ourselves, surrender to him, and rely on him fully focusing on bringing him glory and honor.
“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30 NLT
Prayer enables us to grow in our faith
Faith is crucial in our relationship with God. When we trust in him, he is moved to act.
As we pray and God answers our prayers, we believe him, trust him, and grow in our faith.
This means even as we wait for answers we focus on his promises, not our circumstances, and trust that we will receive what we ask.
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 NIV
Prayer allows us to align ourselves with God’s will
Prayer allows us to discern and know the will of God for our lives and align ourselves with it. This may not be easy but the Lord helps us to obey him and rewards us for our obedience.
Even Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion chose to obey God’s will and he was rewarded with power, glory, and honor.
“And after going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible [that is, consistent with Your will], let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39 AMP
Prayer helps us overcome temptation
The importance of prayer should not be underestimated. It’s a powerful tool that we can use to resist temptation and sin.
We can pray for strength and wisdom when we are weak so that we avoid present and future temptations.
Our Lord Jesus Christ encouraged us to do this because he knows how weak the flesh is and that we need God’s power to fight against sin.
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41 NLT
Prayer gives us a chance to ask for God’s forgiveness
God is holy and he’s also wonderful, gracious, loving, merciful, and forgiving. He wants us to be holy and righteous but so many times we stray from his standards, disobey him, and commit sin.
That’s when we need to approach the throne of grace, confess our sins, and ask for his forgiveness in our time of need.
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV
Prayer releases God’s protection
When you read the word of God in 2 Chronicles 20: 1-30, you’ll find an encouraging story on the power of prayer.
King Jehoshaphat who reigned over Judah heard that his enemies were coming to attack him. He was alarmed and concerned for the safety of his kingdom.
But the king humbled himself and led his people with a prayer and fasted before God. When they did that, a miracle was released.
The Lord fought for them and they didn’t need to do anything to defeat their enemies. Prayer is important because it releases the protection and safety of the Lord to us as his children.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 ESV
Prayer is a way of communicating with God. It helps us know him, his ways, his principles, and his promises. It’s a form of worship and a natural result of our love for the Lord.
Are you looking for some tools and tips to boost your prayer life? If so, be sure to visit our Prayer Resources Library where you’ll find everything you need to become a powerful prayer warrior!
Prayer should be the most important conversation of the day and an important part of our lives as Christians.
Prayer is a gift and a blessing. It grows and shapes us to become more like Jesus Christ.
God’s Word assures us that there are many benefits to prayer which can help us to see prayer as a priority in our lives and not the last thing we think of.
There are different types of prayer we can offer to our Lord. These can be gratitude prayers, praise and worship, confession prayers, warfare prayers, and supplication prayers.
Why is Prayer Important? Because there is power in prayer.
It changes us and the situation and people around us in ways that we can never guess or imagine.
May the Lord help us commit to a vibrant prayer life and develop a meaningful relationship that transforms our hearts and lives.
