The Purpose of Prayer

The Purpose of Prayer

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

James 5:13 (NIV)

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the purpose of prayer. God doesn’t need us to pray. He invites us to pray. Prayer is one of the ways he’s created us to draw near in relationship with him.

Our prayer life should be a balance of prayer and praise: an ongoing, intricate dance. I’d even venture to say that it should be unbalanced – with more emphasis on praise. Prayer is communion with God – a way for us to draw close to Him; to seek His will for our lives and to honor and glorify Him.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing us the blessing of prayer in which to draw closer to You and Your will. Lord, let us be a people who give You praise.

Praying for your child and a difficult circumstance? Have you also given praise for her health? The gift he is in your life? The joy of getting to parent him or her?

Praying for clarity about a job change? Have you also given praise for the job you currently have?  For the abilities God has gifted you with? For new opportunities?

Praying for a break from life’s demands? Have you also given praise for a home to live in, clothes to wash, money to buy the food you prepare?

Praying for a new season in life? Have you also given praise for your current season? Praise for the experiences you’ve had and the lessons learned?

This dance of prayer and praise is not new. In fact, it’s woven through the Old Testament as well. If we look at the psalms, the entire book is exactly this. Prayer and praise; praise and prayer.

If the praise part of your prayers is harder to do, ask God to answer the prayers in the way that will glorify Him. Let us give thanks and live lives that glorify Him.