Why Pray? (Part 2)

When should we pray? Only when we or someone we love desperately needs something from God? Do we only pray about the things we think God would deem important enough? Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and requEsther Hebrews 4:16 urges us to approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. How uplifting to know that the God of the universe desires to hear from us on all occasions with any requestand that, in Christ, we can come before Him with boldness! At all times, we are to pray for others. In Genesis 18:20-33, Abraham boldly spoke to God on behalf of the wicked city of Sodom. Abraham pleaded for the righteous to be spared, and God listened to his prayer. When we read 1 Kings 18:20-46, we witness an amazing story of God answering Elijah’s bold prayer to turn the hearts of the people to the One True God in a miraculous way. In the New Testament, James 5:16-17 encourages us to pray for one another because the prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. And, in Paul’s letters to churches, we often see Paul praying for other believers (for example, 2 Timothy 1:3 and 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). We also need to pray for the salvation of those who do not know Jesus as their Savior and Friend (1 Timothy 2:1-4). God’s Word gives us countless examples of people of faith who moved the heart of God when they prayed. They, and you, are more than just a face in a crowd. When you belong to the King of Kings, your every word is heard and the Spirit of God is moving in and through your requests. Keep praying and don’t give up! Savannah Coleman Who are people you want to pray for? Reread today’s Bible verses. What are some things Paul prays for the Ephesian church? Read Hebrews 4:14-16. In Christ, why can we pray about anything? Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21