“Prayer – What’s the Point?”

In the midst of our daily lives, filled with various responsibilities and distractions, the act of prayer often stands as a beacon of hope and connection to the divine. We pray in church on Sunday mornings. Sometimes we bow our heads to give thanks when gathered around a table before a meal. Most of us were taught as children to “say our prayers” before getting into bed at night. We have a prayer chain— we share emails, offer prayer requests, and often comfort or remind our friends with, “I’ll be praying for you.” We know that prayer is important and yet, many of us may have asked ourselves at some point, "What's the point of prayer?" What does it truly achieve? In this article, we’ll delve into the importance and significance of prayer, with a focus on how it serves to increase our awareness of the active presence of God in our lives and in the world.

Scripture is replete with verses that emphasize the power and purpose of prayer. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are reminded to "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." Here, we see prayer as a means to bring our concerns and desires before God, leading to a sense of peace and assurance in His presence.

Moreover, in James 5:16, we are encouraged to "confess [our] sins to each other and pray for each other so that [we] may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Prayer is depicted as a tool for healing and restoration; not only for ourselves, but also for our community.

From a theological standpoint, prayer serves as a vital practice in deepening our relationship with God. Through prayer, we engage in a dialogue with the Creator of the Universe, offering our praises, concerns, and thanksgivings. This intimate conversation fosters a sense of connection with God and opens our hearts to His guidance and presence in our lives.

Furthermore, prayer functions as a spiritual discipline that sharpens our awareness of God's activity in the world around us. When we regularly engage in prayer, we become attuned to the subtle ways in which God is at work in our lives— shaping our circumstances, and responding to our petitions. As we cultivate a habit of prayer, our spiritual eyes are opened to recognize the signs of God's love, mercy, and grace in our midst.

In essence, the point of prayer goes beyond mere supplication or communication with God. It is a transformative practice that deepens our awareness of God's continuous involvement in our lives. Through prayer, we align our hearts with the divine will, seek God’s guidance, and experience God’s presence in profound ways. As we engage in prayer with faith and humility, we invite God to illuminate our paths, strengthen our faith, and draw us into a deeper relationship.

Let us, then, embrace the gift of prayer with conviction and commitment, knowing that through this sacred practice, we not only communicate with God, but also heighten our awareness of God’s majestic presence in our lives and in the world.

What do you think? Does prayer make a difference in your life? I’d love to hear about it.        

Very truly,

Pastor Adam