Thinking About Prayer

People pray for many reasons, I suppose. I believe the motives that lie behind our prayers are not as important as the fact that we are praying. I can’t know this is true, but I hope it is true. I believe it is true.

I know people who pray with a childlike faith, convinced of the power of prayer.

I know people who pray because Jesus prayed. They pray out of obedience to God, as if they could make up for the night long ago when we disciples were asked to wait and pray, but fell asleep instead.

I know people who pray because the possibility of speaking with the creator has gripped their souls and filled their hearts with joy.

I know people who pray without believing and without energy, praying because they were taught to pray and because they are clinging to their last hope.

I myself have prayed for all of these reasons and many others. Why do you pray? Let the question sink in a bit. Surely you pray for many reasons. What are some of them?

Prayer in the Word