The Purpose Of Prayer

Pray without ceasing.

MOST PEOPLE THINK about prayer as simply asking for things. “Bless me, help me, protect me, and provide for me”—these are often the only words out of our mouths when we bow our heads. Our prayers are filled with a list of the things we need and the stuff we want. Consequently, in prayer, we’re pleased when God responds as we’ve asked and perplexed when he doesn’t.

But God isn’t up in heaven with pen and paper waiting for us to pray so he can find out what our needs are. Prayer involves something far deeper—and far more wonderful—than simply informing God of what he already knows.

The purpose of prayer is not for the disciple to bring information to God; the purpose of prayer is for the disciple to experience intimacy with God. That’s why Jesus says, “Go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.”^a

Find a place, Jesus says. Set aside a time. Get alone with God. This one practice will utterly revolutionize your life—not just your prayer life, but your entire life. Something happens that cannot be described in words when we are alone with God. In a quiet place, behind closed doors, when you or I commune with the infinitely great, indescribably good God of the universe, we experience a joy with which nothing else in this world can even begin to compare.

Regardless of the circumstances in our lives, our hearts overflow with thanksgiving, for we know where we deserve to be in our sin and we are confident in where we will one day be because of Christ’s sacrifice. In the context of awe-inspiring adoration and affection, heartbreaking confession and contrition, and breathtaking gratitude and praise, we cry out for God to meet our deepest needs. We share the desires of our souls, not because we’re trying to give God information, but because we trust in his provision. We commune with God as grateful children who love to be with their Father.

Thank God for the privilege of prayer. Ask him to give you faith to come to him continually through Christ.