Pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17)
Prayer for many people is about their needs, wants and desires. We have a list that we often bring to God. An expectation that he do exactly what we ask. Then if he doesn’t do what we ask we get mad at him. We curse him or turn our backs on him. For some people they leave the faith. Others bash God publicly for not meeting their needs.
David Platt says the following about prayer “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.” God already knows your needs and answered them, even before you ask (Isaiah 65:24). Prayer is about getting close to God and knowing him on a level that can change your life. Not just your life but the lives of people around you.
Right now we need people of prayer. We need people who want to know God so intimately that it changes them radically. So why do you pray? Is it it to only have your needs met? The Bible says he already knows our needs (Matt 6:25-33).
Our prayer lives should reflect the realization of what God has done. I am challenged to seek him so earnestly that all of Heaven takes notice of my prayers. Not for fame or recognition on this Earth but that God will be well pleased with how and why I pray.
So why do you pray? The answer to that question can change your prayer life. It can also change the lives of those you see on a daily basis.
