Why Pray?

Today I was listening to a message by Matt Chandler, a pastor in Texas. In this message titled "The Art of Prayer," he talked about the importance of prayer. He shared 7 reasons why we should pray. I found his reasons very helpful as I think about my need to pray intentionally and passionately. Here's the list:

1. Prayer expresses our absolute dependence upon God. It’s a simple, daily act of humility on our part. Apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5).

2. Prayer allows us to interact and communicate with God. We speak to God through prayer. It’s all about this personal relationship we have with God.

3. Prayer gives us an opportunity to be involved with global activities that are eternally important. At any moment, we can pray for others in England or Italy, China or India. There is no geographical limit on prayer.

4. Prayer changes things. It changes circumstances, hearts, and lives. What would you like to see changed? Pray about it.

5. Prayer is a means of confession. When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9).

6. Prayer is a means of fighting sin. Through this Spirit-driven activity we call prayer, we ask for and receive God’s power to overcome temptation in our lives.

7. God commands us to pray. God has ordained prayer as a means to accomplish His purposes.