Listen to the Full Audio Version Here

We've all been told to pray at some point in our lives. We've often heard the common phrases - "Pray for quick healing" or "Pray that doesn't happen". But as common as these phrases might seem, the power behind them does not diminish. Prayer does have the power to heal and to protect. Prayer has the power to do the impossible. 

But besides the power of prayer, here are 5 reasons why the act of praying is important - 

1. Prayer Connects You to God

When we call out to God in prayer, we call out to our Heavenly Father. 

Romans 8:15 "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out "Abba! Father!"

2. Prayer Cultivates Humility

Humility is a prerequisite of prayer. In order to pray, one must humble themselves before God. 

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

3. Prayer is an Avenue for Gratitude

When we pray, we are instructed to give thanks. 

Colossians 4:2 "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

4. Prayer is a Gate to Wisdom

Prayer is a gate to wisdom, not just for ourselves, but also for others. 

James 1:5-6 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."

Ephesians 1:15-20 "Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,"

5. Prayer Removes Anxiety

As we pray, we surrender our worries and fears to God. We have faith that the God of the universe, who spoke and breathed life into existence, is greater than any of our earthly problems. As we surrender to Him, we feel the passing of care and worry off our shoulders, and into the arms of Grace. 

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do 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."