NetWord #1

Why Should We Pray

By Michael Day

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thess. 5:16-17.

Why should we pray ? Why do you pray? What can possibly be impacted by your petitions to the Father? If God were to paint a picture of every prayer you prayed in the past year, would they all look the same? Would there even be anything for Him to paint?

Some of us take for granted our access we have to the very throne of God. Others have never really understood the power that our prayers can have. And others of us simply don't understand what prayer even is.

We don't pray to gain God's favor or acceptance. Jesus already completed that for us a long time ago. We don't pray so we can feel like we've fulfilled some heavenly obligation. We shouldn't pray for silly selfish nonsence though I'm afraid that's what a lot of our prayers are sometimes.... This list of negatives could go on forever so let's skip to the good stuff... Why DO we pray?

1. God's Son DIED so you could have a relationship with Him. Jesus went through hell for you. He did more to find you than the soldiers in the movie, "Saving Private Ryan" did to find that one soldier. Hmmmmm, I'm thinking of one lost sheep that the sheppard went to find....(Matt 18:10-14)

Did you ever hear of a couple dating and all they ever did was 'serve' each other?? NO!! People don't date so they can cook and clean for each other. They date because they want to get to know each other and spend time with each other (I hope.) You can't love someone very much if you don't know them... God LOVES your service for Him, but He wants TIME with YOU. God gave EVERTHING so you wouldn't need a shaparone to 'go out' with Him. You don't need a priest, a pope, or a pastor to communicate with God. He's never "away from the desk for the moment" or "out of the office today." He doesn't need a pager, or a cell phone. He doesn't look at some heavenly caller-ID and say, "Oh no, it's Mary Beth again. Should I answer or not? I hope she doesn't blab on all day.." NO !!!!!! He LONGS for you to talk to Him.

David said in Psalm 84, "How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts ! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God...." Do you long, even faint for His presence ?? Do you want to be with Him like a new found love? I promise you, He wants to be with you more than you want to be with Him. Don't take time for prayer, MAKE time. Not tomorrow, not next week. Make time today.