THE POWER OF PRAYER

God desires for us to bring our concerns and our praises to Him in prayer. As Christians we are commanded to pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances.

James 5:13-16: Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

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

Does God always listen and care about what I'm praying about?

YES! God hears all prayer and cares about you and what you are praying about.
1 Peter 5:6-7: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Why doesn't He answer all of my prayers the way I want?

God does not answer every prayer the way we desire. It is not our will to be done, but His. Even Jesus prayed "not my will, but yours be done".
Luke 22:39-42

Is anything too big or too small to pray about?

NO! We are encouraged to pray about everything that bothers us or concerns us.
Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.

What is the point of prayer when God knows the future and is already in control of everything?

REASONS WHY WE PRAY

• Prayer is a form of serving God and obeying Him
• God intends prayer to be our means of obtaining his solutions to problems
• Prayer demonstrates our faith in God
• Prayer strengthens our relationship with God
• Prayer is our means of defeating Satan and his army

We have his promise that fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much (James 5:16-18). May God glorify His name in our lives as we believe in Him enough to come to Him often in prayer.