Why We Pray
- Nov 5, 2025
- 3 min read
Jesus tells us in Matthew how to pray, but it’s less obvious why we do it. Just because Jesus doesn’t say “this is why you should pray” doesn’t mean it’s not there. All throughout the Bible there are reasons for and explanations of the benefits of prayer.
There are several aspects of prayer.
We can petition to the Lord
We can worship Him with thankfulness
We can use it to grow in a right relationship with Christ and others.
We find verses for each of these. When we petition to the Lord, it is more than a lists of wants, but is as if you are going up to a friend or a parent and having a conversation with them. Telling them about goals you want to accomplish or even physical items you would like to have. Often we can ask for things out of our control. We can ask Him for His peace or healing in our lives or resolution to situations. Prayer gives peace Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Answered Prayer Mark 11:24, “Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.”
We can also worship Him and be thankful for the blessings in our lives, whether they come the way we expect or not. We are surrounded by blessings. At the very least, we can be thankful for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Prayer is an excellent way to express our thankfulness to Him. Prayer is Powerful 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ.”
Finally, another excellent use of prayer is growing in a relationship with Christ and others. Prayer is a conversation between you and a close friend, but that doesn’t happen immediately. We also can pray on behalf of other people.
Prayer is Powerful! James 5.16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective!”
Of course there is a lot more we could cover on the topic of prayer and I encourage you to keep learning more about the most powerful tool we have as Christians. You can talk to your group leader, Pastor, or others in your church to help you. My hope is this has helped you understand the meaning and purpose behind why we pray.
Meet Our Guest Writer James Laulainen
Hey everyone! I’m Erika’s equally coffee-addicted brother — fueled by caffeine, faith, and the open road. Recently engaged to the love of my life. I’m part of a Christian MC dedicated to helping men grow in integrity through daily time in the Word and prayer, and to bringing the light of Christ into the motorcycle community. Imperfect, but loved. Saved by grace. Most days you’ll find me with the throttle in one hand, and a coffee in the other.
My brother wrote this piece and it is included in our John Devotional. If you are looking for your next study might I suggest our study of John. Through it you will learn what it means to be a disciple of Christ and make fishers of men, just like John and the other disciples. Check it out today!
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