Prayer
Right before introducing a sample way to pray (what we commonly call 'the Lord’s prayer'), Jesus reminded His followers that “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). Indeed, prayer is as much (or even more!) about listening to God than it is about talking to Him. To pray is to have ongoing communication with our Creator in the midst of relationship with Him, getting to know God better as we listen to Him speak through His Word.
So if God already knows what we need before we ever ask Him, then should we stop praying? Not at all! Scripture tells us the opposite: “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). As we come to Him in prayer, we do not need to convince God to do what we think is best, but rather to be convinced that God already knows what’s best. We persist in prayer not to get God’s attention, but because He deserves our attention.
Therefore, whenever we share prayer needs with one another, we ought to do so with an expectancy that God wants to use His Word – and His people – to show us more of Himself and reveal His perfect will. As you use the following form, let us know which way(s) we can encourage you with God’s truth!
So if God already knows what we need before we ever ask Him, then should we stop praying? Not at all! Scripture tells us the opposite: “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). As we come to Him in prayer, we do not need to convince God to do what we think is best, but rather to be convinced that God already knows what’s best. We persist in prayer not to get God’s attention, but because He deserves our attention.
Therefore, whenever we share prayer needs with one another, we ought to do so with an expectancy that God wants to use His Word – and His people – to show us more of Himself and reveal His perfect will. As you use the following form, let us know which way(s) we can encourage you with God’s truth!