Why Pray? (prayer, part 2)

From my previous post, it could appear that I don’t believe in prayer…or that I’m skeptical about God’s ability or desire to answer our prayers.  Neither of these is true.  I believe deeply in the power of prayer…and I practice it every day in a variety of forms.  I pray sometimes with my eyes closed in “traditional” ways…like before or after meetings or reading scripture.  I also pray with eyes wide open…especially in nature.  By far, my most meaningful times of prayer are during runs and bike rides.  I do believe that prayer works, and the Bible is absolutely full of examples and commands about prayer.  Here’s one:

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

So yes, totally, God answers prayer! However, prayer is not a cure-all formula that obligates God to intervene in our favor.  For example, the above quote was written by the Apostle Paul.  The Bible doesn't specifically say how the Apostle Paul died. We know he was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, during that time, Christians were being beheaded for their beliefs. Therefore, it may be safe to assume that Paul was beheaded too.  So, did God become unfaithful by letting those early martyrs die?

What I believe about prayer tends to be a bit different than the norm.  I don’t think prayer is about getting God to do what I want, or to bless my favorite team, or even to favor my own country.  I think prayer is about setting up a communication line between my heart and God’s for the purpose of CONFORMING MY WILL TO HIS.  This is different because I think many people pray for comfort…either their own, or for others they care about.  And, although it is totally obvious in scripture and in my experience that GOD DOES ANSWER THE PRAYERS OF HIS PEOPLE, it’s not because He wants us to be comfortable.  In fact, I think that denying our comfort is often on God’s priority list…not because He likes to cause pain, but because He knows that we grow in Him most deeply out of need.  Our discomfort drives us to fill the hole, and we often choose easy counterfeits instead of pressing into the struggle He has us facing…and we can actually short-circuit the will of God by praying for and chasing other solutions….then calling those things His will.

So…..why pray at all? 

1)      As stated in the scripture above, and in many others, it often does move the Hand of God in miraculous ways

2)      Obedience & surrender to God’s Kingly Reign in our lives

3)      To experience His peace that passes understanding……

“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.”  Philippians 4:6–7