Have you ever wondered: “If God is all-knowing, why do I have to ask Him for what I need?” Why should I pray?
Asking is a very important part of any relationship.
All healthy, fully-functional relationships are rooted in liberty, humility, and faith. Our relationship with God is no different – or at least it shouldn’t be. You know, it is actually a beautiful thing we can go to God in prayer. This access to the Creator of the universe is truly a testament to His loving, and merciful character. He encourages us to come to Him when we need Him and nothing is too big nor too small to ask Him.
Although Jesus is powerful, mighty, and holy…
He wants us to feel comfortable in our reverence. He doesn’t want frightened little Christian robot children afraid to ask, afraid to seek, and afraid to knock on the doors of heaven. No, He wants you to come boldly to the throne of grace and make your request known (read Hebrews 4:16).
Christian Chick, He’s given us a beautiful gift in prayer. Read this article to learn more!
So, what gets in our way as it pertains to prayer? Glad you asked! Let me tell you my take. Feel free to comment with your thoughts below.
Public Enemy #1: Pride
Have you ever known anyone who was/is so proud they refuse to accept help of any kind? I do and I don’t think of it as a noble characteristic. I think of it as prideful and arrogant. People like that don’t understand giving is as much of a blessing as it is receiving a gift.
Anyway, had you ever thought of it? Have you ever considered the act of “asking” is interconnected with humility?
Look at it this way: a person too proud to ask for what they need (or want) will not please God and definitely won’t get anything from Him.
God hates pride and will never bless it. Pride is what kicked Lucifer from heaven and caused many Godly people to fall. Pride is the first step of failure (Prov. 16:18). That “I can do it all myself” mentality will only lead to heartache. You need God and you need His people. Point, blank…PERIOD.
Asking for what we need reminds us we cannot do “life” without His power, provision, strength, grace, or compassion.
Prayer is the perfect place to express our dependence on Him. It’s a place to release the anchor of stress and the burden of depression.
It demonstrates our helplessness and feebleness to get through life alone on our own.
Girl, some people say Christianity is a crutch. I wholeheartedly agree!
I need Him with every fiber of my being. Besides, every breathing human being needs a crutch. For some, it’s drugs, sex, alcohol, work, relationships, and so on.
At least my crutch is eternally dependable and blesses me boundlessly. I’ll bet they can’t say the same.
Yeah, the key to humility is remembering you are nothing but dust and that God owes you nothing, even though He offers everything.
Finally, if you – no, when you ask God for anything, trust, believe, and be persuaded He is all-powerful and rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Chrisitan woman, we don’t pray because God doesn’t know what’s up, we pray for much richer, deeper reasons. We pray because we can and because He’s gracious.
This means He blesses you as you seek your loving, forgiving heavenly Father.
Speed-Dating fast final points…
Search His word to learn how He moves.
Dig in to discover His true nature and how wonderful He is.
Pray to get into His plan.
Steadfast faith and complete reliance on God are critical in prayer. Otherwise, don’t expect to receive anything.
Oh yeah, when you ask, don’t be afraid to rejoice in the “yes”; while being willing to accept the “no”.
Amen?
Scriptures I reference in my “Why should I pray” post:
Psalm 103:4 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Psalm 103:4 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Hebrews 11:6 New King James Version (NKJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
I agree with you both! I’m amazed at Gods grace and patience with me.
The “no’s” of life are tough, but thank God i can go to Him for comfort and peace during those seasons.
I wrote this after someone I had been praying for went on to be with the Lord. Yep, no is tough, but with God even His no is laced with comfort.
amen! when you think of the kings of the world today, we all know that not everybody has access, you can’t just approach them any time you want to. But we serve a King who has given us unlimited access into His very throne room, the holy of holies! Let us never take that for granted and come boldly before His throne – let us be anxious for nothing, and always asking Him to search our hearts and motives.
I love this line: “When you ask, don’t be afraid to rejoice in the ‘yes’; while being willing to accept the ‘no'”. I think that’s part of wholly surrendering to God’s plan. Pride is so hard. It’s hard to ask for help. But, as you said, our “crutch” is eternally dependable! Great post!!