- Prayer protects us from evil:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 admonishes people to pray for everyone who are in authority so that life can be lived peacefully and quietly in holiness and godliness. If we pray for protection over ourselves, our families, and for others, the angels and protective forces will surround and protect us from harm.
- Prayer changes things:
2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us that if people would humble themselves, pray, and turn away from sin, God will hear them and forgive their sins and also heal them from their sicknesses, pains and worries. When we pray, we must focus on God alone and not on things of this world.
- Prayer keeps us in the will of God:
Many people wonder from time to time if they are doing things that are of God’s will. They may be faced with a tough decision or want to begin a new adventure and wonder what God wants them to do.
Praying about such issues will help us to get and stay in the will of God. As we pray, we must listen to the still, small voice within our spirit for directions and guidance.
- Prayer draws us closer to God:
I’m sure that you want to feel very close to God and praying can help you draw very close to Him indeed. Just like spending time with a friend enhances your friendship, spending time with God greatly enhances your relationship. The more time you spend with God, the more acquainted and intimate you can become.
- Prayer enhances our happiness level:
Studies have revealed that people who pray regularly experience less stress and tend to feel happier. The ability to let God know your thoughts, feelings, fears and requests for yourself and others is a great stress reliever and faith builder.
- Prayer gives us hope:
Sometimes life can throw some pretty awful things your way and you might be tempted to lose heart or give up on your hopes or dreams. Prayer is your answer to hopelessness.
- Prayer decreases selfishness:
I think we can all admit that sometimes we can become selfish and forget about the well-being of others. We can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day life and forget and neglect prayer time, and end up feeling burned out. If you take time for regular prayer, we’ll be reminded that life isn’t all about us.
- Prayer heals:
Prayer not only brings about physical healings, but also emotional healings. James 5:15 states: “The prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
There are many instances in the Holy Bible where men, women, and even children were healed due to prayers.
- Prayer increases our spiritual strength:
Just like healthy food gives our physical body nourishment and strength, so also prayer and reading the Word of God (i.e. the Bible) nourishes our spiritual nature. As we converse with God in prayer, we are drawing strength from Him and those we pray for are receiving strength as well.
- Prayer gives us peace:
Philippians 4:6-7 admonishes us to pray to God with issues, problems and concerns and God will see to it that peace comes to us so that we can rest knowing that the power of prayer works wonders. The Holy Spirit is able to give us supernatural peace even in the toughest of times. So take your heartaches, fears, and biggest concerns to God in prayer.
Prayer is a ‘must’ for everyone. We cannot do anything without prayer. It is the most useful means, because more wonderful things can be wrought by prayer than a man can dream of.
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
