Title: What is Prayer? Why Pray?

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What is Prayer?
Prayer is simply communion with God—a heartfelt conversation between the Creator and His children. It is not bound by eloquence or ritual; it is the sincere lifting of our hearts to the Father. Jesus Himself defined prayer as intimate and personal: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:6).
Prayer is:
- Relationship: speaking and listening to God as a child to a Father.  
- Dependence: acknowledging our need for His guidance, strength, and provision.  
- Worship: expressing love, gratitude, and reverence.  

Why Pray?
Prayer is not about informing God of what He doesn’t know—He already knows our needs (Matthew 6:8). Instead, prayer transforms us. It aligns our hearts with His will, strengthens our faith, and opens the door for His power to work in our lives.
1. Prayer brings strength in weakness
- Story: In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed in agony before His arrest: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).  
- Lesson: Prayer gave Him strength to endure the cross. When we pray, God strengthens us in trials.
2. Prayer brings guidance
- Story: David often sought God’s counsel before battles. In 1 Samuel 23:2, David asked, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” and the Lord answered him.  
- Lesson: Prayer invites divine direction in our decisions.
3. Prayer brings peace
- Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).  
- Lesson: Prayer exchanges our anxiety for God’s peace.
4. Prayer brings miracles
- Story: Elijah prayed earnestly, and God sent rain after years of drought (1 Kings 18:41–45).  
- Lesson: Prayer can move mountains and release God’s supernatural intervention.
Reflection
Prayer is not a duty—it is a delight. It is the lifeline of the believer, the breath of the soul. When we pray, we step into the presence of the Almighty, and He bends His ear toward us (Psalm 116:2).  
- Do you see prayer as a burden or as a privilege?  
- How might your life change if you prayed with the same persistence as Hannah, the same boldness as Elijah, and the same intimacy as Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of prayer. Teach us to delight in Your presence, to seek Your will above our own, and to trust that You hear us. May our prayers be filled with faith, gratitude, and surrender. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

©Dr Joel Olanrewaju gbemide09@gmail.com. Please share this with your contacts and let us have your thoughts on it. 

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