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What’s the Point in Praying?

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

Psalms 37:4-5

I was speaking with a lovely woman with whom I am building a friendship. She is very intelligent, kindhearted and yet there is something sad about her. It is in her eyes and the very air about her. Maybe it is more like defeat. She seems to have given up and surrendered to being a victim. This lovely woman has just stopped. Stopped trying, stopped trusting, and stopped living.

After one of our discussions, I reminded her that I would continue to pray about a particular situation that burdens her heart. Usually she nods and thanks me, but this time was different.

“I wish I believed in prayer like you, I quit praying a long time ago. What’s the point? God does what he wants. It’s His Will.”

I will tell you that I was stunned. I did not know what to say. Yet, at the same time, so much became clear. This woman had lost all hope. No wonder sadness clung to her. She had traded living a life of hope and joy for existing.

It brought back memories of a difficult time in my spiritual life. I had become so frustrated with God. I wanted certain things, but He did not open the doors or present the opportunities. In my fit I told Him that I just would not waste my time praying. So I did not. I refused to pray for anything except forgiveness of sins. This tantrum wore on for months. The longer it wore on, the more alone and hopeless I felt.

I sat back down and began to share my experience. I told her that at one time I had given up on prayer.

Prayer is not about rubbing the genie bottle. Prayer is sharing and fellowshipping with God. I have written a couple of thoughts on prayer before and I will tell you that I believe in the power of Prayer. Does that mean that every prayer I offer up is answered the way I want? No. However, through prayer and fellowship with God, I am able to have peace when my prayer is not answered the way I had hoped.

Sometimes they are answered in a much better way than I could have imagined. Sometimes in ways that are painful and disappointing, but I know it is for the good. Prayer is about sharing your troubles, fear and pain. It is about opening yourself up to get to know God and his character. Prayer is about building a relationship.

Throughout Jesus’ traveling, the Bible cites how Jesus always found a way to get away and engage in prayer with the Father.

23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. Matthew 14:23

12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12

28 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. Luke 9:28

Jesus, though He was the Son, knew the importance and necessity in seeking the Father in prayer. Prayer is not just about asking for His favor in matters, but it the strengthening of the spirit to give us the ability through His grace to withstand the trials that life has for each of us. Prayer affords us grace to face the doctor when he gives the diagnosis, the confidence when we go on a job interview and the faith that our needs will be met. It is the strengthening of your relationship with God that brings you peace. Jesus knew this as he went to the garden in chapter 26 of Matthew. He knew that His death was now only a few hours away. Jesus knew what was to come. He asked, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39. Jesus took the strength that He was given by His communion with God to face the betrayal of Judas and the torture by the Romans. He took the love that He had for you, me and my friend to the cross.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18