Faith Without Prayer Isn't

Sounds absolutely right doesn’t it? Faith without prayer isn’t.

I had a young woman tell me she believed in Jesus, but didn’t like to pray, didn’t feel the need to pray. She said Jesus knew everything about her; so, why should she waste her time telling Him what He already knows.

The Bible tells us that “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Faith is believing God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do.

But if you never pray, how is faith sustained? Is it not through prayer that we draw closer to God? Isn’t our faith about having a relationship with God? And how do we cultivate that relationship or listen to that still small voice if we don’t pray?

John Bunyan says, “Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.”

So I went on a mission to find out why prayer is an essential part of faith.

I found a wonderful article from Focus on the Family by Robert Velarde. I am going to recap it here, but if you would like to read the article in its entirety, please go to the link at the end of the post.

12 reasons to Pray:

1.     God’s Word Calls Us to Pray. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

2.     Jesus Prayed Regularly. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16

3.     Prayer is How We Communicate with God. “…if my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

4.     Prayer Allows us to Participate in God’s Works. “Does God need our help? No. He is all powerful and in control of everything in His creation. Why do we need to pray? Prayer helps others know the love of Jesus. Prayer is part of His plan for accomplishing His will in this world.

5.     Prayers Gives Us Power Over Evil. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41

6.     Prayer Is Always Available. Prayer can happen at any time or anywhere. The only thing that keeps us from praying is our choice to do so.

7.     Prayer Keeps Us Humble. “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4

8.     Prayer Grants Us the Privilege of Experiencing God. It’s during prayer that we feel closer to God. It’s during prayer that we begin to let the worries of the world slid by and we are faced with the greatest of offerings, peace.

9.     Answered Prayer is a Potential Witness.

10.  Prayers Strengthens the Bonds Between Believers.

11.  Prayer Can Succeed Where Other Means Have Failed.

12.  Prayer Fulfills Emotional Needs. C. S. Lewis said, “God designed the human machine to run On Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other.”

 Prayer is essential to faith. It enriches our faith and draws us closer to God.

Take time today to go to God in prayer. If at first it feels uncomfortable, be persistent. In a short while you will be looking forward to your time set aside for Jesus. Your reward will be immeasurable and gratifying, drawing you closer and closer into a rich relationship with the Father.

Faith without prayer just isn't.

God bless you, Angela

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/faith-in-life/prayer/prayer-has-its-reasons