1287. Why Should We Pray?

Why Should We Pray?

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mat_18:20).

There are some blessed reasons for pressing on to victory in our prayer life. We will mention four of these.

1. Prayer will give us fellowship with Christ. This is expressed in–"There am I in the midst of them." Here is the first blessing in prayer. A real companionship with Christ, and a real companionship with the Father may be ours. Blessed privilege! "Let us draw near," is the precious call of prayer. "We have access unto the Father" is the assurance of the prayer life.

2. Prayer will transform us into Christ's image. "As He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered" (Luk_9:29).

Of course, the work of the Holy Spirit is to transform us into the image of Christ, from glory unto glory; but the prayer life is where the Spirit can most quickly perfect this transformation.

3. Prayer is the place of revelation. (1) A new revelation of Christ Himself. Peter, James, and John beheld the Lord's transfiguration, for they went with Christ into the mountain to pray. They said: "It is good for us to be here." It is always good for us to be with the Lord in prayer. We there behold new revelations of His person and of His grace.

(2) A new revelation of God's purposes. When we are in prayer, God designs to give us manifestations of His purposes. Abraham communed with God and God said: "Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" (Gen_18:17). No, God did not hide His purpose from Abraham, because He knew Abraham. Thus it was that Abraham, by special revelation, had a new basis for prayer, and pled in Lot's behalf.

4. Prayer brings power. How precious the words: "When they had prayed, the place was shaken" (Act_4:31). Prayer does things. The Bible emphasizes "Whatsoever ye ask * * I will do." Bless God for the wonderful results of prayer! Who is there that cannot tell of wonderful answers to prayers, and of the wonderful blessings in soul-winning that have followed continued and faithful praying?

Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech (see Gen_20:17).

When Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire was quenched (see Num_11:2).

Elijah prayed and the Shunammite's son lived (see 2Ki_4:33-37).

Isaiah prayed and the Lord cut off the mighty men of Assyria (see 2Ch_32:20-21).

Peter prayed and Dorcas lived (see Act_9:40).

Paul and Silas prayed and the jail was opened and the jailer saved (see Act_16:25).

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR