Clicky

The Importance of Prayer in the Christian Life – Viral Believer
Skip to content

The Importance of Prayer in the Christian Life

Introduction

Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life. It is the way we communicate with God, express our gratitude, confess our sins, and ask for guidance and help. Prayer is also an act of worship, as we acknowledge the greatness and sovereignty of God and seek to align our will with His.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of prayer in the Christian life, and how it can deepen our relationship with God and transform our lives.

Prayer connects us with God

Prayer is the primary way we communicate with God. Through prayer, we can express our love, adoration, and thanksgiving to God, as well as our worries, fears, and doubts. Prayer also allows us to seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength for our daily lives.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, and he emphasized the importance of addressing God as our Father: “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9, NKJV).

This shows that prayer is not just a religious ritual or a formality, but a personal conversation with a loving Father who cares for us.

Through prayer, we can experience the presence of God and feel His love and peace in our hearts. As it says in the book of Psalms: “In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me” (Psalm 86:7, NKJV).

Prayer aligns our will with God’s

Prayer is not just about asking for things or expressing our feelings, but also about aligning our will with God’s. When we pray, we submit ourselves to God’s will and acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives.

As it says in the book of Proverbs: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV).

Through prayer, we can seek God’s will for our lives, and ask for His guidance and wisdom. We can also surrender our plans, desires, and ambitions to God, and ask Him to shape them according to His purposes.

Jesus himself prayed for God’s will to be done, even in the face of great suffering: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, NKJV).

This shows that prayer is not a way to manipulate God or get what we want, but a way to submit ourselves to His will and trust in His goodness and wisdom.

Prayer transforms us

Prayer is not just a way to ask for things or seek guidance, but also a way to transform ourselves. Through prayer, we can grow in faith, wisdom, and love, and become more like Christ.

As it says in the book of James: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, NKJV). This shows that prayer can help us grow in wisdom and understanding, as we seek God’s guidance and ask for His insights.

Prayer can also transform our hearts and minds, as we seek to align ourselves with God’s character and values.

As it says in the book of Romans: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2, NKJV).

Through prayer, we can ask God to help us overcome our weaknesses, temptations, and sinful habits, and to fill us with His grace and power. As it says in the book of Philippians: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, NKJV).

Prayer can also transform our relationships, as we seek to love and serve others as Christ did. Through prayer, we can ask God to give us a heart of compassion, forgiveness, and generosity, and to empower us to share His love and truth with others.

As it says in the book of Colossians: “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:2-3, NKJV).

Prayer strengthens our faith

Prayer is also a way to strengthen our faith and trust in God. As we pray, we can remind ourselves of God’s promises, His faithfulness, and His power to answer our prayers. We can also ask for His help to overcome our doubts, fears, and anxieties, and to trust in His goodness and love.

As it says in the book of Hebrews: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV). This shows that prayer is not just a way to ask for things, but a way to receive God’s grace and mercy, and to find strength and comfort in times of need.

Through prayer, we can also grow in gratitude and thanksgiving, as we recognize God’s blessings and provision in our lives.

As it says in the book of Philippians: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV).

Prayer is a way to wage spiritual warfare

Finally, prayer is a way to wage spiritual warfare and resist the attacks of the enemy. As it says in the book of Ephesians: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:12-13, NKJV).

Through prayer, we can put on the armor of God and resist the devil’s schemes and temptations. We can also pray for protection, deliverance, and healing, both for ourselves and for others.

As it says in the book of James: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16, NKJV).

Conclusion

In conclusion, prayer is an essential part of the Christian life. It is a way to connect with God, align our will with His, transform ourselves, strengthen our faith, and wage spiritual warfare.

Prayer is not just a religious duty or a formality, but a personal conversation with a loving Father who cares for us and invites us to draw near to Him. As it says in the book of Hebrews: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV).

Let us make prayer a regular and meaningful part of our lives, not just in times of crisis or need, but also in times of joy and thanksgiving. Let us seek to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, and to trust in His goodness, wisdom, and love.

As it says in the book of Psalms: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8, NKJV).

As we pray, let us also remember the words of Jesus, who said: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them.

For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:7-8, NKJV). Let us pray with sincerity, humility, and faith, trusting in God’s power and love to answer our prayers according to His will.

May prayer be a source of comfort, guidance, and transformation in our lives, as we seek to follow Christ and grow in His grace and truth.

As it says in the book of Philippians: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV). Amen.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.