Does prayer really work? According to Christians, prayer is a vital part of their lifestyle. It is a way of communicating with God, expressing our gratitude, confessing our sins, and asking for His help. But... does prayer really work? Is it effective in changing our circumstances or influencing God's will?
The Bible affirms that prayer is powerful and effective.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). He also
instructed them to pray continually in every situation (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Jesus Himself often prayed to His Father, especially before important events or
decisions (Luke 6:12; Matthew 26:36-46).
But how does prayer work? Does it change God's mind or
alter His plans? Does it make us more deserving of His blessings or more immune
to His judgments? Does it guarantee that we will get what we want or avoid what
we fear?
The answer to these questions is not simple or
straightforward. Prayer is not a magic formula or a vending machine. Prayer is
not a way of manipulating God or imposing our will on Him. Prayer is not a
means of earning God's favor or escaping His discipline.
Prayer is a way of aligning ourselves with God's will and
purposes. Prayer is a way of acknowledging God's sovereignty and wisdom. Prayer
is a way of trusting God's goodness and faithfulness. Prayer is a way of
submitting to God's authority and glory.
Prayer works because God works. He works in us, through us,
and for us. He works according to His perfect plan and timing. He works for His
own name's sake and for our ultimate good.
Prayer does not guarantee that we will always get what we
want, but it assures us that we will always get what we need. Prayer does not
guarantee that we will always avoid what we fear, but it assures us that we
will always overcome what we face. Prayer does not guarantee that we will
always understand what God is doing, but it assures us that we will always know
who God is.
Prayer works because prayer changes us. It changes our
perspectives, our attitudes, our characters, and our behaviors. It changes our
relationship with God, with ourselves, and with others. It changes our desires,
our motives, our priorities, and our goals.
Prayer works because prayer glorifies God. It glorifies Him
as the Creator, the Sustainer, the Redeemer, and the Judge of all things. It
glorifies Him as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It glorifies Him as
the Lord, the Savior, the Master, and the Friend of all who call on Him.
Prayer works because prayer is a gift from God. It is a
gift of grace, mercy, love, and peace. It is a gift of access, intimacy,
fellowship, and communion. It is a gift of joy, hope, faith, and power.
Prayer works because prayer is a privilege and a
responsibility. It is a privilege to talk to the King of kings and the Lord of
lords. It is a responsibility to listen to His voice and obey His commands. It
is a privilege to share our hearts with the One who knows us better than
ourselves. It is a responsibility to intercede for others who need His
intervention.
Prayer works because prayer is an act of worship and
service. It is an act of worship that honors God for who He is and what He has
done. It is an act of service that expresses our gratitude for what He has
given us and what He expects from us.
Prayer works because prayer is an expression of faith and
love. It is an expression of faith that believes in God's promises and power.
It is an expression of love that delights in God's presence and pleasure.
Does prayer really work? Yes, it does. But not because of
us, but because of Him.
