Why should we pray?

Pray because God tells you to.

What more reason do we need? It’s a command that we are given over and over again. 

Luke 18: 1 “And he spoke also a parable to them, that we ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

Philippians 4: 6 “Be nothing solicitous [ that is , do not be anxious]; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.”

Ephesians 6: 18 "By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit; and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints."

Pray about everything, small things, big things and all things. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5: 17).

Pray because God has promised to answer.

If you want to see things accomplished, ask.

God says, “You ask, and receive not; because you ask amiss” (James 4: 3).

Do you want to see your nation changed? Do you want to see people added to the Church on a daily basis? Do you want to see more Priest given totally to God? Do we need funds for various projects like land for a monastery (that's what we are praying for)? Are there dreams and visions you want fulfilled? You can talk about it all you want, but it won’t happen unless you ask. Without prayer, nothing of lasting value is going to happen.
God delights in answering the prayer of faith.

The last part of Hebrews 11: 6 says, God “... is a rewarder to them that seek him.”

Matthew 7: 7 “Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you.”

John 15: 7 “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you..”

We are given this promise over and over again in Scripture. God answers prayer.
Cornelius, a Gentile, prayed, and God sent Peter to talk to him (see Acts 10: 1– 2). God is eager to answer our cries for help.
Elijah was a man, weak like all of us (see James 5: 17). Yet he prayed that there would be no rain, and for three and a half years there was a drought. Then he prayed for rain, and a storm came.
Daniel prayed, stood firm in his God and saw the victory (see Daniel 9).
From the belly of the fish Jonah prayed, and God heard him (see Jonah 2: 1). Hagar prayed. Moses prayed. God answered them. I think also about people that I know. My own experiences tells me that God really does answer prayer.

Pray because major events must transpire in our lifetime.

God wants things to happen. Anything and all things in our lives are worth praying about. They really are. Let this sink in. God really answers prayer. As you ask Him, He answers specifically and miraculously. I have seen it so many times.

Prayer is a sure way to see God do miracles on our behalf. Gideon, Moses, Daniel, Elijah and Paul all prayed, and things happened. Jesus prayed before He raised Lazarus from the dead and before He fed the five thousand. The Bible is filled with people praying and things happening in answer to those prayers. Right now God is waiting to answer the prayers from your lips.

Sometimes the answer may take longer in coming, but keep on asking. Keep on seeking. Keep on knocking. God truly answers prayer.

Pray so that your joy may be full.

John 16: 24 “Hitherto you have not asked any thing in my name. Ask, and you shall receive; that your joy may be full.”

Do you want to be full of joy? Then let God show you some answers to prayer. All of us can testify to the joy of answered prayer.

Pray because it is the best cure for worry and concerns.

When we pray, we leave the matter in God’s hands and are free from worry and concern.

Someone once said, “Why pray when you can worry about it?” But Philippians 4: 6– 7 says, “Be nothing solicitous[Do not be anxious]; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

God has given us the invitation to cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us (see 1 Peter 5: 7). What is bothering you? Please, just pray. When you are troubled about anything, pray.

Pray because it makes our God happy.

Hebrews 11: 6 “But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and is a rewarder to them that seek him.”

It brings joy to the heart of God when we turn to Him in prayer, depending on Him to move in the circumstances of our lives.