What is prayer good for?
Our text today is Luke 18:1:
“Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart.”
Let’s take a closer look at why prayer is so essential. Here are three reasons we need to pray.
1. Prayer Builds Gratitude
When we pray before meals, it’s often called “giving thanks.” As children, we might have prayed, “Thank you for Mommy and Daddy…” showing appreciation for those who matter most. Similarly, as parents, while we value our children’s requests, hearing their gratitude touches our hearts deeply. Few things sting more than an ungrateful child. We are God’s children, and we must not neglect to thank Him for all He provides.
2. Prayer Gives Us Hope
We all encounter situations where we’ve done everything we can, yet the problem remains unsolved. Someone once said we should never say we’ve done all we can until we’ve prayed, because prayer is always that “one more thing” we can do. As Peter reminds us, “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Through prayer, we find renewed hope.
3. Prayer Provides Guidance
“Let prayer be your steering wheel, not your spare tire,” someone wisely said. This challenges us to consider how we use prayer. Is it something reserved for emergencies, or is it a daily guide for our decisions and actions? Prayer shapes our path when we let it lead.
Take a moment to reflect: What is one of your favorite things to pray about?
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.