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Why is prayer necessary? – Part 5

By Austen C. Ukachi
15 September 2019   |   4:09 am
One question that is asked repeatedly is “Why is Prayer Necessary and why must a Christian pray?” Every living human being needs oxygen to survive; prayer is the breathe we need to survive.

Austen C. Ukachi

One question that is asked repeatedly is “Why is Prayer Necessary and why must a Christian pray?” Every living human being needs oxygen to survive; prayer is the breathe we need to survive. Just like no one can survive without breathing fresh oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide, so no Christian can survive without prayer. The late Martin Luther succinctly put it this way, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

Prayer is necessary because God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ into the world to tear down the barrier that exists between us and God — a barrier caused by our sin. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection for us, the Bible says we now have direct and unimpeded access into His presence, “we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:2).

Prayer is necessary because the Creator wants to have a relationship with His creatures. It is not all about our needs being met, but God revealing Himself to man. After all He is our Creator and Father. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father, who art in heaven…”

We have selfishly altered the purpose of prayer to the point that we think that prayer is all about us, and less about God. Prayer is not only about our needs, but also about God and knowing Him as a Father. This is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father, who Art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is…” God wants us to experience Him as a Father, and to know His will. Once we know and acknowledge God as a Father, then He will take care of our needs.

Prayer is necessary because of intimacy with the Father. Not many know that God’s heart throbs to have His children come close to Him. God desires that we His children know Him as a Father and that we enjoy His presence and love. When Jesus went to the house of Mary and Martha in Bethany, while Martha complained to Jesus that Mary would not assist her to serve Jesus, what response did she get? “And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”” The Father craves for His children to regularly come into His presence and be with Him (Luke 10:41-42; Mk.3:14 NKJV).

Prayer is necessary because God wants to hear our heart cry to Him. He wants to hear the cry of sonship, “Abba, Father.” Our heart cry is an indication of our dependence on Him. Our helplessness drives us into the arms of a loving Father. Prayer shows how dependent we are on God and how badly we need His help. He is our divine helper in times of need.

Prayer is necessary so that we can know the will of God for our lives and for His kingdom. God is particular about His will and purpose being done on the earth. Prayer is all about worshiping the Creator and seeking for His will and purpose to be known or done on the earth as it is in heaven. As the Psalmist once declared, “God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us, that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations” (Psalms 67:1-2 NKJV). CONTACT:pastoracukachi@gmail.com

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