Why We Pray
An Invitation, Not an Obligation
Over the past several months, I’ve felt a deep and growing pull toward prayer—not just for myself, but for us as a church family. I’ve felt the invitation to pray for one another, for our community, and for the world.
One verse has returned to my heart again and again, like a steady drumbeat:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
— 2 Chronicles 7:14
This was originally spoken to Israel during a time of celebration, just after Solomon had dedicated the temple. Things were good for the nation, but God reminded them to remain faithful. If they wandered, He would welcome them back.
While this isn’t necessarily a direct promise to the church today, the principles feel timeless: humility, repentance, seeking God’s face, and trusting Him to hear, forgive, and heal. In a world filled with confusion, anger, and hopelessness, that same invitation still stands for us: If my people will pray…
Prayer as Relationship, Not Ritual
When you hear the word “prayer,” what comes to mind? For some, it’s a bedtime ritual from childhood. I remember my mother teaching me a simple prayer before bed:
“Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep…”
That prayer has been whispered by children for centuries, in various forms, as a simple act of trust: Lord, watch over me while I sleep.
And really—that’s what prayer is. Not complicated formulas. Not magic words. Just trust. Just relationship.
But if God already knows everything—our thoughts, needs, and desires—why pray? Because prayer isn’t about informing God; it’s about connecting with Him. It’s about relationship and conversation. Prayer changes us before it changes our circumstances.
God Has Invited Us
From Genesis to Revelation, God invites His people into conversation.
- “Call to me and I will answer you…” (Jeremiah 33:3)
- “Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7)
- “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8)
Prayer is not a human invention—it’s a divine invitation. We don’t have to climb up to God; He has already drawn near to us.
The Purpose of Prayer
Yes, God tells us to bring Him our needs, fears, and desires. But prayer isn’t a vending machine where the right words get the right results. It’s not a formula to manipulate God into acting on our behalf.
Instead, prayer is the place where our hearts are softened, our perspective is shifted, and our trust is strengthened. Paul’s experience with his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7–10) reminds us that sometimes God’s answer isn’t “Yes, I’ll remove it,” but “My grace is enough.” Prayer steadies us in the storm, even when the storm doesn’t pass.
A Simple Challenge for This Week
If prayer feels overwhelming, start small. Five minutes over coffee in the morning. Ten minutes before bed. Speak honestly to God, and then take time to listen.
And if you’re looking for a practical way to step in, join us for pre-service prayer on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. We gather with the worship team, kids’ ministry, and host team to pray for about 15 minutes before service begins. It’s one way we can live out our desire to be a church that prays.
This week, will you take the invitation? Will you draw near to God, trusting that He will draw near to you?
Because prayer isn’t just part of the Christian life—it is the breath of it. And God is already leaning toward you, ready to listen.