Why pray? Some say, “I just do not feel like praying.” Well, the Scriptures command us to pray whether we feel like it or not. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6). Simply “Let your requests be known” whether you feel like it or not. Unsaid requests are never made known. Prayer pleases God. Prayer is not only expected, but it is essential. Has God answered prayers? Yes! Then keep praying. Do you have unanswered prayers? Yes! Then keep praying.
John Rice said, “In Heaven you may see a large room with many gifts. Then you notice your name on many gifts. You ask, “Why didn’t I receive my gifts?” The angel could respond, “You did not ask.” “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2). You receive because you ask! (Matt. 7:7). It is God’s desire that we ask until we receive, we seek until we find, and we knock until the door is opened (Matt. 7:7). Prayer is a powerful force to God who is able to respond to your needs. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20).
God is always only a prayer away. God answers all prayers with either “Yes,” “No,” “Not now,” or “You must be kidding.” Also we must let our requests be made known on behalf of others whether they know it or not. You may be the only one praying for them. Prayer can go where we cannot go. Prayer can do what we cannot do. Others pray to gods with mouths, that speak not: eyes that see not: ears that hear not (Psa. 115:6). But we have an Almighty loving God who can see, hear, speak, and answer our prayers.
We must pray! Also, it seems there is more power when more pray. Let your requests be made known unto the church (James 5:14) and others (James 5:16). Pray with two or three and agree together for certain needs (Matt.18:19-20). Pray private (closet) prayers, public (church) prayers, and partner prayers (confidentially). Consider the alternative that you will have not because you ask not. Unsaid prayers are unheard. The greatest enemy of prayer is silence. So when you do not feel like praying – pray. When you doubt – pray. When you have lost hope – pray. Keep on praying! You will never regret praying, but you can regret not praying. Simply pray and “Let your requests be made known unto God.” You could soon receive your unopened gift! So don’t just stand there, pray something.
