Why Pray?

By Daniel Henderson

I have heard it said that nothing is dynamic until it is specific. To say that the power and potential of prayer is dynamic is an understatement, tantamount to saying the sun is bright and hot. Yet, specificity fuels deeper appreciation. Counting the many blessings and benefits of prayer can ignite fresh vision and passion for what Christ can do in us, for us, and through us when we seriously embrace its power. Let’s take a moment to consider the privileges, explore the possibilities, and imagine the provision available to us because of God’s gift of prayer to our hearts.

Prayer Has its Privileges

Consider the privileges available to us in prayer:

• In prayer, we experience the most intimate and powerful spiritual exercise known to humanity. (Psalm 131; Romans 8:14; Galatians 4:6)

• In prayer, we talk freely about our secret struggles, frustrated feelings, and our murky motives with words that are raw and unfiltered—yet understood by an all-knowing, all-powerful God. (Psalm 62:8; Hebrews 4:16)

• In prayer, we find protection when we are vulnerable and experience security when we are unsure. (Psalm 34:4; 56:3; 2 Corinthians 1:8–11)

• In prayer, we accept our weaknesses, surrender our rights, and ask for help from the only One who can create permanent change. (Psalm 40:17; 2 Chronicles 20:12; Luke 22:42; 2 Corinthians 12: 8–10)

• In prayer, we abide, through intimate connection, in the life-giving power of the risen Christ. (John 15: 4–5; Ephesians 3:16–19; Colossians 1:9–10).

• In prayer, we trade in our anxieties for the peace that passes all understanding. (Psalm 29:11; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6–7)

• In prayer, we receive wisdom for the perplexities and doubts we face. (2 Chronicles 1:10; Proverbs 2:3–6; James 1:5)

• In prayer, we cast our burdens on the One who has the power to work all things out for our good and His glory. (Psalm 55:22; Romans 8:26–28; 1 Peter 5:7)

• In prayer, desperate and lost people receive mercy and grace that saves and transforms. (Luke 18:13; Romans 10:13)

• In prayer, faith grows and God’s people arise to call on Him boldly for miraculous exploits from His hand. (Jeremiah 33:3; Mark 9:23&24, 11:23 & 24; Acts 12:5–8)

• In prayer, we receive grace to become like Christ, even when the problems persist and the burdens remain. (2 Corinthians 3:18; 12:9 & 10)

• In prayer, we find the power and perseverance to defeat Satan and overcome His schemes. (Luke 22:32; Ephesians 6:18; James 4:7)

• In prayer, we discover the beauty and power of intimacy and satisfaction in God. (Psalm 27:4 & 8; 73:25–26)

Explore the Possibilities

Consider the possibilities available through prayer:

• In prayer, believers discover a level of trust and unity of heart that is truly supernatural, given our many differences in perspective and personality. (Acts 1:14; 13:1 & 2)

• In prayer, families receive grace, health, and persevering love to sacrifice and stay together. (Psalm 127; Acts 16:31–34)

• In prayer, God prompts, prepares, and propels Christians to become actively engaged in His evangelistic mission in this world. (Matthew 9:38; Acts 4:31, 13:1–3)

• In prayer, leaders receive supernatural insight into the truth of God’s Word and wisdom for shepherding His people. (Acts 6:2–4; Acts 13:1 &2)

• In prayer, major revivals have been birthed, leading to dramatic and lasting transformation of lives, churches, communities, and nations. (Acts 6:7)

• In prayer, we receive boldness, wisdom, and opportunities to share the truth of the Gospel. (Colossians 4:3 &4; Ephesians 6:18–20).

• In prayer, God works powerfully to bring glory to Himself, not through human efforts but through humble dependence. (2 Chronicles 20:18–23; John 17; 2 Corinthians 1:11)

Provision Beyond Imagination

Consider the provision God has made for us to pray:

• For prayer, Christ went to the cross, offering His life and blood, demonstrating the price that was paid for the privilege of prayer. (Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 10:12–14)

• For prayer, the temple veil was miraculously torn in two to demonstrate the availability of the presence and power of God through the finished work of Christ. (Matthew 27:50–51; Hebrews 6:19–20; 10:19–22)

• For prayer, sinful hearts are cleansed and become permanent temples of His Spirit, who teaches and guides us to deeper intimacy and greater power. (Romans 8:15–17; 26–27; 1 Corinthians 2:9–12)

• For prayer, Jesus now lives, making perpetual intercession for us before the Father, as our sympathetic high-priest, that our prayers might be heard and answered. (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1–2)

• For prayer, the very holy of holies is now open 24/7 with a welcome sign that says to every true believer, “Enter boldly!” (Hebrews 4:14–16; 10:19–22)

This devotion is taken from Transforming Prayer – How Everything Changes When You Seek God’s Face by Daniel Henderson (Bethany House) – Appendix 1 – The Privileges, Possibilities, and Provision Related to Prayer (Pgs. 207-210)