by Warren Berkley
I pray because I believe God listens.
This is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14)
I pray because God has told me that He cares and is able to help.
…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Pet 5:7)
I pray because I lack wisdom.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)
I pray because my Savior said I ought to pray.
Jesus told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)
I pray because I’m thankful for all the good things God has given.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phil 4:6)
I pray because I need pardon.
I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (1 John 2:1)
I pray because I adore and love my Father.
“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…’” (Matt 6:9)
I pray because I’ve read so many accounts of people who prayed to God with great results.
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. (James 5:16-18)
I pray because of Paul’s exhortation.
I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Tim 2:1-2)
I pray because I believe my Father in heaven is immeasurable in his ability and perfection.
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father… him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us… (Eph 3:14, 20-21)