Do we need to pray without ceasing? Let’s be careful how we understand this question, but it does not change the truth of God’s word. Prayer itself does not bring salvation. Salvation is by the grace of God in Faith in Jesus Christ.
Why, then, should we pray?
Prayer is not to furnish God with new knowledge. He knows our needs. We pray to pour our hearts out to God, confess our sins, beg for forgiveness, and make requests for ourselves and others. Does He hear all of our prayers? 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 ” and My people who are called by My name 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. 15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.”
How to pray effectively
“Prayer becomes effective only as the truth of the Scriptures shapes it. The Holy Spirit takes the Word and enables believers to pray by God’s will.” anonymous.
James 4:2-3 “2 … You do not have to because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures.” How often do we pray for something without expectation or confidence that it will come to pass? Our confidence in prayer is directly proportional to our faith (trust).
Prayer is effective because God has chosen to use it to accomplish His purposes. Therefore, it is essential to know how to pray correctly. Prayer should include adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (asking for something earnestly). We should not pray in a manner that does not glorify God. This is why knowing His Word and being directed by His Spirit when we come before His throne is essential.
How does prayer complement faith?
Prayer and Faith are not separated but complementary. They are two sides of the same coin.
Do we have so much faith in Christ that we boldly ask for what we want? Read Matthew 8:5-10. How much faith did the centurion have? We need that boldness as well. Faith, at its core, is trust! Do you trust the word of God, Christ, as your personal Savior, God the creator of all, the power of the Holy Spirit?
Can prayer change the world?
Yes, without question! James 5:17-18 “…A prayer of a righteous person, when brought about, can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”