If God already knows everything…
If he is sovereign and in control…
If he is going to accomplish his purposes anyway…
Why should I pray?
It’s a fair question. And an important one.
The short answer is this:
We pray because God invites us to – and because prayer changes things.
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If you’re new to the topic of prayer, you may want to begin with my complete overview of the spiritual discipline of prayer. But here, we’re going to go deeper into WHY we should pray…
1. Because the Bible tells us to
The Bible doesn’t just mention prayer occasionally – prayer is woven throughout the Bible. In fact, prayer is mentioned or modelled in almost every book of the Bible, with over 650 specific prayers or references to prayer occurring from Genesis to Revelation.
In many places in the Bible we are explicitly told to pray:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)
And the Bible is full of examples of faithful prayer:
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. (Luke 5:16)
Daniel prayed three times a day, even when it was risky. (Daniel 6:10)
Many of David’s prayers are recorded in the Psalms.
Elijah prayed for both a drought and rain, and even called down fire from Heaven. (1 Kings 18)
Paul frequently opened his letters with prayers for the recipients. (Ephesians 1:16-19)
Moses often interceded on behalf of the Israelites. (Exodus 32:11-14)
And Jonah even prayed from inside the fish’s belly! (Jonah 2:1)
Prayer isn’t an optional extra for super-spiritual Christians. It is an expected part of normal Christian life.
2. Because we get to participate in God’s work
But prayer isn’t just something we SHOULD do – it’s something we GET to do.
Prayer isn’t just a duty – it’s a privilege. And an exciting one at that!
When you stop and think about it, it’s astonishing: the all-powerful Creator of the Universe invites US to speak with him – and somehow, in his wisdom, chooses to work through OUR prayers.
The Bible shows again and again that when God’s people pray, things happen:
When King Hezekiah was ill, he prayed for healing, and God granted him 15 more years of life. (2 Kings 20)
Elijah prayed for a widow’s son to live, and God restored the child’s life. (1 Kings 17.17-24)
The early church prays and Peter is miraculously freed from prison. (Acts 12:5–11)
Hannah prayed desperately for a son, promising to dedicate him to God, and God answered by giving her Samuel. (1 Samuel 1:9-28)
Moses prayed for the people after the golden calf incident, and God relented from destroying them. (Exodus 32:1-14)
Gideon asked for signs to confirm God’s will, and God provided them. (Judges 6:33-40)
Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened to see the spiritual army, and God opened them. (2 Kings 6:17-20)
This is one of the great mysteries of prayer.
God is sovereign. He is fully capable of acting without us.
And yet, throughout the Bible, we see that he has chosen to involve his people in his purposes. He has chosen to work through the prayers of his people.
That alone should fill us with awe.
It’s not just “I should pray.”
It’s “I get to pray.”
3. Because prayer draws us closer to God
In any relationship, closeness grows through time spent together. The more we spend time with someone, the deeper our trust and understanding becomes.
The same is true in our relationship with God.
When we spend time in God’s presence, we learn to recognise his voice, trust his character, and rest in his care.
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” – James 4:8 (NIV)
Prayer cultivates closeness. It keeps us attentive to his presence. And it reminds us that we are not walking through life alone.
4. Because prayer changes our perspective
The Psalms are full of this pattern. David often begins in distress – pursued by enemies, overwhelmed by fear, surrounded by trouble. Yet as he cries out to God, something shifts.
For example, in Psalm 13, David begins:
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” – Psalm 13:1 (NIV)
But he ends with:
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” – Psalm 13:5–6 (NIV)
His situation hasn’t changed. But his perspective has.
Prayer lifts our eyes.
It reminds us that God is bigger than our problems.
It anchors us in truth when emotions feel overwhelming.
It reorients our hearts toward trust.
Very often, prayer doesn’t immediately change the situation – but it changes how we see it. And that makes all the difference.
5. Because prayer changes us
Prayer doesn’t only change our circumstances and our perspective – it changes US.
Over time, as we practise prayer consistently, prayer shapes our character.
We learn to trust God rather than rely on our own strength.
We grow in humility and dependence.
We become less anxious and more peaceful. Paul writes:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)
Prayer also brings wisdom:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5 (NIV)
And it strengthens our resilience during difficult seasons.
Prayer won’t remove every trial – but it roots us deeply enough to endure them and see what God is teaching us through them.
6. Because our loving Heavenly Father longs to talk with us
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with:
“Our Father…” – Matthew 6:9 (NIV)
That opening line changes everything.
Prayer is not speaking into the void.
It is speaking to our Heavenly Father who knows us, loves us and longs to be in relationship with us.
Prayer reminds us of our identity as children welcomed into God’s presence.
So… Why should you pray?
Because the Bible tells you to.
Because you get to participate in God’s work.
Because prayer deepens your relationship with God.
Because prayer changes your perspective.
Because prayer transforms you.
Because your loving Heavenly Father longs to talk with you.
And perhaps most simply:
Because this is how life with God is meant to be lived.
Your next step: The 30 Day Prayer Challenge
If you want help building a consistent prayer habit, I invite you to join the 30 Day Prayer Challenge.
Each day includes:
- A short Scripture passage to read
- A brief teaching on the passage
- A guided prayer activity
- A short prayer-related challenge to do at another point in the day
- Reflection questions to help you track your growth
In just 30 days, you’ll begin to build a foundation for a steady, sustainable prayer life.
Join the 30 Day Prayer Challenge
Recommended books on prayer
- How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People – Pete Greig
- Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools – Tyler Staton
- Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God – Timothy Keller
READ MORE >>> Recommended books on prayer
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