And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. Matthew 6:7, 8.
Dear Lord, You are such a personal and loving Heavenly Father, that even though nothing is hidden from You, You encourage us to tell You everything so that we can keep in touch! Thank You for so much love! May we learn to appreciate it as we ought. We are grateful to You for everything You do in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Have you, or anyone you know, ever asked the question: “If God knows everything, why do we have to pray?” And to some extent this could be considered a valid question. I have never looked at prayer in this way, perhaps because I do not know what life would be like without prayer.
Regarding the warning against vain repetitions, if we are consciously talking to God it is not likely that we would be repeating ourselves! This is not the norm in a conversation with someone we love. If we should find ourselves repeating phrases that mean nothing to us, let us ask for the help of the Holy Spirit as we pray (Romans 8:26)
Prayer is not only about asking, or interceding, or confessing, or complaining, or even giving thanks. I consider it an ongoing conversation with my best Friend! Perhaps that is why I am somewhat reluctant to accept a prescribed position when praying.
Kneeling is absolutely fine for me, as I delight in kneeling before my King. I oftentimes ask God to rest His hand on my head and bless me, while I kneel in His Presence!
To pray standing, or lying down, or while I am walking, or while I am occupied doing most things, is also fine with me, because I am in constant need of guidance, and I just love to feel Abba near to me!
But getting back to the question “If God knows everything even before we ask, why is it important that we pray?”
1) Because God desires to have a relationship with us, and communication is a vital component of every good relationship. Prayer is communicating with God.
2) Because prayer reminds us of our dependence on God.
3) Because prayer brings us into an atmosphere of heaven (Psalm 16:11).
4) Because prayer changes us (enables, empowers, humbles, heals).
5) Because PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!
I have mentioned only five reasons, but the list is endless. Let us keep on praying. God will reveal to us the reason for our prayers, and the difference our prayers are making.