Why pray?

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

“Why should I pray if God already knows, and if He will only do His will if I pray contrary to His will?”

There are three simple answers to these two objections to prayer:

First, the leading reason to pray is because God’s Word teaches and even commands us to pray (Luke 18:1). If there were no other reason than this would this not be enough!?

Second, prayer is not a way to change God’s will. It is a way to change our wills to be like His will. Yes, God only does what is right (His perfect will in a given situation). Therefore, it is on us to discern God’s will before asking. We do this by knowing the vast amount of His will that He has already revealed. It is in the Bible! As we know God’s will, as revealed in the Bible, we are to pray according to His will—knowing that He hears and will answer (1 John 5:14-15).

When we are not sure of His will, we should pray according what we think is God’s will, confessing that we are not sure, and praying, ”Thy will be done!” (Matthew 6:10, 26:39).

Third, God does not need our prayers. He needs nothing from us! But by calling us to pray and by answering our prayers (that are according to His will), He graciously affords us the opportunity, the privilege, and the honor to be included in the accomplishment of His perfect will.

Yes God knows everything. We inform Him of nothing no matter how we pray. But by praying we obey His command, we conform our wills to His, and we get to play a role in the accomplishment of His will. So, let us pray!