Greetings Church Family!
One of my passions is prayer, a subject that may resonate with you, too. Why do we pray? Prayer transcends mere words spoken into the void; it serves as the vital connection between the human heart and the heart of God. In a world filled with noise, pressure, and uncertainty, prayer offers a sacred space where we can pause, listen, and realign our lives with God’s will. Through prayer, we discover strength in our moments of weakness, find peace amid turmoil, and receive guidance when the path ahead is unclear.
Prayer is not merely a response to crises; instead, it is meant to be the consistent rhythm of a faithful life. Prayer deepens our relationship with God, shapes our character, and opens our eyes to His purposes. In our conversations with God, we are not informing Him of our needs—He already knows them—but rather expressing our trust, surrender, and dependence on Him. As we explore the significance of prayer today, we will discover that while it can change our circumstances, it transforms us even more profoundly. Prayer draws us closer to God, anchors us in faith, and empowers us to navigate life with hope, courage, and love, regardless of the season we are in.
Why God Wants Us to Pray
The act of prayer is not driven by a lack of information or power on God’s part; instead, it invites a deeper relational dynamic. Prayer is fundamental to nurturing relationships, facilitating personal transformation, and advancing a collective mission. Viewing prayer through this lens reveals it as a vital practice that enhances spiritual growth and fosters communal engagement. It is essential to remember that God desires a relationship with us, not mere ritual. Thus, prayer becomes His chosen means of cultivating intimacy with His children. Just as relationships flourish through communication, our connection with God deepens when we converse with Him consistently and honestly. Prayer also transitions our faith from theory to lived experience, moving us from merely knowing about God to truly walking with Him.
In a culture that emphasizes independence and self-reliance, prayer guides us to seek God’s wisdom, strength, and provision daily. Throughout my life, I have come to understand that prayer is not about molding God’s will to match my desires; rather, it is about aligning my heart with His purposes. There have been moments when I prayed and waited, only to find that the answer I received did not align with my expectations. Recently, I encountered such a situation. When the response came, I felt disappointed. However, I quickly reminded myself that God knows what is truly best for me. Indeed, He possesses a deep understanding of what is good for all of us, which is why we must continue to trust Him, regardless of our circumstances.
Friends, before we make any decisions regarding family, ministry, finances, or career, we should take a moment to pray, not only asking ourselves, “What do I want?” but also, “Lord, what is Your desire?” God has chosen prayer as the means through which He releases power, guidance, comfort, and transformation. Additionally, prayer strengthens our faith, invites divine intervention, and equips us for spiritual battles. We must engage in prayer not only privately but also corporately, understanding that it fuels revival, unity, and spiritual growth within the church. May God help us to spend more time with Him in prayer throughout 2026 and beyond.
Have a happy and blessed New Year!
Dr. Pastor Evadne Henry