Prayer Brings Us Closer to God

Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:18 (MEV)

"If God knows my needs long before I identify them myself, why do I need to pray?" This is a question many Christians ask themselves when attempting to grasp the concept of God’s omniscience. To this, I would reply that most mothers know when their baby needs to eat; they do not wait to hear the baby cry before preparing its food. Nevertheless, their little child’s crying creates a sense of urgency within them. It also enables them to identify the child’s other needs and draws them closer to the child.

The same applies to God. He knows all our needs; yet, the very act of praying at all times demonstrates that we depend entirely on Him and that we place the utmost importance on our relationship with Him. One who prays constantly develops an attitude of prayer and can no longer do without it, for communicating with God becomes the very meaning of their existence. To pray in the Spirit is to pray in conformity with God’s will—with the Holy Spirit revealing to us what we should say. Paul does not simply ask us to pray at all times; he also asks us to offer every kind of prayer.

Often, we choose the specific type of prayer we wish to address to God, thinking we can enter His presence with prayers focused solely on our problems, while neglecting those matters that cause us no distress. This is a fundamental error on our part. God desires to hear you tell Him how you feel, even when you are filled with joy. However, when adversity assails you and you pray without receiving a response from Him, giving up is not the best solution; for often, God takes His time to answer us—either because He desires to see our faith grow, or because He wants us to devote more time to Him. Prayer is not a means of complaining, but rather a means of drawing closer to God.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.