Why do we pray?
Think about that question for a moment…
Our world is constructed on convenience…prayer is not convenient.
Our world never stops…prayer requires stopping.
Our world markets us life change through momentous occasions, commercial transactions, and ambition…prayer is often unremarkable, subtle, free, and requires giving up ambition.
Our world drives on success…prayer doesn’t often seem successful in our estimation.
Our world thrives on efficiency…prayer isn’t efficient.
With these points in mind, it is a fair question to ask “Why do we pray?”
The ancient writer John Chrysostom answers that question this way:
Prayer and communion with God is a supreme good: it is a partnership and union with God. Just as the eyes of the body are enlightened when they see light, our spirit is lit up by his infinite light when it is intent on God. I do not mean rote prayers said without thinking, but prayer from the heart, not confined to a schedule, but continous throughout the day and night…
Prayer casts light on our spirit, gives true knowledge of God, and mediates between God and people. Prayer raises the spirit up to heaven, where it tenderly clings to God and cries for the milk that only God can provide. Prayer turns to God for its satisfaction and receives better gifts than anything the world can offer. (From Awakening Faith by James Stuart Bell and Patrick Kelly)
So why do we pray?
We pray because it is our doorway into reality with God.
We pray because it is spiritual food for our destitute souls.
We pray because it provides a filling nothing in this world can offer.
We pray because it is inconvenient, slow, inefficient, and requires giving up the self.
We pray because it brings us the joy, consolation, and transformation we need.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12.12 (ESV)
May you find filling from the spiritual food of prayer today.
Grace and Peace in Christ,
Matthew Miller