Biblical Answer

The question "What's the point of praying when it doesn't help?" can be a puzzling one for many Christians. On the surface, it may seem that prayer is a futile exercise, especially when it doesn't seem to bring about the desired outcome. However, this perspective neglects the fundamental nature and purpose of prayer. Prayer is not merely a means of getting what we want from God, but rather a means of establishing a deeper relationship with Him and aligning ourselves with His will. When we pray, we are not simply making requests, but rather seeking to understand and submit to God's plan for our lives.

This understanding of prayer is rooted in the biblical concept of prayer as a means of communion with God. The Bible teaches that prayer is a two-way conversation, where we come to God in faith and He responds with guidance, comfort, and strength. While it's true that we may not always receive the answers we want, prayer is not about getting what we want from God, but rather about becoming what we need to be in Him. As the Bible says, "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans" (Romans 8:26). This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer, who helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us when we don't know what to pray.

In this sense, the effectiveness of prayer is not measured by the outcome, but rather by the depth of our relationship with God. When we pray, we are not just asking for things, but rather seeking to understand and submit to God's will. This is why the Bible encourages us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), not because we will always get what we want, but because we will always be drawn closer to God. So, the point of praying when it doesn't help is not to get what we want, but to become what we need to be in Him - a person who is submitted to God's will and guided by the Holy Spirit. This is the true purpose and benefit of prayer, and it is one that we can experience every time we pray, regardless of the outcome.