Biblical Answer

The Role of Prayer in Christian Life

The Purpose of Prayer

Prayer is the link with the Eternal by which man can come to the throne of grace in the power of the Holy Spirit and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). The purpose of prayer is not just to get things for ourselves, but to nourish the life of God in us. It is a direct personal request to God for His intervention, whether it be for healing, raising the dead, or simply asking for grace and strength to live our separate lives (Philippians 4:6-7).

The Importance of Prayer

Prayer is essential to the Christian life. There is no faith without prayer. To be a strong Christian, we must be strong pray-ers. Paul urges us to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This puts prayer on a far higher plane than mere intercession. We should pray for physical health, well-being, social relationships, and spiritual growth, but also for the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual lives in the light of eternity. Prayer helps us to regain the proper priorities, discern biblical wisdom, and make right judgments.

The Nature of Prayer

Prayer is not just about getting things for ourselves, but about creating in ourselves a right attitude with respect to God's will. Jesus taught his disciples and us to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, proceeding from faith in Christ, prayer that gives expression to a unity with all that Christ stands for, prayer which seeks to set forward Christ himself. And the purpose of it all is the glory of God (The Gospel According to John, p. 646). Prayer is a direct personal request to God, expressing a fundamental trust that God will indeed answer the prayer, in spite of our acknowledgment of sin. It speaks of an eagerness to learn and grow in our faith, to be more like Christ, and to bring glory to God.