Biblical Answer

The Purpose of Prayer

The Bible teaches us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and Jesus often prayed to His Father for strength to meet the daily challenges of life. Prayer is not about trying to manipulate God into doing what we want, but rather about building an intimate relationship with Him. When we pray, we are not just asking for things, we are also aligning ourselves with God's holy will and seeking to understand His plans for our lives. Prayer can be a means of discerning God's will, and sometimes we need to be still and listen to Him.

Why God Doesn't Always Answer Our Prayers

When we pray, we may not always receive the answer we want. This can lead us to question whether God is truly in control or if He is indifferent to our needs. However, the Bible teaches us that God is not a God of egotism, but rather a God who wants to reward our faith in His righteous judgments (Matthew 7:7-11). Sometimes, we don't receive the things we ask for because we don't ask for them (James 4:2). This doesn't mean that God is not listening or that He doesn't care, but rather that we need to have faith and trust in His Word.

The Value of Prayer

Prayer is not about getting answers from God, but about having perfect and complete oneness with Him. When we pray, we are not just asking for things, we are also seeking to deepen our relationship with God. Even if we don't receive the answer we want, the most important reason for prayer remains: maintaining an ongoing conversation and building an intimate relationship with God. This is why the Bible teaches us to pray without ceasing, and why Jesus prayed to His Father throughout His life. Prayer is not a means to an end, but an end in itself – a way to experience the love and presence of God in our lives.