I pray
because I believe God listens.
"Now
this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything
according to His will, He hears us."
(1
John 5:14)
I pray
because God has told me that He cares and is able to help.
"Casting
all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
(1
Peter 5:7; see also Luke 12:6-7; Hebrews 4:16)
I pray
because my Savior said I ought to pray.
"Then
He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose
heart."
(Luke
18:1)
I pray
because I'm thankful for all the good things God has given.
"Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
(Philippians 4:6; see also, Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
I pray
because I need pardon.
"My
little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. And
if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous."
(1
John 2:1; see also Acts 8:22 & Psalm 51:1-9)
I pray
because I adore and love my Father.
"In
this manner, therefore, pray: 'Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your
name.'"
(Matthew 6:9)
I pray
because I've read so many accounts of people who prayed to God with
great results. "Elijah
was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would
not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six
months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth
produced its fruit."
(James
5:17-18) "The
effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
(James
5:16)
I pray
because of Paul's exhortation.
"Therefore
I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and
giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in
authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Savior."
(1
Timothy 2:1-4)
I pray
because I believe God has the ability to grant even more than I'm able
to think and ask.
"For
this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; from
whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant
you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might
through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your
hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may
be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length
and depth and height; to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is
able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church
by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
(Ephesians 3:14-21)
Other Articles by Warren E. Berkley
The Traditional Party Line
A Warning to Preachers: Comments on Culture
Preaching and Crisis Preaching
God Said Sing