Purpose of Prayer
Introduction
What is our purpose when we pray? Is it simply to ask God for the things that we need? Is it just to intercede for the needs of others? If we don’t understand the real purpose of prayer, we will either do it or not do it for the wrong reasons. If we’re doing it for the wrong reasons, we will become self-righteous. If we’re not doing it for the wrong reasons, we will only feel guilty and ashamed. Either way, we are missing out on the true purpose of prayer.
Three-in-One Purpose of Prayer
- To be with Jesus. (John 15:1-4) – Our salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not by our human effort. Only by believing in Jesus can we become righteous before God. He is the true vine and we are just the branches. We can only experience salvation by remaining in a trusting relationship with Him each and every day of our lives. Prayer is the primary way we do this. We pray in order to be with Jesus.
- To become like Jesus. (John 15:5-8) – By being with Jesus we become like Jesus. Our transformation is only through the Holy Spirit. It’s not by trying hard to be a good person. It is through the guidance of His Holy Spirit within us that we become like Him. We can only be led by the Holy Spirit by opening our hearts to Him in prayer. In prayer, we receive the grace we need to become like Jesus.
- To represent Jesus. (John 15:9-17) – As we become like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, we understand better His heart for us and for the world. We become the instruments of His grace in this dark world. We are able to represent Him. His love guides us and motivates us to love others as well. We pray to know more of His will and to obey it in our world.
Conclusion
- Main Idea: “Prayer will only be misused unless it’s about Jesus.”
- We don’t use prayer to get what we want from God or to get God to do something for us.
- We pray to be with Jesus, to become like Him, and to represent Him in the world.
Discussion
- What are the usual reasons why people pray?
- What have you realized about the three-in-one purpose of prayer?
- How will you now apply this in your prayer life?