Bible Reading: Matthew 6:9-13 & James 4:8
Reason #2: God wants us to pray. That is how we talk to God and how He talks to us.
We started this series with 2 Thessalonians 5:17 which says, “Pray continually.” That verse is written as an imperative sentence. It is not a question nor is it a suggestion. It is an emphatic command. God doesn’t ask us to pray, He tells us to pray. It is His desire that we take time to communicate with Him.
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” God wants us to come near to Him through prayer.
God created us to be with Him. God enjoys our company and our presence. He wants us to come to Him with our stories, our joys and sorrows, and our wants and needs. God wants to interact with us, to talk to us, and to listen to us talk to Him, just as parents enjoy being with their children, telling their children stories about their childhood, and listening to their children relate tales of their day at school or play.
God wants us to pray so much that Jesus held a special “Prayer Class” when He taught the disciples, and us, how to pray and given them a pattern to follow. This pattern is found in Matthew 6:9-13. It is often called “The Lord’s Prayer.” I encourage you to read and study it. Learn how God wants you to pray so you can come near to God through prayer.
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the ability to come near to You through prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.