Discover the power and importance of prayer in Christian life. Learn how prayer can strengthen your relationship with God.

Prayer is one of the most important things for believers in God; since praying is talking to God, it is an action that communicates faith and opens the heart to the blessings of the Lord.

However, why is it important to pray? Prayer is an indispensable part of Christian life; it is a form of worship and a channel to communicate a message to God.

For Christians, it is necessary to always pray; not only when you have a request to God, you should talk to him as a son who normally talks to his father.

Importance of prayer

In almost all books of the Holy Scriptures, there are people who trusted God and opened their hearts using prayer.

Jesus also taught his disciples about prayer, and many times he himself prayed to God to worship and glorify him.

The Bible says that Jesus wanted them to learn to pray correctly (Matthew 6:9-13) because he knew the power and importance of prayer, and therefore he transmitted to his disciples the desire to pray.

The Christian writer and preacher O.S. Hawkins remarked in an interview with BibleGateway:

It is remarkable that Scripture records only one thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them. They did not ask how to heal the sick or to multiply loaves and fish–they did not even ask him to teach them how to turn water into wine! They simply asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” This should make our ears perk. Jesus has performed great miracles, taught with authority; the disciples apparently recognized that prayer-communion with the Father-was key to Jesus’ ministry. Said O.S. Hawkins.

On Mark 11:24, Jesus also says that we must open our hearts and believe that we will receive what we prayed for.

That is why I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24

That is why it is important to pray correctly because when you pray, you have to believe that God will supply the request of your heart. God answers your prayer even if it takes time.

Prayer benefits: Why is it important to communicate with God through prayer?

Prayer for Christians is often the solution to problems; on countless occasions, prayer serves as a refuge from life problems.

Helps to clear the mind and face problems.

God’s children go through trials and challenges, but prayer is a channel through which Christians can communicate their concerns to God.

In the Bible, Jesus said that in the world there would be problems, but that we should get up and cheer up because he overcame the world (John 16:33) and it is a promise of God to help his children when they need it most.

“I have told you this so that through me, you may have peace. In the world you’ll have trouble, but be courageous—I’ve overcome the world!”

John 16:33

Similarly, whenever one prays for someone else, it is an invitation from God to participate in that person’s life and have his or her will fulfill; prayer should always be for oneself as well as for others.

Helps to face temptation.

Temptation is present every day in a Christian’s life because, although the spirit is willing to serve God, the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41).

“All of you must stay awake and pray that you won’t be tempted. The spirit is indeed willing, but the body is weak.”

Matthew 26:41

God’s children can even yield to temptation on numerous occasions, thus generating a feeling of disappointment with himself.

However, we must remember that prayer is like a shield that protects Christians from temptation in order to overcome it and avoid sin.

Paul spoke about how to face temptations, putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-13) in order to be able to stand; it must be done by praying.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, relying on his mighty strength. 11 Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the Devil’s strategies. 12 For our struggle is not against human opponents, but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm. 13 For this reason, take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand whenever evil comes. And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:10-13

Prayer should always go before any action: going to work, appointments, events, and schools, since prayer strengthens the spirit of facing problems.

Prayer is a test of faith in God.

Prayers should be present on every occasion, since praying obeys God’s command to pray for all people in any environment or around the world (Ephesians 6:18).

 Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and request. Likewise, be alert with your most diligent efforts and pray for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:18

Praying is part of obedience to God, since at the moment of prayer, the heart goes to God to transmit the needs; there are many people who cannot pray for themselves, and that is when intercession comes, when a Christian prays for his neighbor.

Daniel knew the importance of prayer, so much so that he even went against the king’s commandment not to pray to any being other than royalty.

Daniel cried to God (Daniel 6:11) and God sent his angel to take care of him. God came to the rescue of his son, who had asked for help.

The conspirators then went as a group and found Daniel praying and seeking help before his God.

Daniel 6:11

Prayers are the main way to communicate with God

Prayer is talking to God; it is the way to build a relationship with the Lord; communication is important to grow as Christians do.

Thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice of the cross, human beings are allowed to approach God’s throne of grace to receive mercy in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

So let us keep on coming boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

One can talk to God at any time and in any place, so much so that one only needs to open one’s heart and have faith that God will hear one’s prayers with love and grace.

Through prayer we gain wisdom

Through prayer, God transmits his wisdom, which is very different from the wisdom of the world, since it comes from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13).

We don’t speak about these things with words taught us by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual things to spiritual people.

1 Corinthians 2:13

James 1:5 also states that, if wisdom is lacking, it is time to pray to God to open the understanding.

 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to everyone generously without a rebuke, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5

The wisdom that comes from God is important; it is important to gain spiritual insight into how to deal with them in a better way. God gives wisdom through prayers.

Prayer changes perspective

Before praying, it is common to have a different perspective towards a situation or person, but prayer allows opening the mind and connecting with God, giving a totally different vision to the moment.

When you enter God’s presence through prayer, it is as if God cleans your glasses to clearly see what he wants to show.

Psalm 73 expresses that when Asaph had difficulty understanding why evil people prospered.

As for me, how good for me it is that God is near!
I have made the Lord God my refuge
so I can tell about all your deeds.

Psalm 73:28

However, when Asaph entered the presence of God, everything changed; he had a revelation when he saw what God wanted, prayer is necessary to see what cannot be seen without spiritual eyes.

Prayer also allows us to hear the voice of God.

Prayer brings hearts closer; it is like talking to a friend, with a voice that is closer and closer, a voice that understands the problem you are facing.

Also allows Jesus to show the way, show what to do, and intercede in such a way that the sacred scriptures are better understood.

How to pray?

Prayers should be calm, talk centered on God, and always start thanking God for life, bread, family, etc.

God knows each of his children, but it is important for God to know what is in your heart.

God knows the need and knows what is best; at the moment of praying, the request is made humbly.

Most importantly, every petition and word in prayer must be made with faith, since faith is the confidence that God will work in every situation.