Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
We have a God that who does not change His Word or character and Who not only hears our prayers but answers them (Psalm 65:2; Malachi 3:6). We are not asked to pray but we are commanded to pray (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Here are three great reasons to pray:
1. FOR GOD’S BENEFIT
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
God needs us to pray for His will to be done on earth. There are many things that are God’s will that never happen. There are many things that are not God’s will that do happen. Jesus said prayer is the key to God’s will being done. There are many things in Scripture we know are God’s will: salvation, healing, deliverance, mercy, restoration, forgiveness, reconciliation, etc., John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, said: “It seems that God is limited by our prayer life. He can do nothing for humanity unless someone asks Him to do it.” That is because when God made the world He gave dominion/authority/rule to man. Adam had the right to act, the right to introduce, and the right to initiate God’s will. He lost that dominion but Jesus won it back and it is through prayer we give God the right to act, introduce, and initiate His will.
2. FOR OUR OWN BENEFIT
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
The number one way we receive the things we need is by asking in prayer. The number one way we can receive direction and guidance is by seeking in prayer. The number one way we can receive doors of opportunity to open for us or come our way is by knocking in prayer. God delights in blessing, providing for, and helping His children but He said His eyes are looking for and His ears are open to their prayer (not needs, problems, frustrations, or complaints). 1 Peter 3:12 says, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
3. FOR OTHERS BENEFIT.
1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
People need God in their life and for God to do things in their life. Prayer is a way we can help them. There is no greater act of love than laying down your life for others in prayer (John 15:13; 1 John 3:16). If all is well in your own life, then show up for prayer for others whose lives are not all well. Prayer was made by the church for Peter and God delivered him (Acts 12:5). Our prayer can turn things around for others like when Paul was shackled in chains while incarcerated he said, “For I know that this shall turn to MY salvation (deliverance) through YOUR prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” Keep in mind not all chains people are bound in are physical chains. Our prayers can turn to their deliverance. Sometimes prayer is the only door open to us to really help people but prayer can be the greatest help we can be involved with as Second Corinthians says, “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf 2 Corinthians 1:10.”
Pastor John Rasicci is the founder and Pastor of Word of His Grace Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where we are building people who are building the Church. Pastor's ministry mission is to help people discover God's dream for their Life, the Local Church, and the Last Days' Harvest. With a strong emphasis on the grace of God and with a prophetic voice, Pastor John preaches and teaches in churches, conferences, and crusades both locally and throughout the world. He has produced books, tapes, and other teaching materials to empower, enable, and equip Believers with the Word of God. Pastor John is married to his wife Candy who with their three children, Krista, Joanna, John Anthony, and two son-in-laws, Matt and Doug, serve together in the ministry. After graduating from Kent State University, Pastor John pursued a career in professional baseball before accepting the call to the ministry. He and his wife, Candy, received their ministry training from Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
John Rasicci 
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