The Purpose of Prayer

The Purpose of Prayer

The contemporary attitude of prayer is often dismissed by the secular public, and many times Christians too fail to keep the conviction of disciplined prayer. One helpful perspective might be for believers to understand God’s purpose behind prayer. What does it accomplish in the heart and mind of the Christ follower, and what does it accomplish concerning God’s glory on earth?

Daniel 6:10-12 (NIV)

“Now when Daniel (1) learned that the decree had been published, he (2) went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened (3) toward Jerusalem. (4) Three times a day he (5) got down on his knees and prayed, (6) giving thanks to his God, (7) just as he had done before.”

  1. Undeterred by Threats
  2. Unashamed Resolve
  3. Unwavering Obedience

    1 Kings 8:47-50

    “and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly’; 48 and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; 49 then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. 50 And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their captors to show them mercy”

  4. Unmoved Commitment
  5. Unabashed Reverence
  6. Uncompromising Recognition
  7. Unchanged Commitment

#1 – Prayer recognizes God’s Sovereignty and Authority
#2 – Prayer changes our perspective
#3 – Prayer accomplishes God’s plan

Identify what is causing you to NOT TO PRAY – then put God above it

“I Choose Today to Put God Before _______________________”