Praying in a circle over a Haitian woman.

Every day, we find new reasons to come before the Lord in prayer—both to praise Him for what He’s done and to ask expectantly for all He will do now and in the future. To that end, we’re looking today at five more reasons Christians pray.

We pray in order to submit our emotions to God.

The Bible gives us a reason to pray, whatever the season we might be in.

  • “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” —James 5:13

We pray to avoid temptation.

God gives us access to Himself so that we can resist and triumph over temptation.

  • “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” —Matthew 26:41

We pray as an act of trust in God.

When we pray, we submit our circumstances and desires to the one who already holds them in His hands.

  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” —Philippians 4:6

We pray as an act of ministry.

Our prayers have an impact beyond ourselves. When we pray for others, we take an active role by bearing their burdens and encouraging them to trust God, our common source, for the outcome.

  • “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” —Ephesians 6:18
  • “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” —1 Timothy 2:1

We pray as a picture of the gospel.

Jesus radically calls us to pray for our enemies, a step we can only take as we follow the model of our Savior—the One who loved and pursued us when we hated Him.

  • But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” —Matthew 5:44
  • “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” —Luke 6:27-28

To learn how you can be praying with us for the ministry in Haiti, visit Prayer Requests.

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