One of the main ways we invite our supporters to partner with us is through prayer. As Christians, we believe prayer is powerful and effective—a God-given resource for us, both when things go well and when we come to the end of ourselves. Today, we’re taking a look at a few of the reasons Scripture gives for believers to pray.

We pray because God listens.
God makes it clear that when we come before Him in prayer, He hears us as His children.

• “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” —Jeremiah 29:12
• “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” —1 John 5:14
• “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” —Proverbs 15:29
• “Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.” —Psalm 55:17

We pray because God answers prayer.

Scripture also tells us that God is pleased to answer the prayers of His children.

• “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” —Mark 11:24
• “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” —Matthew 21:22

We pray as a means of peace.

God offers us peace when we submit our concerns to Him in prayer.

• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6–7

We pray to receive God’s favor.

The Lord blesses His people when they pray—first, by giving salvation, and then through continual forgiveness and lovingkindness.

• “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” —Acts 2:21
• “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” —2 Chronicles 7:14

We pray because God commands it.

The Bible speaks to us clearly and compellingly: Christians are called to pray.

• “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” —Romans 12:12
• “Pray without ceasing.” —1 Thessalonians 5:17

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