WHY WE PRAY

WHY WE PRAY!

Gen 4:25-26

25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.

26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.

           Four chapters into the history of mankind, men began to call upon the name of the Lord. We were a bit late in doing so. Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit and Adam had followed her. Man lost Eden and innocence but gained two sons but one killed the other with a stone. We were not doing very well on our own. It wasn’t until Seth [a name which literally means “substituted”] men began to pray. I wonder what prompted prayer at this time.

           Yesterday, while driving along very early in the morning, I observed the dawn. It began as a diffused light in the eastern sky. At first I thought it might be lights from some factory or shopping mall but there was no man-made reason for the light. Ultimately I recognized it for what it was. I began to think of what it would be like to know nothing about God. What if there were no Bible to explain God. Could I imagine all that He is?

Prayer presupposes a belief in the personality of God, his ability and willingness to communicate with us, along with his personal control of all things and of all his creatures and all their actions. Prayer is usually prompted by a need for the involvement of some being or force superior to us. We find our resources insufficient and so we cry out to whomever or whatever is in control. Then began man to call upon the name of the Lord!

When God answers our prayers, not only does He supply our need but He reinforces our faith. I think that is often the reason God allows to experience needs for which we have no supply.

1 Tim 2:1-2

2 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.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of prayer and your willingness to answer with only the very best. AMEN