Back in January we had a special weekend of services during which everyone was invited to text a question. It was a time to "Ask Anything" and you did! Hundreds of questions were received. I answered a few and decided to let some leaders on my staff answer a few more.
This week Jeff Bell is jumping in to address the question, "Why pray if God already knows the outcome?" Jeff is our lead pastor at the Elkhart site and he's awesome! Jeff is a man of prayer and I encourage you to check out his response to your question.
Why pray if God already knows the outcome?
This is a great question. And I love the initial recognition of the “all-knowing” nature of God!
At times I’ve wrestled with this question myself. I even remember wondering if God just wanted us to pray to Him to “fulfill His ego”. Man was I off. My understanding of the purpose of prayer was the problem.
James 5:16 tells us to “pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”. So without a doubt I believe that prayer can truly impact and change circumstances. The bigger issue though is that prayer is less about informing God and more about transforming me. Prayer is less about what I share with God and more about what happens in me as I share with Him. It’s more than just me asking for something; it’s me acknowledging that God is the source of the answer, the source of the hope. It’s more than just a conversation; it’s about a deepening trust, being authentic about my deepest needs and deepest desires to a God I can trust and rest in. It’s more than a scheduled routine; it’s about me seeking time in the presence of our sovereign, creator God. “You created me, You created everything, I can trust You with this.” This pleases God. This honors Him.
When we offer praise, ask for help, intercede for others, confess sins, or express our love and devotion to Him, we aren’t telling God anything He doesn’t already know. But doing so pleases Him, impacts us and impacts our view of God. And sometimes it even changes things.
Looking for a great, accessible book on prayer? I’d recommend Bill Hybels’ Too Busy Not to Pray.
Jeff,
Thanks for the insights, it makes me think. And when I think of prayer and God, I think of "the prayer" " Our father who art in heaven" God is our Father, and then I think of my own children. As their father I know what they need and what is good for them. But how it brings me joy when they ask for "good" things. It makes me be more intentional and intense on supplying those things for them. I am sure that God is pleased when we ask for good things even though he has seen the need long before we did. Thanks again you really gave me some great insight, and make me even more thankful for my Heavenly Father.
Blessings to you Jeff and all who read your reply.
Ron W
Posted by: Ron W | March 06, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Why pray? Because Jesus did.
That simple point, one of many that Philip Yancey brings to the topic in his book "Prayer: Does it make any difference?" has been important in my own prayer life. The idea that the Son of God himself knew the value of it and needed the constant connection serves as a powerful motivator to me when I sometime struggle with this discipline.
Will have to pick up a copy of Hybel's book. I'm also interested in the "Centering Prayer" practice that Rob Wegner recommended recently on his blog. I appreciate that others have wrestled with these issues too and their experience can be incredibly helpful.
Posted by: Ron S. | March 06, 2009 at 01:54 PM
Great recommendation Ron - Yancey's book is a great one as well. And I've already submitted my registration for the 'centering prayer' practice with Ron Martoia as well. Hungry to see how God uses it in my own life.
Aren't you amazed that God invited us to have an active, life-long conversation with Him? :)
Posted by: Jeff Bell | March 06, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Jeff- Wow! You hit the nail on the head. Our relationship with God is personal and real. He is our Father and Brother as well as our God. He is available 24/7/365. If I have a bad dream in the night and wake up He is there. He does not go away if I sin and is no closer when I live rightly. We only call it prayer because we are talking to God, but like you said I bet He looks at it as a simple coversation which is amazing. God bless you and your family.
Posted by: James Kytta | March 06, 2009 at 03:09 PM
PJ, you are awesome. i love your explanation of prayer and the way it transforms us in practice. it kinda convicts me to pray more! lol
Posted by: chelle | March 06, 2009 at 04:28 PM