Why I Pray: Part 2

Almost every religion has its portion of pilgrimages. The devout people go to sacred sites hoping to find inner freedom or solace. We’re living in times of deep philosophies and apex of man’s wisdom. We’re more interested in God’s answer to our question than God himself. Ravaged by a tornado, a lady yelled God doesn’t exist or He doesn’t care because she believed her husband had died because of it. When she actually finds out he is alive and well, her faith in God is instantly restored. The nature of prayer isn’t based on human merits but on the counsel of God. In his book Why Jesus?², Ravi Zacharias says,“we all search for deep fulfillment and yearn for answers that are satisfying at the level of our feelings…” not the truth of our faith in God. God isn’t like an eagle watching from a distance waiting for an opportunity to snatch its prey. God shapes and informs our faith perspective through prayer

Politicians are holding live press conferences all day with the latest news on infection stats to convince people to stay home. Every state in America has cases now, and our hospitals are feeling the surge. Church doors are shut. Natural and supernatural healers are inaccessible. The elderly are stressed. Adults of all ages are stressed. Kids are stressed. Parents are stressed. Business owners are stressed. Dads who provide are stressed. Like a ripple effect, Covid-19 has impacted every one of us. And now we’re told the quarantine could last a little while longer. Everyone is looking for answers or trying to find solace amidst such fear and turmoil. Only God’s word commands and offers a life of a fearless peace even in the storms of this life. 

King David in the book of Psalms says, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Your rod and your staff [counsel] they comfort me.” God isn’t a crisis away — He is in control when we pray. Prayer guarantees God’s counsel and not a medium of probabilities. In his book The Life of Samuel Johnson³, James Boswell says, “to reason philosophically on the nature of prayer [is] very unprofitable.” I pray because I believe nothing is impossible with God. Prayer keeps my eyes fixed on Jesus, not the temptation, illness, death or any other mountain. Prayer is access to God’s counsel. Obedience to God’s counsel increases our faith and reliance on Him. If prayer proves the existence of God, then I can’t just give up as soon as I see chaos.