Why Pray – Exploring the Real, Practical Side of Prayer

I’ve never been good with theories and hypotheticals. I’m a practical kind of girl. I like to operate in the world of reality and practicality. Maybe that’s why it took so long for me to “get” faith. I couldn’t relate to the theory of God, the hypotheticals of a world ruled by this supreme creator. It wasn’t until I got practical with God and actually experienced Him in my life that I started to “get” faith. As I met God in my real life, came to know Him as real and up-close personal in my life, I realized there far more to this “faith thing” than I’d ever realized.

Prayer has been a similar struggle for me. Why pray? It was all poetry and fancy words. All talk and no action. All theory and hypothetical, with no proof and practicality. Until I experienced it personally. Until I personally felt the power of prayer up close and personal in my very real life.

I’ve written a lot about the “how” of prayer and the “why” of prayer, but what about the “what” of prayer? What does prayer actually, practically, do for our real lives? I love the “how” because it speaks to my practical side. The “why” is important, but it’s a more theoretical discussion. The “what,” however, lives between the two. It’s very tangible and practical to those who have experienced it firsthand, yet full of theory and hypothesis to those who have not. It’s for the ones who have touched it, though, to build the bridge to those who are still wondering and give a reason to step forward in hope and faith.

Why pray? What does prayer actually do?

I cry out, “God, I’m weary and not sure I can carry on with the load I’ve been given.”

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God whispers: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

I cry out, “God, I feel lost and not sure where to turn next. Do you have a plan for me?”

God whispers: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8

I cry out, “God, my heart is breaking tonight and the grief threatens to overtake my spirit.”

God reminds me: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18

I cry out, “God, you know my heart’s most precious dreams and you see my heartbreak. Will you lead me to those dreams?”

God reminds me: “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” Psalm 107:28-30

I cry out, “God, I’m frightened and alone. Are you there?”

God whispers: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:10,13

I cry out, “God, I’m angry at what You’re allowing to happen in the world around me!”

God reminds me: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

I cry out, “God, you are amazing! Wow!”

God answers: “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.” Psalm 107:31-32

I cry out, “God, what a miracle You’re working here! Thank you!”

God answers: “Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” Psalm 150

Why Pray? It works and God will change your life!

In case you’re still not sure these are real and practical, these are all prayers I’ve prayed over the past years – and the responses I’ve heard and felt from God. OK, so He may not always respond as instantly as a text message (although I have seen Him respond through technology). He may not always respond the way we’re expecting and His answers may not always be readily apparent. But I promise you I’ve experienced His answers in so many very real ways.

If you’re still on the other side of that bridge, would you lean in and grab my hand? Take a small step toward me and ask God to show you His response. Then, lean into your prayer and believe and listen. Give prayer a chance and try it out. Not just once or twice, not just when you’re in your most desperate moment, but daily, in your real and practical life.

Why Pray? Let’s lean in together and discover the full power of prayer!

If you’ve experienced the “what” and know firsthand this power of prayer, would you extend your hand to someone in your life who’s still asking questions? Someone who’s heard the theories, but wonders about the proof. Someone who’s seeking, but hasn’t yet found. Share your story of what prayer has meant in your life. Share your “how” and “why”, but also share the “what.”

Let’s lean in together and get real and practical with prayer. Faith is more than theories and hypotheticals. We have a real and practical God and He wants to hear from you!

Resources:

If you’re looking for resources to go deeper with prayer, may I recommend my “Pray Deep” devotional prayer book? Pray Deep is 21 days of prayer, exploring the nature of prayer through 20 different prayer methods. It will ignite your prayer life and expand your prayer language.

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