When people are down to nothing, prayer is something that changes the game effortlessly. Through prayers, you can communicate yourself with the Supreme Being and relay your wishes, wants, and even the things that make you worry. Prayer is used in all religions and is so essential in all different ways. The forms that prayer takes in the world’s religions, though varied, generally follow specific fixed patterns. These include benedictions (blessings), litanies (other statements, titles of the deity or deities, or petitions and responses), ritual and ceremonial prayers, free prayers (in intent following no fixed form), repetition or formula prayers (e.g., the repetition of the name of Jesus in Eastern OrthodoxHesychasm, a quietistic monastic action, or the recurrence of the name of Amida Buddha in Japanese Pure Land Buddhism), hymns, doxologies (statements of praise or glory), and other forms.
According to the American Psychological Association, psychologists’ research shows why some people can find peace in prayer, most especially now in the time of the pandemic, while others were maybe struggling with their faith. COVID-19 has rocked everyday life for people worldwide, requiring religious communities to shift worship when many consider the holiest of the year. Daily and weekly services at churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples have transitioned to take place in the home with family members as many prayer places are closed for the first time in their history. Experts from Michigan State University’s Department of Religious Studies discuss how different religions have adapted centuries-long traditions to adhere to social distancing and how they’ve adopted technology to allow people to continue worshipping. This phenomenon is only evidence that people’s faith can never be shaken and that prayers have a massive importance in one’s life. Here are some reasons why prayers are so powerful:
Prayer is essential because it’s therapeutic when you feel like your world is spinning out of control when storms hit when you’re taken over by worry. When sickness and fatigue strike, let prayer be your stability, your calm, your tranquility.
Prayer is essential because it’s how we gain power and confidence. Doubt, chaos, and confusion are works of the enemy. He’ll do anything to cloud your judgment, clutter your thoughts, and keep you guessing. Prayer is necessary for building power and confidence. You’ll find your heavenly Father standing on level ground. He does not waver. He does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You can bank on it.
Prayer is essential because it’s an act of obedience. It’s built into our very existence. Because we are created in His image, God’s image, we are to mimic Christ-like behavior. Jesus prayed to remain in the Father’s will. So as Christ imitators, prayer is necessary to stay in His will also.
Prayer helps you make better decisions. Even the small choices in your life make a big difference, so how are you addressing them? Praying on each decision will assist you in making better choices. Ask God for help and direction. Consider each decision in light of Jesus’ teaching.
Opening your heart to God daily allows God to transform your heart. He may do that by answering earthly needs, or he may do that by working in your heart to turn your focus to him. When you spend natural, frequent time in prayer, you allow God to do his deed in your heart. Through prayer, he will modify your life and bring you fresh joy in him.
Prayer reveals the wisdom of God. The best part about worship is that it’s a conversation that goes in both directions. Yes, we talk to God, but when we spend time with him and are ready to receive, we will also hear from him.
Prayer works. Why is prayer necessary? God hears us when we pray. Not only does He listen to us, but His eternal wisdom mediates in our lives. We may not always realize what is going on right away, but God is faithful to answer, strengthen, and protect us. Trust Him. He promises to be mindful of our needs in His Word, most certainly to those who seek Him in prayer. When you start seeking God, you understand that He will provide a way no matter how challenging the situation.
Prayer is the most underrated weapon we all can have to help us solve our problems. It may not work outrightly, but when the time is right, God never fails to answer. On top of that, he always provides. Prayer gives us untapped power. It unlocks, ignites, heals, transforms, empowers, and calms.Â
