One of the biggest mistakes that we can make as Christians is having an incorrect attitude toward prayer. Many believers, intentionally or not, have a skewed perception of prayer; they see it and approach it as something that it is not. For instance, prayer is not a slot machine that we can use to get whatever we want. Prayer is also not a tool to make us look holier in the eyes of our peers. Prayer is, however, essential. and it can help us in a variety of ways as we follow Christ in our everyday lives.  As scripture states in Colossians 4.2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

First, prayer keeps our hearts in line with the will of God. If we didn’t follow His will, we would be chasing after every sinful desire that enters our minds. But how can we know what God wants for us if we never communicate with Him? Sometimes, the answers we seek are closer than we think. All we have to do is ask. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” We may not always get the response we want, but we will always get the truth, which is infinitely better.

Prayer also allows us to show that we are trusting completely and unconditionally in God. It is a sign of obedience and giving up control. It expresses our faith that though we are weak, God is greater than anything we face. Often, when we try to take charge of situations we may not like, we only end up hurting ourselves and others. While we should always seek wisdom in decision-making and this is another application of prayer, there comes a point where we must leave everything in God’s hands. Prayer reminds us that He is sovereign, no matter what is going on in our lives. Ephesians 6.18 says “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Finally, prayer recenters our focus to God. Prayer is a time of pausing in the midst of all the chaos and simply reflecting on our Creator. This is why it is important to pray not just in the most dire situations, but constantly and regularly. What we have to understand is that prayer is not how we change God. Prayer is how God changes us. He created it as a way for us to grow closer to Him and learn to rely on Him as we live out His plan. Prayer is not merely symbolic, it is effective, and God often responds in mighty ways. James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Prayer not only helps us, but also helps us to better serve God and others. Understanding this, let us never underestimate the impact that one simple prayer can have on the world around us.

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