WHY PRAY IF GOD KNOWS WHAT TO DO?

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Believers are often criticized when it comes to prayer. Some argue that if God already knows everything, there is no need to inform Him. Others point out that unanswered prayers suggest God does not always grant our requests. Even if we ask with the best intentions and faith, we can never be certain God will answer exactly as we hope. So why pray at all? To answer this “million-dollar” question, consider the following truths:

1. IT IS COMMANDED

The simplest reason we pray is that God commanded it. There are many mysteries in prayer, but one thing is clear: God told us to pray (Phil 4:6; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2). We cannot ignore a clear instruction just because some of our questions remain unanswered.

2. COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Communication is essential in all relationships. Through prayer, we express our requests and gratitude (Phil 4:6). It is similar to a parent who still wants to hear their children ask for something, even if they already know what the children need—and even if they would provide it regardless. The Bible beautifully portrays God as our loving Father who delights in giving good things to those who ask Him (Matt 7:11). Knowing God already knows our thoughts does not excuse us from praying. Imagine telling someone, “I won’t thank you, you already know I’m grateful”—that would be unreasonable.

3. IT BENEFITS US

Whether or not our prayers are answered, the act of praying itself is a blessing. God does not need our prayers to know what to do; He already knows everything that will happen and what we will ask before we ask it. Prayer benefits us by reminding us of our weaknesses and limitations, fostering dependence and humility. God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Prayer also deepens our understanding of God as we experience His character. Through prayer, we confess our sins and receive forgiveness because He is faithful and just (1 Jn 1:9).

4. IT ACTUALLY MATTERS

The Bible consistently shows that God works through prayers and is fully in control of all events. Some suggest that God determines both the ends and the means. For example, if God decides to heal a cancer patient, He also determines the events leading to the healing, including the prayers offered. This means what we do now, along with the prayers of others, influences what will happen in the future. Others argue that God takes prayer—or lack of prayer—into account when deciding which world to actualize. He may choose to make real the world in which prayers were offered, but if no one prays, He may actualize a different world. Regardless of which view we hold, we can be confident that prayer matters to God. It is true that He does not need it, but it is also true that He values it. One proof is that sometimes God withholds blessings because no one asked for them: “You do not have, because you do not ask” (James 4:2). Stay Curious. 

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