What's the Purpose of Prayer?Smakprov

Prayer is hard work, perhaps because it’s hard to quantify. I can spend fifteen minutes praying or fifteen minutes cleaning the bathroom. The results of one are far more obvious than the other–at least in the moment.

But what about the long term “results?”
And exactly what do we mean when we talk about “results” in our prayer life?

Do You Ever Wonder if Prayer Really Works?

If you measure the effectiveness of prayer by a life that goes according to your whims and preferences, you may actually conclude, “No, I guess prayer doesn’t work.” However, scripture is clear that our prayers are offered in cooperation with God. In effect, when we pray, we contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom here on earth.

Elisabeth Elliot frames the dilemma with characteristic clarity:

"What, after all is said and done, do you want above all? Is it ‘Thy will be done?’ If so, leave it to Him.
Is it ‘My will be done’? Don’t waste your time and God’s by praying. Have it your way.”

In our “have it your way” culture, we need new eyes and a new heart to receive the wisdom of praying with open hands and leaving the “results” to God. And that’s exactly what God has given to us with the new birth:

Ezekiel 36:26 "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

A Question to Ponder

Do you pray with open hands and a “Your Will Be Done” mindset, or has prayer become your Do-List for God?