Just CrossPoint: Why is Prayer Important?

This week’s blog post is from the ever insightful and gifted Pastor Wilna Erasmus.  Please read and know that you will be blessed!

If you really think about it, sometimes prayer seems a little odd. What do we do when we pray? What is the right thing to do when we pray? Do we kneel, close our eyes, bow or raise your hands, or just sit there and talk, or even think - and still have the confidence that God is hearing us? Even more, that He will also answer our prayer? Prayer is an amazing reality - a reality that can radically transform your life. Scientists have now proved that prayer affects the physical conditions of a person for the better! Why is it important that we as Christians carry on personal conversations with God? Why does it matter that we be “tuned into” the Spiritual realm and hear God speak back to us?

Prayer is important because God invented it. Prayer is not man-made. It is not a fantasy or a “crutch for the weak.”  Prayer is a Spiritual truth-a God reality that God Himself gave to us, other than His Word, as a means of communication between Him and us. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, prayer is recorded. It is an amazing act of love that God gave the discipline of prayer to speak to Him directly and have a relationship with Him. The fact that God invented prayer and asks us to pray to Him gives us confidence that prayer is important.

Prayer is important because the Bible commands it. God's Word commands us to pray. It is a foundational element of the believer's life. Without prayer, a Christian cannot grow nor have a relationship with God. The result will be confusion, lack of peace and even sin. Jesus placed very high importance upon prayer. Repeatedly in the gospels, we read of Jesus going to a solitary place to pray and encouraging His followers to pray. Before His trial and crucifixion, Jesus held an all-night prayer conversation with His father. Jesus thought prayer was important, (1 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2).

Prayer is important because WE need it! Without prayer it is not possible for a Christian to have a relationship with God! It gives us hope, strength and builds our faith! There are many references in the Bible pointing us to prayer and the positive result of prayers on our own lives! Matthew 21:22 states: “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”. We need to stay in prayer with Him more than ever!

Thank you, Pastor Wilna, for the truths of your message this week. No doubt, prayer is an important part of every believer’s life. 

If you would like to learn more about CrossPoint Church, the ministries offered, service times, etc. please do not hesitate to call 727-372-1057.  Pastors Andre and Wilna Erasmus will gladly answer any questions you may have.  Hope to see you in church!