Pray: so many things defy competence and capacity

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.”– Abraham Lincoln

No matter how educated, sophisticated and technologically savvy or inclined you are, you will still face quagmires that you can neither understand, explain, nor be able to deal with. No matter how smart and hard you work, irrespective of your focus and commitment, with all of your highly influential contacts and powerful network, you will still meet roadblocks and obstacles that you would never be able to overcome. With all of your wealth, great family, excellent relationships and security, you will still feel an emptiness and void that neither wealth, family nor friends can fill.

That’s when and why you need to pray. Prayer is communion and communication with the One who knows all things, can do all things and that is everywhere. When your car breaks down, you call on your mechanic, or you visit the auto repair garage. When you feel ill, you call or visit your health practitioner. When you are not sure of the right spelling of a word, you check the dictionary. When you are not sure of the direction, you ask google map. When you are not sure about life, pray. Ask God. God can diagnose all our problems or challenges. He knows the answers to all the questions, and He is willing and able to fix all the problems. If you ask and listen to Him, He will tell you what to do

Prayer is an acknowledgement and appreciation that we are mere mortals with limitations. Prayer is expressing gratitude for the provisions of nature – especially the gift of life. It is asking for direction and insight that all the research works and books in the world cannot provide. It is pouring out your heart and soul to the One who is a true Father. Prayer is not an act of laziness. It provides leverage. Prayer is not an old school activity; it is where we are schooled about life. Prayer is not a substitute for hard work; it rather inspires hard work. Prayer does not eat into our time. Prayer is an investment in time. It helps focus our energy and time on the most important things.

Prayer is not a one-way monologue; it is an open dialogue. God does not benefit from our prayers. Prayers offer us infinite benefits. Lysa TerKeurst captured it aptly when she said, “The reality is, my prayers don’t change God. But I am convinced prayer changes me. Praying boldly boots me out of that stale place of religious habit into authentic connection with God Himself.”

“Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty.” - E.M. BOUNDS