Why does GOD command us to pray?

HE does not always answer our prayers with a “Yes”. He sometimes answers with “Wait”. But how HE answers, and which prayers HE answers can be as important as the fact that HE answers.

Remember GOD is a “who” not a what. HE does everything with purpose. One important purpose is for us to know HE is present. One of the ways HE makes HIS presence felt is answering prayer. It can be deeply touching to have a heartfelt prayer answered when it is for something that means so much to us, that we prayed clearly and adamantly for, to then receive it in such a way and at such a time that we feel we cannot dispute that it is from the hand of GOD.

This is a pivotal factor for many on the journey to faith.

The answer to prayer is personal, if told to others, it often is taken as mere coincidence. Sometimes people come to doubt if it is really answered prayer. But if it happens again, maybe not right away, but it does, it helps solidify faith. Again, it lets us feel HIS presence.

How can this happen without us praying? When HE answers prayer HE is laying claim to the event. If there is no prayer, then there is no clarity that it was from HIM. Then it could be just the events of a universe of randomness.

Of course HE says HE will only answer prayers that are aligned with HIS will, and within that, we can ask for anything we want, and it will be granted to us. 1 John 5:14-15. HE also says many other things about prayer, but this gives us a glimpse into why some prayers seem to go unanswered. Diligence is pointless if it is not right. So praying for money is an obvious example, extreme diligence won’t help, it must be HIS will.

It is also true that some people feel like HE never answers their prayer. Perhaps it is because “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:3. which is another way of saying that they are not acting right, i.e. not in is HIS will. Praying and not receiving may be telling us to shape up, which is the inverse of having HIS presence manifested in us.

GOD tells us to pray so that we can grow closer to HIM.

So, pray for GOD to be glorified, for HIS grace, for the needs of others, for what you need, and what you want, and seek HIS will. Eventually GOD will guide you to what HE wants.