The Purpose of Prayer: Theological Foundations from Grace Theological Seminary

Prayer is often defined as communicating with God, but it is so much more than that. Prayer is to be an act of worship that glorifies God and reinforces our need for Him. Through living a life of prayer, we put our beliefs into motion. We express our dependence upon Him. In prayer, we respond to Christ’s work of salvation and communicate with the very source of our existence.

Prayer is a very popular focus in sermons and Christian literature, but some people find it intimidating or confusing. We’ve put together a few important questions and answers that help guide us in the purpose and place of prayer here at Grace. We thought that these might help you, too!

Why Should We Pray?

Several truths illustrate why we need prayer in our lives.

• We are commanded to pray. Multiple times in the Bible, we read that we are to be in continual prayer (1 Thess. 5:16-18, Phil. 4:6-7, Eph. 6:18-19). And in Luke, Jesus “spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1 NKJV).
• It gives God the glory. The purpose of prayer is to magnify the greatness of God (Luke 2:36-38). Through prayer, we have the opportunity to glorify and praise Him for all that He is and has done (1 Thess. 5:18).
• It helps us overcome. Jesus tells Peter to pray for strength in overcoming temptation (Matt. 26:41). Also, in Luke 6:12-13, Jesus demonstrates the importance of prayer in making major decisions. Prayer helps us face challenges and overcome all types of struggles. Through prayer, God often gives us strength and wisdom.
• It allows us to bring our needs and desires to Him. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you,” Jesus said in Matthew 7:7. This does not mean that we will be granted anything we ask, but when we ask for things that are in His will, He will give those things to us (1 John 5:14-15).
• It helps us discern His will. Jesus prayed continually to the Father for guidance. We, too, can begin to understand His will for us when we stay in communion with Him.

These truths remind us why we should pray.

How Should We Pray?

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

Paul encourages us to pray for everything with a thankful heart. When we humbly express our needs to Him, He provides us with His protection and peace. This passage captures the purpose of prayer that we should strive to have. When combined with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we see how we should be in continual prayer — that is, we should stay in conversation and reliance upon our Lord and Savior. 

What if we can’t find the “right” words when we pray? “Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses,” Paul writes in Romans 8:26-27. “For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” As Christians, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf during prayer. He helps us pray.

The Purpose of Prayer

The purpose of prayer is to enjoy and deepen the relationship we have with God. After all, it is beautiful that we have been given the ability to communicate with Him. In any moment and from any place, we can thank Him, ask for His strength, discern His will, and express our desire to become more like Christ. As James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Ministry leaders in all settings should serve others, which points them to Christ by modeling Christian servant leadership. Prayer is vital in the pursuit of helping leaders grow spiritually and inspire others to communicate with God.

If Christian ministry is your goal, Grace College’s online Master of Arts in Ministry Studies can equip you to minister to others in a variety of vocational ministry careers. This fully online, accelerated program can be completed in just two years and offers concentrations in Christian ministry, counseling, technology, women’s leadership, and more.

Hear about how our master of ministry studies graduates are making Christ known.

Read Robyn Leyden’s story in her impact at Fort Wilderness Ministries or Natalie Riggin’s story, working as a YouVersion copywriter.