Our Need to Pray

I received a text last night from someone desiring to know if God plays favorites when it comes to prayer. They see some prayer requests having multiple likes and comments while others barely get a “like.”

What does the Word of God say?

The Apostle Paul was not only constantly praying for others, Ephesians 1:18-20; 3:16-19, Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9, but he also requested prayer for himself, Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:25.

In fact Paul urged us to pray for one another with all kinds of prayers.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.” (1 Timothy 2:1 NIV)

But do more prayers sway God?

No! God already knows the need before we ask.

Right before giving the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus tells us not to babble on in prayer because, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8 NIV)
So why do we need to pray if God already knows?

We are inviting God into the situation and are fellows workers with Him in Kingdom affairs, 2 Corinthians 6:1.

Are some heard by God over others?

Some people feel that only certain people can pray for their prayers to be heard. The Apostle James says,

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church … pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:14a, 16b NKJV)

While James says to call for the elders, he also says we are to pray for one another. The problem comes when it says a righteous man’s prayers avail, and we look at ourselves realizing there is nothing righteous about us.

No one is righteous enough, Romans 3:10. Everyone’s righteousness is based on Jesus’ righteousness that was imputed to us when we became born again, Romans 10:4.

So it’s God’s desire for us to pray for one another and enter into His Kingdom work.