“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me in my distress” – (Psalm 120:1).

Prayer can be a mystery. In one place Jesus tells his disciples that even before they open their mouth the Lord already knows what they need: “Do not be like them for your father already knows what you already need before you ask of him” (Mathew 6:8). This might be interpreted as meaning our prayers do not count as much since our requests are already known by God anyway.

Yet at the same time we are challenged to make our requests known to God, ”Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Further, the Lord has challenged us, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Mathew 7:7).

In other words, not to pray, on the account that after all the Lord knows what one needs, would be to miss a certain key requirement.

Prayer is based on having a personal relationship with God. If a couple is in a relationship and there are not talking but simply assuming that after all the other person knows what I need, either could be mistaken. This why the Apostle James, urged believers never to discount prayer in their lives. “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven” (James 5:13-16).

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I thank you for this direct access I have to you through your son Jesus Christ, and today I pray through him that you meet my needs, which I now make known to you!