“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6:18

Prayer is our way of life and it is an act of  worship and obedience that pleases God. And, this Bible passage tells us that we should pray on all occasions or without ceasing. However, there were times that we struggle to pray due to some obstacles and temptations in this world. But, as a Christian we should know that prayer is vital in our lives and there are countless reasons why we should incorporate prayer in our daily lives.

Here are 6 significant reasons why prayer should be part of your daily life.

It draws us near to God.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18

Prayer is our way of communicating with God and it draws us near to Him. Through prayer, we can establish a personal and intimate relationship with God. He is our greatest confidante and you can tell everything to Him including your secrets. So, start having a daily devotion with God through reading the Bible and praying to strengthen your faith with Him. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – Hebrews 4:8.  Remember, He hears the prayers of the righteous man, so draw near to God and seek His face always — tell him what you feel, pray in the Spirit and wait for His answer. “The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” – Proverbs 15:29

To ask for His Will in our lives.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” – John 10:27-28

One of the significant reasons to pray every day is to ask God for His Will in our lives. He has a plan for us and all we need to do is to do our best, commit ourselves to the Lord and He will do the rest. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:11-12 Approach Him through prayer and let Him control your lives. He knows what’s best for us and have confidence in Him. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14

Prayer is our armor against evil.

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Prayer is our powerful weapon against sin, temptation and evil.  It is our way to ask help from God — to protect us and to guide us in every step of our way. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41.  Thus, as a parent, you should also help your children discover the power of prayer and teach them that they can call unto God in times of trouble, especially when you are not with them. “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” – Psalm 107:28-30

It can ease anxiety and stress.

“Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” – Psalm 4:1

Being a Christian doesn’t mean we are immune with the cares of this world. And, prayer can always bring you comfort every time you are dealing with some difficulties in life — it can ease stress and anxiety. Prayer is  also one way of God showing us that we are not alone and He is also there with us in all circumstances. So, pray to Him whenever you find yourself stressed, lonely or depressed and ask God to keep you calm. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6.  Praying to God will  also give you the courage to carry on each day and can also give you the strength to face whatever life throws at you. “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.” – Isaiah 40:29

To give thanks to Him.

“Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Let’s be honest! Sometimes, we take God for granted when we are blessed with many things — you are busy watching movies, playing with your mobile phones, travelling with your family and doing other things that can hinder you from praying. But, as a true believer, having these blessings can actually make you more closer to God and it is a great opportunity to thank Him for what he has given you and your family. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2 You should be prayerful and thankful at all times and thank Him for all his blessings that He bestowed upon you and you should also glorify His Name always. “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” – Psalm 107:8-9

There are also many reasons why prayer is important in your daily lives, such as asking God for forgiveness, because we are not perfect and we sinned daily. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” -1 John 1:9 Thus, God hears our prayers every time we call on Him and prayer can also bring us power, divine help, salvation, healing, peace, joy and hope. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

So, what are you waiting for? Kneel down, invite God’s Presence and start to create a healthy prayer life today with your family.