Comments: The Importance of Prayer

Numerous scriptures emphasize the importance of prayer.  We are told that David and Daniel prayed three times a day (Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10).  

Jesus began His day with prayer (Mark 1:35), and even prayed all night before making important decisions (Luke 6:12-13).  Jesus also took time to teach His disciples how to pray and provided an outline of a model prayer so that they would not blindly follow the vain and repetitive prayers of other religious leaders (Luke 11:1-4; Matthew 6:5-15).  

The Apostle Paul urged Christians to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  The New Testament reveals that the prayers of the saints are like sweet incense to God (Revelation 5:8), and that the ears of the Lord are open to the prayers of the righteous (1 Peter 3:12).  

Peter also admonishes believers, “the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7).  As we see the end of this age approaching, let’s follow these examples and heed God’s instructions about the importance of prayer.