Studies on Prayer, Vol. 3: The Purpose of PrayerSample

Day 1: The Purpose of Prayer

We go to the Lord in prayer for many different reasons. Sometimes we pray out of desperation or joy, and sometimes simply because we long to be near him. Prayer is not just a ritual or a list of requests; it’s how we have a living, ongoing conversation with our Creator. It’s one of the best ways to walk with him and stay in his will consistently.

The apostle Paul told the Philippian church that his greatest goal in life was “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8). That phrase should stop us in our tracks. Paul did not say his highest goal was to build churches, preach sermons, or even to be holy. His ultimate desire was to know Christ. Prayer is one of the primary ways we cultivate that kind of relationship.

Paul went on to say that prayer is connected to “the righteousness from God that depends on faith” (Philippians 3:9). When we pray, we’re not trying to impress God or earn his favor. Instead, prayer increases our ability to know God and the power of Christ’s resurrection. It roots us more deeply in faith and draws us closer to the heart of the One who loves us.

The more we yearn to know God, the more we will want that constant conversation with him. Every prayer has a purpose. Sometimes we pray to praise him for his goodness. Other times, we pray because our hearts are troubled. At times, we pray for wisdom when facing a difficult choice. Still other times we pray for others who are suffering, for clarity in our doubts, or for forgiveness of our sins.

When we pray, we learn to place our confidence in God’s character and promises. Jesus taught that prayer is not about persuading God to give us what we want but about aligning our hearts with his will. That is why he said we should pray “in his name” and for “his glory” (John 14:13). When we pray this way, we are seeking God’s purpose rather than our own. And God has promised to bless those kinds of prayers with his perfect answers, even when they don’t look like the answers we expected.

Think of it this way: prayer isn’t about bending God’s will to ours; it’s about bending our will to his. True prayer teaches us to desire what God desires. When we reach that point, prayer becomes less about outcomes and more about a relationship.

Sometimes that relationship overflows into joyful praise and thanksgiving. At other times, it looks like humble confession and repentance. And often, it looks like bringing our deepest concerns before God with trust that he both hears and cares.

Frederick Buechner once wrote, “Go where your best prayers take you.” That means we should follow prayer into deeper intimacy with God, deeper trust in his ways, and deeper obedience to his will.

If prayer is simply conversing with God, then it can shape every part of our lives. The more we talk with him, the more we know him. And the more we know him, the more we will long to walk in his will. That is the true purpose of prayer.

Reflection Questions:

1. In your own words, what does it mean to pray “in Jesus’ name”?
2. How might prayer change your perspective rather than just your circumstances?
3. What would it look like for you to make “knowing Christ” your highest goal in prayer?