Benefits of Prayer

 

Introduction: Prayer has many benefits which you may not have considered before. Let’s take a look at some of those benefits.

 

A.  Spiritual Benefits of Prayer

 

1.  PRAYER  Brings  Us  Closer  to  God

Matthew 6:6 ─ But you, when you pray, go into your room (KJV: closet, other translations: inner room) , and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

 

u There is a reason Jesus encouraged people to go to an isolated quiet place to pray – to avoid distractions. Distractions in today’s world are much more rampant then they were in the first century, thanks to technology – cell phones that never leave our side, text messages, emails, television, radio, endless appointments and required maintenance . etc. etc. etc. 

u It’s hard to have a relationship with someone you never talk to. The same goes for God. When we talk to God in prayer we deepen our relationship with Him.

 

2.  PRAYER  INCREASES  MINDFULNESS

Colossians 3:2 ─ Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

 

u Prayer gives an opportunity to block everything out of our mind in focus completely on prayer. That sounds great but it can be very difficult to achieve at times, because of the many distractions that we have in our life and the way our minds are so consumed with so many trivial things.

 

3.  PRAYER  CHANGES  THINGS

James 5:16 ─ Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

 

u Prayer avails much:  

     l ThayerÒ to have power, to exert, to have strength to overcome

     l MounceÒ to be strong,  be in good health  

     l WebsterÒ to profit, to be of force or authority 

     l VineÒ to prevail against, said of spiritual enemies,

 

4.  PRAYER  MAKES  US  JOYFUL

John 16:24 ─ Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

 

u Whether of not our prayers are answered in exactly the way we want them to be, just knowing that God is hearing us should bring us joy.

 

5.  PRAYER  GIVES  US  HOPE

Mark 11:24 ─ Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

 

u Trust is a very precious commodity in our world today. So many people have abused their power and influence for selfish gain, that it is hard to know who we can or should trust. Not so with God – as a perfectly holy being he is totally trustworthy and reliable.

 

6.  PRAYER COMBATS ARROGANCE

2 Chronicles 7:14 ─ 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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.

 

u By praying, you are admitting to God that you have an issue that you cannot resolve by yourself, and that are entrusting him with the problem and with the solution. It’s takes a humble person to admit that he needs help. 

 

7.  PRAYER  PROVIDES  WISDOM

James 1:5 ─ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

 

u God is not stingy with his wisdom. He wants us to be knowledgeable people, especially when it comes to his word. He inspired a book that has been survived through the ages, that is full of his wisdom, and He is happy to give you opportunities where you can learn how to apply that wisdom in your life when you ask.  This is something we should all be praying for on a regular basis, but we have to do the work – it will not be accomplished my miraculous means.

 

8.  PRAYER  STRENGTHENS  US

Isaiah 40:31 ─ But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

 

u The more we partake of God’s wisdom via his Word, the stronger we become. Not physically strong, but spiritually strong. Our faith should get stronger as our knowledge of God’s Word increases. Our resolve should get stronger, our trust should get stronger, our confidence in God should get stronger, our desire to serve should get stronger, and our love for God should get stronger. 

 

9.  PRAYER GIVES US PEACE

Philippians 4:6-7 ─ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

u The abiding sense of peace that comes from trusting God is something that no psychiatrist nor medicine can create. It comes as a natural benefit to surrendering ourselves to God and to His will. Peace is the exact opposite of anxiety. 

 

10.  PRAYER HELPS WITH DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIPS

Matthew 5:44 ─ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

 

u Most of us have had to deal with difficult people ─ in our jobs, in our extended families, in retail settings, on the phone, and sometimes even in our church family. The way we deal with these people says a lot about our maturity as Christians.

u Recall Matthew 5:22 ─  But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

Nelson’s Bible Dictionary explains the word “Raca” as: stupid, an expression of contempt. The word appears often in the writings of the Jewish rabbis with the meaning of ignorant, senseless, empty-headed. To say “Raca” to a person was like saying, “You idiot!”

 

 

B.  Mental and Emotional Benefits of Prayer

l Stress Relief:  Prayer can act as a form of meditation, helping to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.

l Emotional Support:  It provides an outlet for expressing emotions and can be a source of comfort during difficult times. Sometimes just talking to God, without asking for anything can make us fell better.

l Improved Mood: Regular prayer has been associated with a more positive outlook and increased feelings of happiness.

 

 

 

C.  Physical Benefits of Prayer

l Lower Blood Pressure: The relaxation response elicited by prayer can lead to lower blood pressure and improved heart health. Lower blood pressure is a natural response to a decrease in stress.

l Better Sleep: The calming effects of prayer may contribute to better sleep quality. The act of slowing down and focusing the mind can prepare the mind for a restful sleep.

l Better Attitude: Prayer when you wake up in the morning can set a positive tone for your whole day, especially prayers of praise and thanksgiving. 

l Enhanced Immune Function: Reduced stress from prayer can improve immune system functioning. Stress causes all kinds of problems in the body, and reducing it can bring you a higher level of physical and emotional health.

 

 

D.  Social Benefits of Prayer

l Sense of Community: Participating in communal prayer can foster a sense of belonging and closeness. It also gives us a glimpse into the heart of the pray-er as we hear what he is praying about.

l Improved Relationships: Prayer can enhance empathy, patience, and understanding, which can positively impact relationships. It’s very difficult to be mad at someone when you are praying for him. This is why Jesus commanded us to pray for our enemies – he knew that that would change our hearts and minds in regard to that “enemy” - and perhaps see them as a vulnerable imperfect human being, just as we ourselves are.

 

 

E.  Cognitive Benefits of Prayer

l Enhanced Focus: The concentration required during prayer can improve overall cognitive function and attention and improve our ability to focus our mind.

l Mindfulness: Prayer encourages individuals to stay present and engaged in a moment.

Most of us are guilty of spending too much time reliving the past and obsessing about the future, and not enjoying all we have in the present moment. This habit of being truly present in the present moment takes some cultivating, but is the key to a happier and less stressful life.

 

 

F.  Potential Prayer Topics

 

#	Topic	Example	Scripture
1	The Lost	Elijah	1 Kings 18:37
2	Health	Hezekiah	2 Kings 20:3
3	Boldness	Pater & John	Acts 4:24
4	Prisoners	Disciples	Acts 12:5
5	Healing	Centurion	Matthew 8:5
6	Missionaries around the world	Paul's followers	2 Corinthians 1:8
7	Stronger Faith	Unnamed man	Mark 9:20
8	Mercy and Forgiveness	David	Psalm 25:16
9	Humility	Tax collector	Luke 18:13
10	Forgiveness of our Sins	Ezra	Ezra 9:6
11	God's Name to be Glorified	Jesus	John 12:27
12	Jesus' disciples in today's world	Jesus	John 17:9
13	Strength	Samson	Judges 16:28
14	Wisdom	Solomon	1 Kings 3:9
15	Praise for God's Greatness	Mary	Luke 1:46
16	Faithfulness and Unity in the church	Jesus	John 17:6-26
17	For assurance and dispelling of doubt	Gideon	Judges 6:36