Why pray? If God already knows what my needs are why should I pray? Jesus says it right here in verse 8 that the Father knows what we need before we ask. So why pray? Why wouldn't God just give us what we need if He's really a loving father? Does He want us to grovel and beg?
Actually it's just the opposite. Jesus says when you ask, don't put on a show. He says don't try to make yourself look religious. God already knows your motives. The Bible says that we don't have because we don't ask and when we do, we ask with wrong motives. Jesus says here that God isn't impressed with a show anyway. Instead, God is interested in intimacy.
Let's be honest, God doesn't owe us anything; nor do we deserve anything from God. But the good news is that God loves us. And because He loves us, He wants to be involved in our lives. He knows what our need are because He's paying attention.
Jesus instructs us in this passage to go into our room, shut the world out and spend time just talking and listening to God. Even when you know that your best friend can't solve your problem you share your issues with them in private. Why? If they're your best friend, they probably already know your problems and issues, so why do you tell them? The answer: because sometimes we just need to talk with someone we know cares.
God invites us to share our joys and concerns and challenges and problems and opportunities and victories with Him. He wants us to ask Him His opinion. God has always been interested in our relationship with Him. The Bible tells us that we're the apple of His eye. He wants us to share our life with Him. Prayer is simply communicating with God. It's not rubbing the magic lamp to get the genie to act. It's not proving our worth. It's not trying to get God's attention. It's opening up our hearts to Him. It's inviting Him into our life. That's why Paul says to pray without ceasing.
God, it seems like sometimes I look at prayer as simply presenting my wish list to you. Yet, I know it's about our relationship. Forgive me for failing to foster our relationship through prayer. I want you in my life. I recognize that you're interested in both the big and small issues in my life. As much time I spend each day on the phone or emailing or messenging others, you'd think I'd remember to include you more. Help me to be more aware of your presence.
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