If God already knows what will happen in the future, why pray?

God desires a personal relationship with everyone. This is seen clearly in the book of Genesis. God thought up man, crafted man, breathed into man, and then spent time with man. In spite of God’s perfect plan and design, man rebelled. This rebellion devastated the original relationship, yet God still desires an intimate relationship with man.




    Throughout the Bible, God is described as our Father and Christians his children. Jesus even said that believers were to be more like children when it comes to matters of faith. And what do children do a ton of? Asking. Those who have their own children are all too familiar with this fact. Children ask for things, about things, and why things happen. They also ask for permission, knowing that they are not the final say in decision making. This is how God desires us to be.

Three times a day, my wife and I are well aware that our children not only are hungry but also desire to eat and we always provide them with food. We also always have an idea of what we will be cooking - chicken, tacos, hamburgers, etc. However, we always encourage our children to communicate their wishes to us and we welcome their thoughts and suggestions. If the plan was to have chicken but the children are really craving pizza, why not have pizza? The simple act of inter-relational communication changed the entire outcome. Now the children’s wishes are not always met and many times the parent has good reason for that, but the relationship and the open communication remains the same. 


The main reason to pray, however, is because Christians are commanded to pray. When problems arise, ask God for help. If a person is happy, he should thank God for the blessings. As the book of James teaches, 


"Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise" (5:13).

     Talk to God. Talk to God throughout the day, anytime and every time you think of it (1 Thess. 5:16). He will listen and respond. Don’t know how to start or what to say?  Turn to Matthew 6:9-13 and let Jesus’ words teach you.