We are over 150 days into the year 2023. This also mean we are over 150 days into our prayer emphasis. New Year’s resolutions have come and gone. But what about your prayer life? Are you continuing to pursue a habit of prayer by talking to God for at least 3 minutes every day (if not longer)? If you’ve been reading along with us in Scotty Smith’s book, Everyday Prayers, then you have already spent over 450 minutes in prayer this year with our Lord. That’s great news. Especially considering that Americans spend, on average, over 2 hours a day on social media alone.

If you are still on the fence about why we should even pray, then here are some reasons why prayer is so important in our life.

Why should you pray?

• Duty … because you should.
  • Prayer was prescribed in Scripture and practiced by Jesus.
    • Scripture references: Matthew 7:7, Romans 12:12, Colossians 4:2
• Delight … because you can.
  • God gave us access to talk directly to Him.
    • Scripture references: Deuteronomy 26:7, 2 Samuel 22:7, Psalm 4:3, John 11:41-42
• Development … because you need it.
  • We must repent.
    • Scripture references: Psalm 51:1-4, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 6:33, Colossians 3:1-2
• Depth … because you grow in relationship with God.
  • Talk to God as you would a friend. Is your prayer more outcome driven or more relationally driven?
    • Scripture references: James 2:23, Exodus 33:11, John 15:13-15

Here are a few additional points to consider.

• Your knowledge about God is increased through study of Scripture.
• Your love of God is increased through obedience to His commands.
• Your relationship with God is increased through prayer (conversation with God).

So, the question you should be asking yourself isn’t “why pray?” but “why would you not pray?”