WHY DRAW CLOSE TO GOD

Prayer is not an empty ritual, nor is it merely a means by which to gain something. A major reason for approaching God is to have a close relationship with him.  Our prayers should therefore be directed to Jehovah God. "Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him," said the psalmist David. (Psalm 145:18) Jehovah invites us to come into a peaceful relationship with him.  (Isaiah 1:18)  Those responding to this invitation agree with the psalmist who said: "As for me, the drawing near to God is good for me."  Why? Because those who draw near to Jehovah God will enjoy the true happiness and peace of mind. -Psalm 73:28.

Why pray to God for help if he 'knows what we need before we ask him'?  (Matthew 6:8; Psalm 139:4) Prayer shows that we have faith in God and view him as the Source of "every good gift and every perfect present."  (James 1:17; Hebrews 11:6) Jehovah takes pleasure in our prayers. (Proverbs 15:8)  He is glad to hear our meaningful expressions of appreciation and praise, just as a father rejoices at hearing his young child speak sincere words of gratitude.  (Psalm 119:108) Where there is a good father-child relationship, there is warm communication.  A  child who is loved wants to talk  to his father.  The same is true when it comes to our relationship with God.  If we really appreciate what we are learning about Jehovah and the love he has shown for us, we will have a strong desire to express ourselves to him in prayer. -1 John 4:16-18.

When approaching the Most high God, we should be respectful, though there is no need to worry excessively about the exact words that we use.  (Hebrews 4:16)  We  always have access to Jehovah.  And what a privilege it is that we can 'pour out our heart' to God in prayer! (Psalm 62:8) Appreciation for Jehovah leads to a warm relationship with him, like the one that the faithful man Abraham enjoyed as God's friend.  (James 2:23) But when praying to the Sovereign Lord of the universe, we must comply with his requirements for approaching him.

Next time: REQUIREMENTS FOR DRAWING CLOSE TO GOD

 The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995