SEVEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRAYER

(6) PRAYER-Will It Help?

DOES praying do us any good?  The Bible shows that yes, the prayers of faithful servants of God really do benefit from them.  (Luke 22:40; James 5:13) In fact, praying can do us a world of good spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. How so?

Well, let us say that you have a child who receives a gift.  Would you teach him that it is enough to feel grateful? Or would you teach him to express his gratitude?  When we put important feelings into words, we bring them into focus and even strengthen them.  Does the same hold true when it comes to speaking to God? Absolutely! Consider some examples. 

Prayers of thanks.  When we thank our Father for the good things that come our way, we focus on our blessings.  As a result, we may feel more grateful, happier, more positive. -Philippians 4:6.

Example: Jesus expressed gratitude for the way his Father heard and responded to his prayers. -John 11:41.

Prayers for forgiveness.  When we ask God for forgiveness, we strengthen our conscience, deepen our repentance, and intensify our awareness of the seriousness of sin.  We also find relief from the burden of guilt. 

Example: David prayed to express repentance and sorry. -Psalm 51.

Next time: SEVEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRAYER/ Conclusion of (6)PRAYER-Will It Help? 

From the Watchtower magazine