​Why do we pray? We have all asked this question before, whether out loud or not. We’ve all wondered what really is the point of praying when God already has a plan. Our prayers aren’t going to change His mind. There are just those rare occasions – but our situation won’t fall into that category. Our prayers aren’t going to miraculously make everything we’ve ever wanted happen. When we open our eyes, we aren’t going to see rainbows and butterflies and ponies.

Often, we find ourselves praying because we think it’s something we must do for God to be pleased with us. But that’s the thing. We don’t pray for God. We pray for ourselves. No, not in the selfish kind of way, but in the we-need-Jesus kind of way. We pray because many of us would be admitted to the nearest psych ward if we didn’t. Or we would be at home eating ice cream and watching The Notebook on repeat… Either way, not really the best-case scenarios.

Yes, He wants us and He loves to hear from us and talk through every and any situation. But remember, He’s God. He delights in us, but He won’t die without us. It’s actually the opposite. We will die without Him and there wouldn’t be anything delightful about life without Him. Dramatic, I know, but true.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. | Philippians 4:6-7

The “so that” in the above verses tells us a lot. We do _________ so that _________ will happen. What follows the “so that” is the outcome of what is done before the “so that.” Letting our requests be made known to God by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, will result in the peace of God guarding OUR hearts and OUR minds in Christ Jesus.

So, do you see it? We pray for us. We pray because our hearts and minds are all over the place (not good places) when we don’t. We pray because we believe that the Word of God is true. We pray even in the toughest situations that leave us speechless because His peace is real and ever so needed. We even pray when life is fantastic, according to our earthly wisdom, because even then, He will guard our hearts and minds.

When we pray, everything goes through the filter of Jesus. When we truly come to Him by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, He works through all that we lay at His feet. All the requests and the wonderings, the hopes and the questions – they’re all filtered through Jesus who will protect us from what is harmful. How wonderful is that? As we seek Him and give Him our hearts, He takes the job seriously and gives us peace and protects us. When we pray, He takes over. He has our best interests in mind.

Brother and sister, keep praying, don’t give up when it’s not “working.” Trust Him. Keep on praying and pray some more. You need to. You need Him. And He’s got you.