When I consider the omniscience (all knowingness) of God, it has always seemed to me there is little need for prayer.   So, if God has always known our thoughts, needs, desires and concerns since  the beginning of time….Why do I need to pray?

Scripture tells us to “pray continually” (1 Thess 5:17) and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Eph. 6:18).

One consideration is, we are children of God, part of His royal family.  God, like all good parents, wishes to hear the thoughts and desires of His children, even though He knows what those thoughts and intents are.  Just like most parents, it is a general desire for God to address the problems and wants of His children and respond with either yes, no, or wait.

 Therefore, because God knows everything, He knows our prayers. Just as He hears our salvation prayer, when we trust in the faith the reality of the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross, when we believe Jesus is God incarnate (the God/man) – Jesus elects (choses and calls) us to His purpose (Romans 8:28-30 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”) long before mankind was created (Ephesians 1:4-5 “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—”).

Because of this – isn’t it reassuring to know that God hears our prayers long before we bow our heads….

By Mitch Jenkins, Spiritual Ministry Team Member