Why pray?

This Sunday’s general topic was pretty easy. The story of Hannah that opens 1 Samuel is all about prayer; Hannah prayed, God answered, end of story . . . or is it?

I found myself thinking more about the narrower perspective of prayer, in particular, why pray at all? Why do we pray? If God truly knows all things (omniscience for those of you who prefer such things 🙂 ) then why do we have to ask him for things at all? Furthermore, does praying really do any good? We are reeling from a week of tragedy from natural disasters in Japan and Mexico to the far more troubling human terrorism in Kenya, Lebanon and France. These sermons are not an answer to the second question, that is a sermon for another time, but they do cover the first question and then try provide another reason or two why we should pray.

Knox Presbyterian Why pray?

St. Mark’s Presbyterian Why pray?

To all who are touched by this sectarian violence and natural tragedy, may we know the comfort of the Holy Spirit in our innermost beings.

Be well,