WHY PRAY? (1)

1. Introduction

a) Habakkuk served as a prophet to Judah from 612 – 589 BC.

i) Habakkuk was a man who sought answers. Troubled by what he observed, he asked difficult questions. Habakkuk saw a dying world, and it broke his heart. Why is there evil in the world? Why do the wicked seem to be winning? The prophet’s questions and God’s answers are recorded in the book of Habakkuk (3 chapters).

ii) Judah’s last 4 kings were wicked men who rejected God and oppressed their own people. Babylon invaded Judah twice before finally destroying it in 586 BC. It was a time of fear, oppression, persecution, lawlessness, and immorality.

iii) Habakkuk couldn’t understand why God seemed to do nothing about the wickedness in society. Then he realized that faith in God alone would supply the answers to his questions.

iv) The book of Habakkuk devotes the last chapter 3 to a prayer. All of God’s people – young or old, rich or poor, powerful or lowly – have the same vital access to their loving heavenly Father. Prayer is our direct line to God. The purposes and procedure may vary, and problems may at times hinder it, but it is always our lifeline to the Master.

2. Why pray?

a) To praise (give honor to) for who God is and what he has done.

i) 8My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. (Psalm 71:8 NIV)

ii) 15Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. (Hebrews 13:15 NIV)

b) To give thanks (acknowledge something good) for God’s blessings.

i) 1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1 NIV)

ii) 28You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. (Psalm 118:28 NIV)

iii) 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)

c) To confess (admit) of sin and desire for forgiveness.

i) 4I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. (Daniel 9:4, 5 NIV)

ii) 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV)

d) To petition (ask formally or earnestly) for our personal needs.

i) 40On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22:40 NIV)

ii) 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

e) To intercede (plead for the case of another) on behalf of others’ needs.

i) 5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. (Acts 12:5 NIV)

#1) Herod’s plan undoubtedly was to execute Peter, but the believers were praying for Peter’s safety. The earnest prayer of the church significantly affected the outcome of these events. Peter was freed from prison with the help of an angel of the Lord. Prayer changes things, so pray often and with confidence.

ii) 18And 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 Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)