why do we pray?
Jesus modeled it. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. -Luke 5:16
Out of obedience. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. -Romans 12:12. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. -Col 4:2
To behold the beauty of the Lord. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. -Ps 27:4
To be filled with the Holy Spirit. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. -Romans 15:15
To allow God’s peace to guard our heart and mind. Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Phil 4:6-7
To guard against temptation. Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. -Matt. 26:41
To know the thoughts of God. But, as it is written,“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined,what God has prepared for those who love him” these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. -1 Corin 2:9-12