What is prayer? The dictionary says that it is an earnest hope or wish. Personally I believe that prayer is so much more than that. Another definition I came across is, a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship. This definition is more in tune to what I think. But to put it more simply, prayer is our conversations with the Lord.
It is beneficial for us to talk to God. It is one of the most significant things we can do as we build a relationship with Him. Communication is an important part of any relationship. Yes, God already knows everything, that is, that was and will ever be. There is nothing that we can tell Him that he doesn't already know. But as we get to know Him it is important that we confess certain things with our mouth. It also creates a more intimate relationship, especially as we share our most inner thoughts and struggles.
I believe that people that have a strong prayer life have a stronger relationship with the Lord. You don't want to be that person that only talks to Him when you need something. We all know people like that. He is not just the God that can rescue us when we are in trouble but He is the God of everything and every situation. So for me, I talk to Him about everything. My good days, my bad days, when I know He is near and when I feel He is far away. Sometimes I create opportunities to talk to Him. Just to spend time with Him.
When you pray, you have God's ear. And if you have his ear, you have to be close or connected to Him right? So I think we all should pray every chance we get.
Matthew 6:6 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Mark 11:24 24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
John 14:13-14 13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
1 Timothy 2:5 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Psalm 145:18 18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
Matthew 7:7-8 7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Psalm 66:17 17I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
Matthew 18:20 20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Psalm 55:22 22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.