Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”. This is Part 3 in a new series on prayer called ‘Why Must We Pray, Anyway’ by Steve Sann.
Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 1
Why Must We Pray, Anyway: Part 2
The newborn baby is but an heir of man’s disaster. At the moment of birth, without the freedom to choose or even to comprehend his circumstance, each child is launched headlong into a world of hurt. As good a person as he or she may try to be or should ever possibly become, at best they will remain citizens of the kingdom of darkness. Literally, each of us is conceived and born in sin, far apart from the spiritual entrée needed to walk and talk with God.
But now, as a result of Christ, mankind regains the authority to bring God back on the scene wherever we are present! We still reside within the borders of Satan’s kingdom, true, but we are no longer citizens. Sure, within his own kingdom, Satan has every legal right to rule his own subjects. However, we now, being the citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), as God’s people, we are released from Satan’s authority (Colossians 1:13), even while still dwelling within his kingdom. “No one is a firmer believer in the power of prayer than the devil; not that he practices it, but he suffers from it!”
Right here, while still in the Devil’s empire, we have new legal rights! But it is up to each of us to claim them. At any time, we have every right to call upon God, who then may enter into Satan’s kingdom to protect and prosper us! We are His now. God is limited only by our willingness to petition Him on our behalf.
When you call upon God in the name of Jesus Christ, you are literally delegating to Him the authority to enter into this world behind these enemy lines to fight for you. God loves it! At that very moment, God has legal authority to utilize whatever resources are at His disposal to respond to that specific need. The insight of Martin Luther in the 16th century still rings true today: “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.”
God’s people are all the time making excuses for the “sovereign” God as to why He did not act, save, or bless when really it is they who did not pray. By their many excuses for God, they are, in effect, blaming God for their own lack of prayer. Those who do pray see His results, tempered only by the weakness to believe. This, then, is why we must pray. And much. The responsibility for God’s good in this troubled world falls back upon us.
Steve Sann
Steve Sann is a writer and researcher passionate about biblical studies, theology, and historical analysis. His work explores prophecy, spiritual manifestations, and other scriptural mysteries with clarity, logic, and an unwavering dedication to accuracy. His research challenges conventional perspectives while remaining grounded in the time-tested principle that Scripture interprets itself.