Disclaimer: This OP is not about intercessory prayer.
We do not pray in order to change God's mind. Jesus prayed 3 times in Matthew 26:
Paul prayed 3 times in 2 Corinthians 12:
This world is a testing ground. Praying is a way to build a personal relationship with God through our prayer life. We can grow spiritually through positively and negatively answered prayers. We learn about ourselves and God through prayers.
Paradoxically, the 2nd purpose of prayer is to teach us persistence, Ephesians 6:
We are commanded to pray. It is one way for us to build a relationship with the Father.
We do not pray in order to change God's mind. Jesus prayed 3 times in Matthew 26:
Jesus' prayers did not change the outcome.36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” ...
44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.
Paul prayed 3 times in 2 Corinthians 12:
Again, the outcome was not changed.8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
This world is a testing ground. Praying is a way to build a personal relationship with God through our prayer life. We can grow spiritually through positively and negatively answered prayers. We learn about ourselves and God through prayers.
Paradoxically, the 2nd purpose of prayer is to teach us persistence, Ephesians 6:
The 3rd purpose of prayer has to do with spiritual warfare/reality. When we pray, we are involved in the happenings in the spiritual reality. Satan and his demons are the opposing force. We join God's force with the good angels.18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
We are commanded to pray. It is one way for us to build a relationship with the Father.
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