"Why Do We Pray at All if God Already Has a Plan?"

This is a question I hear from time to time: “Why Do We Pray at All if God Already Has a Plan?" In other words, why do we pray for certain events to go a certain way if God already has a plan and it'll happen according to plan regardless of what we ask for?

I think the best way to answer to above is simply through this verse: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

However, I think it is important to explain this further as well as breakdown why prayer is so important. Proverbs 16:9 is saying people have dispositions of the heart (emotional outlook, tendencies) and these determine what we desire and ask for, pray for, however the Lord will answer and deliver in the way that he deems proper. The greatest thing about prayer is that we always get an answer. It may not be the one you want nor in the timing that you want, but we always get an answer from God. And if the answer isn’t what you wanted, just know that it’s all a part of a bigger, better plan that God has in store for you. Remember, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “ – Jeremiah 29:11.

Jesus taught us that prayer is about re-aligning ourselves to him and his purpose, it’s about submitting to God and building a relationship with him.

So why not, keep a prayer journal and see how God answers down the road!

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything… If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Amen!