The Complexity of Prayer

Do you ever wonder why we have prayer time after sharing? I suppose the most obvious answer is to ask God to help and heal the people who are struggling, but prayer is something that is so much more than a time to request help. Would anyone like to share what they know about prayer? 

I found a site at refresh.church that offered a lot of great points about prayer, and I’d like to share some of their points. 

Why Prayer Actually Matters: Prayer isn’t about checking a religious box. It changes things. And more than that—it changes us. James 5:16 

It Draws You Closer: Spending time with God shifts your heart. It builds trust, honesty, and intimacy. 

It Brings Peace: When life is loud, prayer helps quiet the noise. “The peace of God... will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7 

It Aligns Your Heart with His: Prayer helps you stop chasing your plan and start living His. “Your kingdom come, your will be done...” — Matthew 6:10 

It Strengthens Your Faith: Seeing God move builds trust. And even when answers take time, your faith grows stronger in the waiting. 

But… Does Prayer Really Work? Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Yes—and maybe not always the way you expect. 

God Hears You: ‘The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them...” — Psalm 34:17 

God Answers—but Not Always How You Think: Sometimes the answer is “yes.” Sometimes it’s “not yet.” And sometimes it’s “I’ve got something better.” “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” — Romans 8:28 

Prayer Changes You: Even when your situation stays the same, prayer has a way of softening your heart, shifting your focus, and strengthening your trust. 

Let’s pray together: “Thank you, Father, for the invitation, provision, and command to come to you with all things. What an amazing privilege and comfort to know you care about all aspects of our lives, that there is no problem too big, or too small to bring to you, and that you are committed to deepening our relationship with you, all the days of our lives. Amen" 

Abide – by Aaron Keyes, Aaron Williams and Dee Wilson 

Verse 1 

For my waking breath, for my daily bread 

I depend on You, I depend on You 

For the sun to rise, for my sleep at night 

I depend on You, I depend on You 

Chorus 1 

You’re the way the truth and the life, you’re the well that never runs dry 

I’m the branch and You are the vine, draw me close and teach me to abide 

Verse 2 

Where the Spirit leads, as I’m following 

I depend on You, I depend on You 

For the victories, still in front of me 

I depend on You, I depend on You 

Chorus 2 

You’re the way the truth and the life, you’re the well that never runs dry 

I’m the branch and You are the vine, draw me close and teach me to abide 

Be my strength my song in the night, be my all my treasure my prize 

I am Yours forever You're mine, draw me close and teach me to abide