We know we should pray. But why? In this Sunday message from November 2, 2025, Pastor Linda Reese continued her series on prayer with some of the Bible’s reasons to pray.

To resist temptation

In Gethsemane, Jesus found Peter, James and John asleep. “Could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:40-41, KJV). We’re easily distracted. The more you pray, the more strength you have. And when something looks like an answer to prayer, ask God for discernment: is it from Him, or a temptation?

To experience full joy

Jesus told His disciples their sorrow would turn to joy, like a mother’s joy after giving birth, and “your joy no man taketh from you” (John 16:22). Ask in His name, “that your joy may be full” (16:24).

To receive mercy and grace

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). There we find mercy for what we’ve done wrong and grace for what we’re facing now. God is our King, our friend and our counselor. You don’t have to come shy.

To offer praise

“Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually” (Hebrews 13:15). Thank Him when you wake up, praise Him in the middle of a busy day, and tell Him about your day at night. Whatever concerns you concerns your heavenly Father.

Believe, and confess

Because of Jesus, we come to God directly. No priest or sacrifice is needed. “All things are possible to him that believeth,” Jesus said, and the father of a sick boy answered, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:23-24). And when we’ve sinned, we agree with God about it: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9), as David did in Psalm 51.

Start with What Is Prayer? if you missed it, or send us a prayer request and we’ll pray with you.