10 Reasons to Keep Telling God Things He Already Knows

Have you ever thought while praying, “What am I doing here?” God already knows this. He’s omniscient, all knowing. Am I wasting my time? Am I annoying Him?

Here are ten reasons why you should definitely keep telling God things He already knows.

1. God commands you to pray.

“Men always ought to pray and not lose heart,” (Luke 18:1).

This probably should be the only reason you need. But God graciously explains more.

2. God commands you not to stop praying.

“Pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

God desires a relationship with us that is characterized by ongoing communication with him. Prayer is not a merely set time with God but a lifestyle.

3. Jesus taught you to pray.

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name…” (Matthew 6:9–13).

If Jesus took time to teach us, we should take time to learn and follow the pattern He gave us. This includes prayer for both physical and spiritual needs. Yes, God knows you know He knows what you need before you ask, yet He wants you to ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Just do what God wants you to do.

4. Jesus modeled prayer for you.

“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,” (John 17:1).

Scripture records this lengthy prayer before the crucifixion. He prays for God’s purpose to be fulfilled and even prays for you today (John 17:20). If Scripture reveals that Jesus turned to prayer at key moments in His life, we should follow His example.

5. Prayer is effective.

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16).

God does give some guidelines about how to pray, but there is no problem with biblical prayer. Prayer functions as God intended it to function. Time spent in prayer is not wasted time. God works through the prayers of His people.

6. Missionaries need your prayers.

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,” (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

God chose to work through people. He also chose to work through prayer. From biblical times to today, those who knew and served God have consistently attested to the importance of prayer.¹ So, pray for those in God’s work at home and abroad.

7. Your friends need your prayers.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

If you care for others, you pray for them. They need it.

8. Leaders need your prayers.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

If you care for the world you live in, you pray for its leaders. They need it.

9. You need your own prayers.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Peace comes through turning your worries over to God (cf. 1 Peter 5:7). He wants you to rely on Him. Prayer is verbal expression of dependence on God.

10. Prayer changes you.

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14).

As you align your prayers to His will, your desires begin to change. You begin to want what He wants you to want. Prayer draws you closer to God so that you become more like Him (James 4:8).

Conclusion: Pray because God wants to hear your voice.

Prayer is not merely telling God things He already knows. Deepen your understanding of God, His work in this world, and His desire for a close relationship with you. From the Garden of Eden where God walked alongside Adam and Eve to the New Jerusalem where God dwells with His people, God seeks to know His own. He wants you to draw close to Him. He wants to work in you and through you. Prayer is crucial to this relationship.

You do not walk alone in this world. If you know Christ as your Savior, God is always with you (Hebrews 13:5–6; Matthew 28:20). And He wants to hear you talk to Him.

1. Read more of the importance of prayer in my missions devotional, Daring Dependence. ↩︎

Photo Credit: Ben White on unsplash.