The Bible presents prayer as the means by which we should frequently speak to God—not just when in desperate straits. It is a way to ask his blessings, and also to give our thanks for provisions he has made—both spiritual and material.
Prayer is based on the conviction that God exists, hears and answers. In the Bible he is called the “Hearer of prayer.” (Ps. 65:2) The Bible shows that God is approachable by man. We should expect God to listen to proper prayers, for he himself tells his people to pray, and his Word gives many examples of acceptable prayers. (2 Chron. 7:12-16) It tells us that Jesus, by both word and example, showed the necessity of praying. If the Son of God recognized such need to pray, how much more do we need to do so.
The act of praying to God implies a closeness to him. A leading Bible dictionary points out concerning early Bible times: “The devout Israelite of that day believed deeply in God, and was perhaps more closely conscious of Him” than are many persons today.—A Dictionary of the Bible, James Hastings, Volume IV, page 41.
The faithful Israelites knew that Jehovah really exists, and acted in their behalf. The psalmist, confident of Jehovah’s direction and help, sang: “Make me know your own ways, O Jehovah; teach me your own paths. Make me walk in your truth and teach me, for you are my God of salvation. In you I have hoped all day long.” “God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses.” (Ps. 25:4, 5; 46:1) The Christian apostle Paul said: “In fact, [Jehovah] is not far off from each one of us.”—Acts 17:27.
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