Luke 18:1 says Jesus told His disciples to pray and not give up. And Jesus went to an isolated place to pray often, which is recorded in all four gospel accounts and would make for an exciting personal study.

Below is a list of what praying does. The scripture reference after each concept supports the concept and makes for an exciting personal Bible study. You can also have your own Bible Treasure Hunt for more verses, or write out each verse listed.

Share your own experiences and blessings of being a pray-er in the comments.

WHAT PRAYING DOES:

• Praying protects you from bitterness (Hebrews 12:15).
• Praying builds your faith (Jude:verse 20-21).
• Praying helps you wait on the Lord (Psalm 130:55).
• Praying decreases your suffering (Psalm 59:16, James 5:13).
• Praying allows you to sense God’s presence (James 4:8).
• Praying reduces stress because it builds your trust in God (Psalm 37:5, Romans 15:13).
• Praying is mental health – Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9). 
• Praying helps you pray all kinds of prayers (Ephesians 6:18).
• Praying gives you a friend to talk to which regulates your expectations with others (John 15:12-15).
• Praying quiets anxiety (I Peter 5:7).
• Praying brings peace to guard your heart(Philippians 4:6-7).
• Praying gives assurance that God is listening (Jeremiah 29:12).
• Praying sets your mind on Christ (Colossians 3:2).
• Praying gets rewards and is powerful (Matthew 6:6, James 5:16).
• Praying gives you strength for the journey (Ephesians 3:16).
• Praying brings surrender and willingness to live for His glory (Mark 8:35).
• Praying strengthens your inner man (Matt. 26:41).
• Praying informs you of who God is (Matthew 16:17, Luke 24:45, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
• Praying clears your vision to see what God is doing (Matt.16:17, Romans 8:5).
• Praying reminds you of the eternal hope you have in Christ (Psalm 33:22, Psalm 71:14).
• Praying displays your faithfulness (Romans 12:12).
• Praying makes you attentive to God’s work (Colossians 4:2).
• Praying changes you(Psalm 37:7, Psalm 46:1-3, Proverbs 16:20).

©️Valerie Rumfelt