Question 116

Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us:^a and also because God will give his grace and holy spirit to those only, who with sincere desires continually ask them of him, and are thankful for them.^b

1. a. Psalm 50:14–15

   Psalm 50:14–15

   ^50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: ^50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

   ^50:14 Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High. ^50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me."

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Matthew 7:7–8; Luke 11:9, 13; Matthew 13:12; Psalm 50:15

   Matthew 7:7–8

   ^7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: ^7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

   ^7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. ^7:8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

   Luke 11:9; Luke 11:13

   ^11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. ^11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

   ^11:9 So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. ^11:13 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

   Matthew 13:12

   ^13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

   ^13:12 Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

   Psalm 50:15

   ^50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

   ^50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me."

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible