Why pray when God already knows what you need?

Why bother praying when God already knows what you need? Is it also necessary to spend extended time interceding for others, the nation, and the church?
The Bible explicitly describes how our prayers are presented at the throne room of God as “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Rev 5:8). A similar imagery is given elsewhere as our prayers are coupled with incense as it rises to God as a fragrant offering to the one who sits on the throne as King of kings (Rev. 8:3-5).
As our prayers rise to God along with the sweet fragrance of incense from the altar, there is an immediate response:

Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightening, and an earthquake (Rev 8:5).

There is no doubt about it, that God responds to the prayers of his children. In the verse above, it was a response of judgement as the people cried out to God because of their suffering and oppression. God responds according to the need of each person.
What is your need today? What is your heart’s desire? What are you longing for? What do you want God to do in your community? Go ahead and intercede in prayer knowing it rises up to the very throne room of God as he waits to respond with swift action.
Believe and pray.
Your Turn
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I am a pastor, teacher, and writer, devoted to helping people live their potential.
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