When the apostle James wrote about prayer in his letter to fellow Christians, he noted that they may have been tempted to pray less too. The question they may have been wrestling with was: Does God really answer my prayers?
Data from the National Public Opinion Reference Survey conducted by Pew Research Center from May 29 to August 25, 2021, found that 45% of U.S. adults say they pray daily compared to 58% who reported doing so in 2007 and 55% who said they prayed in 2014. Some 32% said they seldom or never pray, which is close to the 29% of U.S. adults who identify as religious "nones".
What this tells us is that people are praying less. Is that true for you?
This week as we conclude our message series "Your Questions Answered", we'll be looking at the question "Why should I even bother praying?" This question is a good one because we wonder if God is listening or if God already has his plans in mind anyway, so what good will my prayers do?
Prayer isn't necessarily about results, it's about our relationship with our heavenly Father, which is only made possible by Jesus taking our sins to the cross and opening the way for us to pray. Because of Jesus, we can be confident that our prayers are heard and answered.
Enhance your worship by listening to CrossWalk’s Spotify playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6oh96lgtXm0f46YtuJHdkL?si=106291bdbe014c2e
Follow along with your Bible: James, chapter 5, verses 13-18
Song highlight of the week: “What He's Done" by Passion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzPpbHI5UR8
“Why should I even bother praying?” sermon was done by Pastor Chris Johnson at CrossWalk Church, in part of the “Your Questions Answered” message series.
CrossWalk Church - Sunday Worship:
Online: cwlk.online.church - 9am /11am
Laveen Campus: Cesar Chavez High School - 9am/11am
Midtown Campus: Camelback High School - 10am
