Why Pray if God Already Knows Everything?

The question of why to pray if God already knows everything encompasses both the theological understanding of prayer’s purpose within the Christian faith and the personal relationship between believers and God. This question often arises from a curiosity or concern about the nature of prayer and its efficacy, considering God’s omniscience—His all-knowing nature. In answering this question, we turn to Biblical scripture, historical Christian teachings, and theologically grounded reasoning to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Biblical Foundation

1. To Deepen Our Relationship with God
   Prayer is primarily about building and deepening our relationship with God. Just as communication is vital in any relationship, prayer is the communication that fosters our relationship with God. It’s not about informing God of something He doesn’t already know but about expressing our trust, dependence, and love towards Him.
2. Aligning Our Will with God’s Will
   Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Through prayer, we seek to align our desires and actions with God’s will, recognizing His sovereignty and submitting to His plans for us, which are for our good and His glory.
3. To Express Dependence and Trust
   Philippians 4:6-7 instructs, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Here, Paul highlights prayer as an expression of our dependence on God, casting our cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Historical and Theological Insights

1. Martin Luther on Prayer
   Martin Luther, the reformer, emphasized prayer as a crucial aspect of the Christian life, stating that prayer is a powerful means through which God chooses to interact with His creation. Luther’s deep commitment to prayer was rooted in the belief that through prayer, believers experience God’s power and presence in their lives.
2. Aquinas and Prayer
   Thomas Aquinas, a significant theologian of the Christian church, discussed prayer as an act that benefits the one praying by ordering their affections towards God. Aquinas believed that prayer was not about changing God’s mind but about transforming the person who prays, making them more receptive to God’s grace.

Three Main Takeaways

1. Prayer is Relational: Prayer is not about providing information to an omniscient God but about engaging in a personal and dynamic relationship with Him.
2. Prayer Transforms Us: Through prayer, we are changed—our wills are aligned with God’s, our trust deepens, and we grow in character and faith.
3. Prayer is an Act of Obedience and Faith: Scripture commands us to pray, and by doing so in faith, we demonstrate our reliance on and trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness.

In summary, while God indeed knows everything, prayer is a vital practice for Christians—not because it informs God but because it transforms us, aligns us with His will, and deepens our relationship with Him.