This is a re-blog from Kevin Senapatiratne of www.christconnection.cc :

Why Pray? 10 reasons to make an investment in prayer.

So why pray in the first place? Let me give you just some of the benefits to a consistent life of prayer. This is hardly a complete list but since this is a post not a book I figured I should start here.

1. Relationship with Jesus.

If this was the only reason to pray that would be plenty. We get to build a friendship with God. But there is more.

2. Health Reasons.

The science that I have seen indicates that there are many health benefits to taking time to pray. Things like blood pressure, strengthened immune system and helps with arthritis. For more info see this article by a friend of mine (http://bit.ly/NV0zo6  ).

3. Helps with my relationships.

I find that I am easier to deal with after a time of prayer. This makes it a positive thing for those people close to me when I pray. If I am a nicer person to be around my friends have a better chance to grow.

4. Prayer impacts my family.

I see the difference in my family when I pray. I am investing in my daughter’s future every time that I pray for her. My marriage can get deeper and deeper as I pray for it.

5. Prayer impacts whatever I am praying about.

If I am praying for my church and leaders it makes a difference. It is like a buffet (and I like buffets). Anything in the world that I would like to impact can be touched in my prayer life.

6. I get direction for my days as I pray.

Sometimes God will speak to me about specific assignments for the day or topics for this blog. Other times He will give me more long term direction. I never know what God will say when I pray.

7. Prayer gives me perspective.

It is easy to get focused on my immediate concerns, worries, and cares. Prayer helps me step back and get the perspective of heaven and eternity. This makes life issues take on the right size.

8. Prayer helps me avoid temptation.

Jesus teaches us to pray, “Lead me not into temptation.” We don’t know all the sin we avoid simply by praying this prayer. I figure it is worth not having to go down that road.

9. Prayer makes me more effective.

It is amazing what I get done when I prayer over my list of things to do. I somehow am more productive than otherwise. And sometimes things that seem so important just get eliminated from my list altogether.

10. Answers for needs

I have seen too many answers to prayer over the years to not include this. Miracles happen! But will we ask?

As I said reason number one would be enough, but none of the others are too shabby either. What is your favorite answer to the question, “Why pray?”