Learning from Jesus' example makes us also have to continue to struggle to forgive and love others, even though it is our enemy or the person who persecuted us. How can this be done? Therefore, pray! By praying, the Holy Spirit will enable us to love them. God who because of His love and justice revealed Himself through dreams to Abimelech and gave the consequences for his actions by closing the womb of every woman in his palace.
But Abraham prayed to God and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his slaves. As a Christian, prayer is as important as reading the word. Prayer which is the breath of the life of a believer certainly has benefits so it is done. What are the benefits of praying for Christians? Here are some reviews of some of the benefits of prayer for Christians you need to know as follows:
1. Prayer Provides Healing
"Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and their slaves, so that they gave birth to children. (Genesis 20: 17) Certainly we remember the story of Abraham and Abimelech, where Abimelech, who was about to approach Sara, who had previously been asked by Abraham to lie, said that he was Abraham's brother and not his wife so that they could both survive while settling in Gerar. If we are currently experiencing an illness or our relatives are experiencing it, then pray now and God will act by giving healing.
2. Prayer Provides Forgiveness
"Take with you words of remorse, and repent to God! Say to Him: "Forgive all wrongs, so that we get the good, then we will offer our confession." (Hosea 14: 3) If at this time we are aware of our mistakes because of the Holy Spirit's work to worry and convert us, immediately take an attitude of prayer. He, the loving God, will give us forgiveness and rest. Come bravely before His throne because there is no sin that is too great that He cannot forgive.
3. Prayer Enables Against Temptations and Temptations
"Watch and pray, lest you fall into temptation: the spirit is submissive, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26: 41, Mark 14: 38) When temptation comes through our lives, pray! Don't be fooled by the Devil's provocation. And when so many temptations come, pray! So you don't fall into it.
4. Prayer Meets Necessity
"And whatever you ask in prayer with trust, you will receive it." (Matthew 21: 22) Do we currently have much needed things in life? Is that something that seems impossible for us to accept? Then] the benefits of praying for Christians with full faith in the Father because He is the God of all infinite gods.
5. Prayers Provide Peace
"Do not be anxious about anything, but state in all respects your desire for God in the sense of praying for Christians and thankful requests." (Philippians 4: 6) We may often be faced with sudden conditions. For example, suddenly the exam is given by a lecturer. Suddenly getting a call for a job interview or taking a particular test. Sudden debt collectors who come to the house. Or suddenly a divorce certificate is given by wife / husband. But Paul told the Philippine congregation and also told us to remain calm. Don't worry! Pray in openness and petition with thanksgiving to the Father. Because none of us because of his worries can add even one cubit to his life's path (Matthew 6.27).
6. Prayer Makes Us Know God's Will
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6: 10) These prayers taught by Jesus to His disciples and also those taught to us make us understand one more thing about prayer. In prayer we not only express our problems, our desires, our hopes for God, but we also listen to His voice and His will. Is not as a Christian, doing the will of God is our desire to do? Then there's no way we can do it without knowing. Therefore, pray!
7. Prayer Makes Us Grow More in Christ
"I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you cannot do anything. " (John 15: 5) Just as a branch cannot grow without a principal, so can we. We who are the branches of God must abide in Him. The intended stay is not to stay for a period of a week, a month, a year or a year, but forever. Staying meant means having an intimate relationship with God. God, who is the Spirit, can only relate to Him through word and prayer. Enjoying God in our prayers makes us grow in true knowledge of Him. Therefore, pray!
8. Prayer Teaches Us the Meaning of Loving
"But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5: 44) Not a few people around us who very often make our hearts upset and angry abysmally. It could be those who make us like that are our own family. Even to the point that it makes it very difficult for us to forgive them. This was also experienced by Jesus when He was on earth. Cursing, beatings, other insults which he must bear even when no sin is found from Him. Even the cross of suffering had to go through. But He chose to remain silent and still forgive those who made it that way.