Since God is Sovereign Why Pray?

Have you ever wondered why we pray, especially since (not if) God is sovereign.  

First, let’s explain what God being sovereign means, and then discuss why we still pray. When we say God is sovereign, we mean from Scripture that God has ordained in eternity past all things that will happen. God is in full control of every single thing. Nothing stands outside of the control and plans of God. He has set leaves to fall in the jungle of Panama and removes and installs kings across the history of the world. Not only has he set these things, but God also brings these things to pass by his power. This is what it means to understand God being sovereign. As you can see from the Word, God is in complete control: 

Isaiah 46:9–10 

[9] remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, [10] declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’   

Proverbs 16:9 

[9] The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. 

Ephesians 1:11–12 

[11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, [12] so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  

Now, this is not an exhaustive study of the sovereignty of God, for we could spend pages uncovering Biblical texts to see the extent of God’s control. Instead, we are asking the question, since God is Sovereign why pray? Because everything is going to work out according to his plans, why the need to ask for things or plead for change of circumstance? Isn’t it like asking the teacher for the answers to a problem that you know they have in the back of their book, with no response from the teacher?  

When considering prayer, you must remember that God not only ordains the ends but also the means to the end. In other words, God has planned for your prayers. He has moved you to pray to him for things that he is unfolding, much like sharing the Good News that Jesus came to save people from their sin by dying on the cross in their places. God is sovereign in salvation, for he is in control of all things, but he ordained people to share the Good News with others. He has appointed the end and the means. Prayer follows a similar path to that of evangelism. God compels us to pray, commands us to pray, invites us to pray, tells us that he hears our prayers, tells us that he answers our prayers, and reminds us that we commune with him in prayer. All of these facts are shared to move us to pray, and in response, he gladly answers our prayers or changes our prayers to conform to his plans.  

But prayer is bigger than changing things or getting consumer goods. Prayer is a way to worship God. Prayer is a way to grow dependance on God. Prayer is an opportunity to confess sin and repent. Prayer is a way to draw near to God. Prayer is more about God’s plans; it is about God and our life with him. Let your prayers be filled with confidence for the future because you know the God who is in control of all things.  

-Pastor John Richardson