Some days ago, I saw this video circulating on my Facebook timeline from Cliffe Knechtle. He is the Senior Pastor of Grace Community Church in New Canaan, CT, as well as the host and founder of the “Give Me an Answer” ministry. He alongside son Stuart Knechtle, has thought-provoking discussions with others surrounding faith and doubts.
While on a college campus (much of his engagement has been with students), Cliffe engaged with a young woman who made an interesting point: If God is all-knowing, then why do we need to pray? That’s a valid question because God does already know the things on our minds and hearts. But our prayers are more than for God to grant what we want. Ultimately, He wants to hear from and connect with US!
Cliffe gives solid points in the video below, but the main point is that God desires to have intimacy with us. Prayer can be a real struggle sometimes because it requires vulnerability and a willingness to let go of what we want and focus on what God desires for us.
Personally, I’ve learned to be open with God about the things going on in my life, knowing that He wants to hear from ME. “Pray and learn to pray deeply right from your heart ’cause prayer is you seeking to connect with a living God Who loves you deeply,” Cliffe shared with the student.
Does God use prayer to bring about His will? Absolutely yes. Cliffe references James 5:16b. In the New King James Version, it reads, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” The New International Version says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” BUT that doesn’t mean that God depends on our prayers to act. Ultimately, God has the final say, but our prayers connect us more deeply to Him.
Watch the clip below!
Imperfectly B 