What's the point of prayer?

If God knows everything already, what's the point of asking Him about what He already knows is on your mind? Sometimes I think I should simply say (and often do), "Dear God, concerning all that concerns me, what's on your mind? Amen."

The short answer to why we should pray is that our Father enjoys the discussion. I readily admit, there is much about prayer I do not understand, e.g., storming the gates of heaven, moving the heart of God, travailing in prayer, collaborating with others to influence God's decisions, praying persistently for the same thing in order to get what you ask, etc.

But for all the mysteries, I do understand conceptually that prayer is talking with God. Granted, why He desires to engage me in discussion is inexplicable apart from the mystery of His passionate love for me. As near as I can tell, apart from engaging him with my whole heart there is not much I bring to the table. He certainly doesn't need my opini on, although through prayer, it is apparent He values hearing from me, and even says, "let us reason together" (Is. 1:18b).

I do labor when I pray at times, not so much over what God wants, but what I want from God. While any worthwhile discussion about important matters should be passionate, I can't help but wonder if all my angst in prayer doesn't belie who God is while revealing a shortfall in my faith.

Here's the deal: What's important about prayer is not that I understand it but that I practice it. After all, I talk with my wife and don't fully understand the exchange -- and neither does she -- but we enjoy and engage in the practice. Prayer is similar!

Practically speaking, we are privileged to receive your prayer requests, and each member of the LGI staff prays over the issues facing you. You honor us with your trust! Thank you.

Believing in prayer, regardless of our depth of understanding, we have come up with a plan to increase the diligence with which we pray by including you more dynamically in joining the Lifetime Guarantee extended family in prayer. While prayer can be a dialogue between you and God, it can -- and often should -- be inclusive of others. The Bible speaks of "two or three" agreeing in prayer, and it is in this vein that we have devised a new prayer plan and invite you to participate.

First a disclaimer: Our new plan involves the Internet. If you are not connected to the net, we still have regular mail service and a working telephone. You don't need the net to pray with us! But if you are connected, www.lifetime.org/prayer features our simple, but innovative, prayer network.

As you will see, you can post a prayer request for the LGI family to pray about, and you can log on and regularly pray for others as well. Best of all, by design you can let others know you are praying for them. After you have prayed for a posted need, you click a prominent button on the screen and our site sends an automated email to the person you prayed for telling them of your prayer on their behalf. In this way, two, three, four, or several thousand have the opportunity to talk to Father pray together specifically and somewhat interactively.

The web is like a giant network, an electronic group. Just as you hold hands in a small group and pray for the needs you all express, there is every reason to hold hands electronically and do via the web what you do in person.

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst," Matthew teaches ( 18:20). What better place to gather and talk with Father together through prayer than at, www.lifetime.org/prayer?

Bless you, my friend.

P.S. Here is the vision: There are thousands and thousands of people who come through www.lifetime.org each month. What if even a small fraction of us who traffic the site pray for each other based upon the needs we post? We will be immensely encouraged,