Matt. 6:8 For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. . .  Therefore, pray. My default would be to think therefore, I don’t need to ask. But our ways are not His ways. I think “therefore pray,” are going to be big words for me this year.

In this case, He gives the Lord’s prayer as an example of how to pray, in light of His knowledge. We are to pray acknowledging and adoring, for eternal things, for daily things, for forgiveness, for guidance and protection, based on who He is and what He did, does, and promises.

When God heard from Moses and then spoke to Pharoah, he would then entreat God. Another case where you would think God’s plan which He told you to convey to others would not require asking. But therefore, pray.

Matt. 9:38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His Harvest. He had already pointed out that He knew the fields were ready for harvest and that there were not enough workers. In light of that, we are to pray.

Some questions in Scripture seem to be worthy of thought.

Gen. 16:8 Where have you come from, and where are you going?

Gen. 21:17-20 What ails you? Do not fear. God has heard the voice of the lad. Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well. (God hears the cries of our children. He opens our eyes to see His provision.)

Gen. 24:6 & 8 – Do not take my son back there. We cannot inherit the future if we return to the past. What in my life, in my longings, puts God’s promise at risk? Show me the way forward. Show me the way promised. From Lent Devotion

Matt. 13:54-56 We have to allow God to reveal Himself to us as He is because if we hold Him to our very limited expectations, we will miss Him.

Matt. 15:25 She came and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, help me! Asking for help is worship. It acknowledges our need and His power and goodness, His wisdom and love. Therefore, pray.

Matt. 16:24 Deny self – follow. It’s not a question of if we will give something up. It’s a question of what we are willing to give up.

Ps. 15:1 LORD, who may abide? Verse 5 – He who does these things shall never be moved. To abide is to never be moved – never be shaken from following.

Prov. 4:26-27 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left. (Do not be moved.)

Matt. 17:19-20 Nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Therefore, pray.

Ex. 3:3-4 When God shows up, turn toward Him and pay attention. It gives Him the opportunity to talk to you and reveal Himself to you.

Ex. 12: 36 The Lord gave the people favor, so that they granted them what they requested (from the Egyptians). It begins with favor. Therefore, pray.

Ps. 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised. So shall I be saved from my enemies. Therefore, pray.

As we go through the entire Word of God, we will see countless opportunities where we can note “therefore, pray.”  When there is a need, a fear, a promise, a revelation, a need for revelation, conviction, inspiration . . .

Now, therefore, pray that He makes us faithful in prayer.