The blessing of the Lord is
God’s goodness and favor are ever with us. He has chosen us to be partakers of his spiritual and material gifts. James said that every good gift comes from the Father of lights (Jm 1:17), suggesting that the things that bring you happiness come from God. All the events that happen around you, even though they do not directly affect you, come from God. The scriptures tell us we need to give credit where it is due (Ro 13:7). Whether it is custom, fear, or honor, the need to respond is ours. The Bible tells us that God is actively working a good work in us, the things that are pleasing in his sight (Heb 13:21). Paul tells us that all things work together for good to those who love God (Ro 8:28), and this includes the unwanted lessons of life. The scriptures remind us to think on all the things that are praiseworthy and are pure, like God (Ph 4:8). When we think on those things, we find the reason to pray.
1 Chronicles 17:25
25 For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee.
To know that one of David’s descendants to usher in the Messiah, the savior of the world, must have been overwhelming to David. David wanted to make a house for God that was stable and unmovable. And though it was good intentions, God wanted something different. God does not dwell in a temple made with human hands, is what Stephan told the Pharisees and the religious leaders who were about to sentence him to death (Acts 7:48). The idea that God was going to do something great in David’s life, when it was revealed to him, gave him the reason to pray. Prayer, when done with a reason, has more meaning; it is more effective. Jesus said that when we pray, we should not use meaningless words (Mt 6:7).
Our prayers have to have purpose. For example, praying against a temptation to do something bad that we would not normally do is a purpose-driven time (Mt 26:41). Prayers of thanksgiving for all the things God has done throughout the day are another purpose-driven prayer time (Ps 107:1). The only person who keeps and sees secrets is God. Things happen during our daily lives that can not be shared with others, so Jesus said that when we pray, we need to shut the door behind us, because our heavenly Father sees in secret (Mt 6:6).
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Romans 13:7
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Hebrews 13:21
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Acts 7:48
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
Matthew 6:7
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Psalms 105:1
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Matthew 6:6
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.