“Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” is not an unlimited promise. I know, for example, that God could make me fly by flapping my arms, but I am sure He won’t. He has the power, but it is not His will.

God calls us to be like Him. This is the essence of Christian behavior. But it is literally impossible for flawed humans to do this. We so seldom will to do even what we know. But here is a wonder of grace. The God who calls us to such monumental effort helps us become what we cannot become by ourselves. He has given us His Spirit, which is activated when we pray (Luke 11:13).

Prayer is a blessing bestowed for Gods glory - so we can call on Him to experience Christian growth, to combat temptation, to deal with lifes rough spots. Many of the New Testament prayers ask God for empowerment within the heart, in order that we might become more fully what He created us to be.

It is easy enough to use prayer selfishly. But for His glory, not ours, is why the gift is given. But what marvelous changes it can bring in our lives!