Amy Turner

Prayer is a fundamental part of a Christian’s life, connecting us with God and allowing us to seek His guidance, forgiveness, and peace. The Bible stresses the significance of prayer, encouraging believers to “bring everything to God in prayer” (Philippians 4:6). This act of communication not only builds a relationship with Him but also aligns our hearts with His will. Jesus Himself emphasized the need for persistent prayer in Luke 18:1, underscoring that we should never give up praying. Whether it’s confessing sins (1 John 1:9) or praying for others (1 Timothy 2:1), prayer is a gift from God that brings spiritual strength and comfort.

Sonny Clardy, a long-time advocate for the importance of prayer, reflects on how it has shaped his Christian journey: “There’s so many songs that you hear today on gospel radio about prayer, so many groups and solo artists are singing songs about the power of prayer and how important prayer is in our lives.” For Clardy, prayer has been a cornerstone since he was 13 years old, and his favorite verse, 2 Chronicles 7:14, continues to resonate deeply. “I’ve always loved that scripture…if my people that are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

This verse serves as a reminder that prayer is not just about personal needs but is a collective call for healing, especially in today’s world. Clardy emphasizes that “in today’s society, it is so important—we need that healing of our land from the Lord Jesus.” His plea is for all of us to unite in prayer, not only for our country but also for the people we love. “Therefore it be important for me and for you, for all of us to join together…to pray for one another and the ones that we love.”

Ultimately, prayer draws us closer to God, and as Clardy concludes, “Be close to Him by praying as much as you possibly can.” His words encourage believers to stay committed to prayer, recognizing that through it, God can bring healing, peace, and transformation to our lives and the world around us.