The Bible and Lutherans teach that God wants believers to pray. The Bible instructs us to pray in the name of Jesus, that is, trusting in his salvation. We present our needs to God, we praise him, thank him and pray for others. Prayer is not a way to earn salvation. Christians pray because God commands us to pray and promises to hear and answer our prayers. Sometimes his answer is yes, sometimes no. Sometimes God waits until the time is right to answer our prayers.

Psalm 19:14; Psalm 50:15; Matthew 7:7; Matthew 21:22; John 16:23; 1 Timothy 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:8