Many of us have heard or believed myths about prayer—ideas that can distort our understanding of its purpose. Some think prayer is primarily about asking for things and receiving quick answers. Others may see it as a ritual that needs to be perfectly worded, or worse, something to do only when life gets tough. These misconceptions, while common, can lead to frustration and even distance between us and God when our expectations aren’t met.
The real power of prayer, however, goes far beyond the outcome of our requests. At its heart, prayer is about one thing: entering into the presence of God. It’s not just a spiritual task or a way to control our circumstances; it’s an invitation to draw near to the One who created us, who loves us, and who never wants us to be alone.
Myths That Create Distance
One of the most common myths about prayer is that its effectiveness depends on whether we get what we ask for. When our prayers aren’t answered in the way we expect, it’s easy to feel abandoned or doubt whether God is really listening. But Jesus teaches us that prayer is more about relationship than results.
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus says, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The reward Jesus speaks of isn’t necessarily the answer we desire, but the presence of God Himself—the greatest gift we could ever receive.
Another myth is that prayer needs to be long, complex, or impressive. Jesus himself warns against this approach, saying in Matthew 6:7-8, “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” We don’t need to impress God with our words; He already knows our hearts. What He desires is for us to come to Him in simplicity and sincerity, to experience His presence.
The Presence of God: The Heart of Prayer
“All of us want the assurance of not being deserted by life nor deserted in life. Faith teaches us that God is—that He is the fact of life from which all other things take their meaning and reality. When Jesus prayed, he was conscious that, in his prayer, he met the Presence, and this consciousness was far more important and significant than the answering of his prayer. It is for this reason primarily that God was for Jesus the answer to all the issues and the problems of life. When I, with all my mind and heart, truly seek God and give myself in prayer, I, too, meet His Presence, and then I know for myself that Jesus was right.” HOWARD THURMAN
In the deepest parts of our being, none of us wants to be alone. And Jesus, through prayer, shows us that we never have to be. Prayer brings us face to face with the presence of God, reminding us that He is with us in every season of life—whether or not we receive an immediate answer to our requests.
When we begin to understand prayer as a way to experience God’s presence, the pressure to “get it right” or “get results” fades away. Instead, prayer becomes a moment of intimacy, a sacred connection with our Creator. It’s in this space that we discover the peace, comfort, and guidance that only come from being with God.
Rediscover the Power of Prayer
If you’ve ever felt frustrated or distant from God because of unanswered prayers, I encourage you to rediscover the true purpose of prayer: being with God. In the video below, Rediscovering the Power of Prayer: How It Leads Us Into God’s Presence, we challenge the common misconceptions about prayer and explore how its real power lies in the experience of being with God—regardless of whether He answers in the way we expect.
Reflect on your own prayer life and ask: How often do I focus on God’s presence over my petitions? Remember, the reward of prayer isn’t always the answer—it’s the presence of God Himself.
If this resonates with you, take a few moments today to sit quietly in God’s presence. Let go of your requests, and simply be with Him.