The Case for Christ: That’s Why We Pray

Editor’s Note: The newly revised and updated version of Lee Strobel’s well-renowned The Case for Christ released this month. With the dramatic scenario of an investigative journalist pursuing his leads, Strobel uses his experience as a Chicago Tribune reporter to interview experts about the evidence for Christ from the fields of science, philosophy, and history. Enjoy this excerpt from the family edition The Case for Christ for Kids.

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Don’t you love drive-thru restaurants? You pull up to a speaker and shout what you want to eat. Then by the time your parents drive forward in their car, your food is ready to go.

The popular California-based restaurant In-N-Out Burger claims to have created the first drive-thru in 1948 with two-way speakers. Other historians say Red’s Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, had the first drive-thru window. While Red’s is long gone, In-N-Out Burger has only increased in popularity with nearly 300 restaurants in five states. Some fans of the fast-food chain love the Bible verses on the food packaging as much as the burgers.

Soda cups feature John 3:16 printed on the bottom.

Shakes have Proverbs 3:5-6.

Hamburger and cheeseburger wrappers point to Revelation 3:20.

Hungry people find Nahum 1:7 on Double Doubles (that’s double the meat and cheese), while Proverbs 24:16 is printed on french fry holders.

Only the references can be found on the In-N-Out products, so if you want to know what the verses say, grab your Bible and look them up.

Examine the Case:

Some Christians treat God like a drive-thru restaurant. We bow our heads in prayer and give our order. Then we expect God to answer as soon as we “pull forward.” And if God doesn’t do what we ask, we get angry or think He doesn’t hear us.

God always hears our prayers, and He wants us to pray to Him about everything. Philippians 4:6 says,

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

That means God wants to hear when we’re worried about a math test, need wisdom for how to deal with a friend, or desire strength to do well on the athletic field. But prayer is much more than asking for something. When you talk with God, remember this acrostic:

P = Praise. Tell God about the things you’re thankful for. Acknowledge His amazing power. Praise Him for being active and alive in your life.

R = Repent. Admit your failures. Have you lied, had jealous thoughts, or been selfish? Ask for forgiveness.

A = Ask. Tell God your desires. Ask for His help.

Y = Yield. Let God know that you want to serve Him. Tell Him that you want to follow His will for your life.

Prayer isn’t putting in an order. It’s connecting with God, which is much more satisfying.

Final Word:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. — Philippians 4:6

Excerpted with permission from The Case for Christ for Kids by Lee Strobel, copyright Lee Strobel.

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Your Turn

As you share this devotion with your family or with kids in your life today, ask these questions: Am I praying just to get something from God, or am I pursuing a relationship with Him? Am I praying about every area of my life, telling God about everything that’s going on, the good, the bad, and the ugly? He wants to hear it all! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily