Getting to know God through conversation and dialoguing with Him in prayer is the mold in which the character of our lives is shaped.
Prayer is the sap of the vineyard. When it flows, life manifests itself, but when it ceases to flow, the leaves turn brown and fall off, the fruit withers on the vine and the plant ceases to manifest.  
Prayer is, therefore, not elective but essential. The statement “No prayer, no power; little prayer, little power; much prayer, much power” stands true to reason, for the Bible tells us that men always ought to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1).
Prayer must have priority in our lives. It should be our lifeline. Therefore, fellowship with Christ ensures us long, effective lives because he is the bread of life, and when our lives are locked up in Christ, we can know that when we pray, we can have what we ask for according to his will.
Prayer develops humility by bringing us to the point of total dependence on God. Paul recognized this when he mentioned his weakness in Romans 7:18-25. He realized that he could not overcome the sin that lurked at his door by himself, but with Christ, it is all made possible.
A good reason to pray is that it brings honor to God. Prayer is an act of worship, paying due respect to our Father in heaven.
Jesus said “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8).
So there you have God’s word on it. Now what keeps any of us from praying and communicating with our heavenly Father through his Son Jesus?

Edwards is the pastor of Agape Christian Fellowship and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.