Bart taught Martin how to be cool, how to shoot a slingshot at unsuspecting girls, how to burp on command, and how to spray paint garage doors and buildings. Martin became the most popular kid in school. So much so that he didn’t have time to help Bart study.

The night before the big test, Bart sat in his room trying to study. He realized too late that he couldn’t cram enough into his head in one night to pass the test. Finally, his mom came into his room and said, “It’s past your bedtime, Bart.”

Bart slowly closed his book. With the test just hours away, all hope was gone. That’s when he got down on his knees and prayed. “Well, Old Timer, I guess this is the end of the road. I know I haven’t been a good kid, but if I have to go to school tomorrow, I’ll fail the test and be held back. I just need one more day to study, Lord. I need your help! A teacher’s strike, a power failure, a blizzard, anything that will cancel school tomorrow. I know it’s asking a lot, but if anyone can do it, you can. Thanking you in advance, your pal, Bart Simpson.”

Guess what? It snowed! The biggest blizzard in the city’s history. The “Hallelujah Chorus” rings out in the background. School is cancelled for a day. Bart studies all day and takes the test. He squeaks by with a “D-“. Bart was so happy he kissed the teacher as he ran out the door. Homer was so overjoyed that he posted Bart’s paper on the refrigerator and said, “I’m proud of you, boy.”

To which Bart replied, “Thanks, Dad. But part of this D- belongs to God.”

Many are like Bart Simpson when it comes to prayer. They pray only when they get desperate, when facing a crisis. Two business partners were discussing what to do about their failing business. “The only thing I know do,” said one partner, “Is to pray.” “My God,” exclaimed his partner, “has it come to that?” Prayer is more than a last resort. Allow me to share five reasons why we should pray.

First – PRAYER EMPTIES THE HEART OF CARES. When we pray, we get rid of weights, worry, stress, frustrations, and aggravations that cause us to sin and pull away from God. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (O Peter 5:7). Many immediately call on family or friends instead of God to help get them in the right frame of mind. Until your heart is empty of care or worry you will not hear from God. We must have a pure heart. (See Matthew 5:8.) When you go to God in prayer, He promises to guard or “garrison” your heart with His peace that “passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Second - PRAYER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE ANSWER IS BEYOND YOUR HUMAN ABILITY. In prayer, we admit we cannot fix things ourselves. We say, “God, I need you and your help.” We acknowledge that there IS something outside of ourselves that has all the answers that we need. When we bow our knees we admit that something is beyond our reach and we grasp it in prayer and faith. In the business world, if you don’t know something, you go to someone who does. When we have a problem we should go to the One who knows all things and has all power. (See Ephesians 3:20.)

Third – PRAYER GIVES US DIVINE DIRECTION. Decisions made without prayer often lead to stormy seas or even destruction. Don’t let people or circumstances control your decisions. God will guide you through the rock and shoals of life to safe harbor. When we acknowledge God and pray, He will direct us. (See Psalm 37:5; 73:23, 24, 28.) We must include God in everything we do. He wants to be our guide and counselor in all things – marriage, finances, family matters, and everyday activities. A friend recently remarked, “I even ask God to go grocery shopping with me, to help me get the best and most for our money.” Ask yourself, “Can I really afford to make another mistake in my life without asking for God’s direction?” Continue to pray Matthew 6:10, “…Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

Fourth – PRAYER STRENGTHENS OUR INTIMACY WITH GOD. Prayer is so much more than asking for things. It is a relationship with God. Stop looking for a substitute love and get the real thing by spending time in prayer and fellowship with God. Jesus says to you, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). You can have a direct line with God through His Son, Jesus. (See John 15:3-7, 16.) There is no one on earth that has to go to God for you. Make a person-to-person call to God today!

Fifth – PRAYER CHANGES ME. Prayer not only changes things, prayer changes me! Time alone with God will change our attitudes, direction, decisions, and circumstances, and give you favor – God’s grace. Instead of worrying about so many things and having a heart attack, let’s have a prayer attack! God want us to call on Him while He is near. “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6).

The prayer that Bart Simpson should have prayed, the one we must all pray is this, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:9-14) That is the prayer that Jesus said that God always hears and honors.

Don’t wait until you face a crisis in your live to pray. Pray today. God cares. He longs for intimate friendship and fellowship with you.