(2 Corinthians 1:8-12) We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia.  We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.  Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death.  But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.  He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again.  On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you helped us by your prayers.  Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Here in the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he shares about the trials he and his fellow workers experienced during their ministry in the province of Asia.  He makes sure to recognize the value of the prayers of the many brothers and sisters who prayed for them through their difficult time.

In my ongoing battle with cancer, I have been blessed with so many brothers and sisters battling with me through the power of their prayers.  Together we have seen the hand of God as he has continually blessed me with miraculous recovery from the chemotherapy, and now radiation therapy.  We have joined together to praise and give thanks to God our Father for his great care.

So, what is the value of prayer?  Praying is an exercise of faith.  In that alone, we see great value for it strengthens our faith.  Prayer has value in that we are communicating with God, and it allows for us to express the love we have for others, as we request God’s intervention on their behalf.  Prayer is an expression of love for our God and love for our neighbors.  Loving God and loving our neighbors fulfills the two greatest commandments. 

My best thought on the value of prayer is that it is a collaboration between God and his children, and, as we pray, we grow closer to God.