Why Pray

For truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. (Acts 4:27-30)

After Peter and John have been warned not to preach in the name of Jesus they are released and they, with other believers prayed. First, they acknowledged God's sovereign plan, using Pontius Pilate, Herod, the Jews and Gentiles to crucify Jesus.

So, stop there and consider that they see that God predestined all this to happen. No doubt about who is in control from ages past. With that in mind they then ask God to do miracles through them in the name of Jesus and to be able to speak boldly.

Why did they pray this way? Look at what God already predicted and brought into being. Wouldn't he also predetermine their miracles and boldness? Why ask God for what He has already predetermined?

I'm just amazed that this passage is an example I can use to answer people who ask questions like that. The Apostles knew all about predestination and they didn’t hesitate to ask God to do something. They knew that God wants us to pray and pray according to His will. They knew it better than most of us do. So they did. And I need to follow their example. Lord, help me pray according to your will.