What does the Scripture say about pride and prayer? God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Whatsoever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing to His sight. Pride is not pleasing to God. BETTY AMUKPO puts foward some children’s views on why people should not be too proud to pray. Excerpts:
‘I’m proud to pray, prayer is the greatest thing on earth’
Yes, I am proud to pray. Prayer is the greatest thing on earth. What is prayer? Prayer is the raising up of your voice and mind to God. It also means man talking to God and God talking to man. Why do we pray? – We pray for God’s goodness in our life – We pray for God’s protection – We pray to ask God for mercy – We pray for God’s Spirit upon us – We pray for long life. God says – If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven. Bible Passage 1Thessalonians 5:16-18. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” Ojimmadu Sandra ‘I love talking to God because He listens’ No, I’m not too proud to pray! Love talking to God because He listens. Jesus prayed, and He’s God’s Son! The Bible says, ‘Pray without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and ‘The Lord is near to all who call on him’ (Psalm 145:18). He cares about me!”

• Ogoke Chimamanda Antonia
‘The Lord detests all proud-hearted’
No, I am not proud to pray because prayer is the only way we talk to our God. Moreover, if you find yourself praying when you have problems or at the end of ingenuity, that means you are proud and you remember God only when you are in trouble or in need. Proverbs: 11:2 says “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes with wisdom. Proverbs: 16:5…The Lord detests all the proud of heart and they will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:8…Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Umennadi Francis ‘By humbling ourselves and praying, we can experience God’s favour’ Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverb 16,18. Pride can lead to our personal downfall, and humility is essential in our relationship with God. Prayer is an act of humility, acknowledging our dependence on God. ‘No, I am not too proud to pray.’ Humility and prayer are essential in our relationship with God. By humbling ourselves and praying, we can experience God’s favour, guidance, mercy and blessing. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up. James 4:10. God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.1 Peter 5:5. Chima Anita ‘If I become too proud to talk to God, I will lose out’ No, I’m not too proud to pray! Prayer is having a personal discussion with Jesus and if I become too proud to talk to God, I lose out. God, our loving Heavenly Father, wants us to communicate with Him through prayer. He always listens to us when we pray. Daily prayer can bless you, your family, and those you pray for. It can also invite more peace into your life, help you learn more about God’s plan for you, and more. (Ephesians 6:18).

• Agbo Josephine
‘I’m not proud to pray; pride can hinder our willingness to pray’
Why do we pray? 1.We pray to show our gratitude and appreciation to God. 2.We pray for forgiveness of our sins and grace to live a better life. 3.We pray before embarking on a special journey or task. For e.g. The Apostles prayed before choosing the seven deacons (Acts 6:1-6). 4.We pray for more connection to God. 5.We also pray when we are in need to obtain God’s mercy and favour. E.g., wisdom. For God taught us the easiest prayer which is “Our Father” (Luke 11:2-4). So, why won’t you pray? No, I am not proud to pray, because the prayer of a humble person is powerful (James 5:16), and I pray before I go to bed and when I wake up from sleep. As Christians prayer is our life line to God and pride can hinder our willingness to pray and humanity is essential for prayer. So, I am not proud to pray. – Chibuike Raphael Anyasor ‘Don’t be too proud to pray, don’t place yourself as an equal to God’ No, I’m not too proud to pray. Prayer is a posture of humility, acknowledging God’s greatness and our need for him. When one becomes too proud to pray, it means the person has placed himself as an equal to God and he or she is not in need of help. When we are proud, we feel we are enough. And when we feel we are enough, we don’t think we need God. God wants us to talk to him and tell him of our needs, and prayer is the only way we can talk to God. Don’t be too proud to pray, don’t be too lazy to pray, and don’t forget to pray. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

• Mary Peace Oche
‘Pray with humility; pride comes before a fall’
“Are You Too Proud to Pray?” “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) Humility precedes effective prayer (James 4:6-10). Don’t let pride hinder your relationship with God. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) Humble yourself, pray, and receive: – Forgiveness (1 John 1:9) – Guidance (Psalm 23:3-4) – Strength (Philippians 4:13) Pray with humility, not pride. Asia Yoochi Laurah ‘When you pray do not heap up empty phrases’ Revelation 3:17, a Bible verse that prays for God to keep people from pride and prayerlessness. This biblical verse says seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. We should put pride away when we pray rather, we should bear in mind the word of God which says, “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8.

• Bryan Okononfua
‘Prayer is a vital aspect of one’s spiritual journey, prayer has no age limit’
Prayer is a vital aspect of one’s spiritual journey, connecting us with God and fostering a deeper relationship. Many wonder if age can hinder effective prayer. The answer is a resounding “No.” The Bible encourages prayer regardless of age, and numerous examples demonstrate the impact of elderly prayer warriors. Scripture assures us that age does not limit our ability to pray. Psalm 71:9 implores, “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength fails.” Additionally, Psalm 92:14 promises, “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” These verses emphasise that older adults can continue to grow spiritually and bear fruit through prayer. The Bible provides inspiring examples of elderly individuals who prayed fervently. Abraham prayed at 175 years old (Genesis 25:21-22); Moses prayed at 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7); and Anna, an 84-year-old widow, prayed day and night (Luke 2:36- 37). Their prayers demonstrated the effectiveness of intercession, regardless of age. Praying in old age offers unique benefits. With accumulated wisdom and experience, older adults can intercede for others (Job 12:12). Prayer also deepens their relationship with God (Psalm 71:18). Furthermore, older adults can pass on their faith to younger generations (Psalm 78:4). First Thessalonians 5:17 instructs, “Pray without ceasing.” Age should not discourage us from communing with God. Instead, it should motivate us to continue seeking Him. In conclusion, prayer knows no age limit. Older adults can pray effectively, drawing from their wisdom and experience. May we emulate the examples of Abraham, Moses, and Anna, praying fervently and bearing spiritual fruit in every season of life.

• Blossom Akalezi
‘God loves those who humble themselves’
“God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble, ” – 1 Peter 5:5. This verse always reminds us of being humble, and that God loves those who humble themselves before Him, and in that case, I am never too proud to pray because prayer is the thing that connects me to God and I must be humble.

• Eyinade Gideon
‘Prayer is an act that seeks to build relationship with God’
Prayer is an invocation/intercession or act that seeks to activate a rapport or build a relationship with an object of worship through deliberate communication. It can be thanksgiving, intercession, adoration, supplication or confession. How can one be too proud to pray? Prayer is God’s way for us to receive what we need from Him (Hebrews 4:16). In 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, the Bible states,’ Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’. This means we can’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we will present our request to God the author and finisher of our faith. Philippians 4:6-7. Therefore, pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer and request. Ephesians 6:18 It’s pertinent to acknowledge the mighty power of God by living out our entire dependence on Him with faith that all our needs will be met according to his riches in glory!

• Ogechukwu Okorie