Prayer

One thing many people struggle with is prayer. People say “I don’t know how to pray” or “what is the right way to pray” and they feel uncomfortable praying aloud and feel as though they stumble through the silent prayers they offer up to God. There really is no ‘right’ way to pray. Prayer is a personal and individualistic communication with God. Many sermons have been preached and many books written on prayer and how to do it. There are even formulas for prayer. I believe formulas are fine when used as a guideline, a helpful reminder of what you want to say to God, but I do not believe that prayers should be formulaic in the sense of being rote and robotic. Prayer should not be a repetition of words, ritualistic and without heartfelt motivation (Matt. 6:7). If a formula is to be used the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 is the best example. It fully covers all that should encompass prayer.

But prayer is so much more than a formula. God desires a close relationship with His children. Prayer is truly just talking to God. There is no need to use fancy words or to talk any differently than if you were talking to a friend sitting next to you. God wants genuineness. If you read Job you read the prayers of a man questioning God and sharing his anger and grief. The prayers of Jesus are full of true emotion and sincerity. That is what God desires.

The main component of prayer is praise; after all that is what we were created for. Consider all God has done for you and the sacrifice Christ made for you. That alone should compel you to praise Him. He is a holy and righteous God who provides all of your needs, sustains you in the difficult times and consoles you and strengthens you in your grief. He is your creator and redeemer. Always praise Him.

Make request for your needs and talk to Him of your concerns. Ask for wisdom and guidance in your life. Lay your soul bare to Him and talk of your deepest feelings and longings. Rejoice with Him in the good times and fall into His loving arms in the hard times.

Pray for others. Pray for their needs, physical and emotional. Pray for their growth, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Pray that they grow to their full potential and for their best in life and pray for healing when those you know are sick or hurt.

And do not forget to listen to God. There is a lot more praying and talking than there is listening. It is very easy to just talk to God and then go about your day. Part of that is human nature. We tend to talk more than we listen. More often than not, though, is that many find it difficult to hear God. He speaks in a still, small voice and if you are not listening for it you will miss what He is saying. Communication is two-way and only through communication is a relationship formed and strengthened. It takes both speaking and listening to each other. Never forget that you cannot learn when you are always talking. You must listen as well.

So, when you pray do so from the heart. Pray to God by talking to Him as you would any close friend or family member. God desires a close, personal relationship and you will never find a better friend than Jesus. Spend time communicating with Him.