What is prayer? How would you answer this question? I would answer this question by saying that prayer is simply a conversation with God. Prayer is a way of communicating with God. We can use prayer to communicate our praises, thoughts, requests, needs, hopes, and worship. Communication with God also means listening to what he is saying to us. During prayer time, we should not only speak, but also meditate, and listen.
What do I say when I pray?
Jesus gave us an example on how to pray. If you are not sure where to start. This a good place to start.
9) Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10) Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11) Give us this day our daily bread, 12) and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)
We do not have to use eloquent words or spend a specific amount of time praying. God wants to hear from us through our hearts.
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Matthew 6:7 (NIV)
My prayers are different from day to day. My prayers throughout the day are different as well. Sometimes when I feel like I don’t know what to say, I say “Speak to me Lord” or “God help me”. Sometimes, I just weep. Sometimes, I pray bold as a lion. Sometimes I write out my prayers. Other times, I allow the Holy Spirit to intercede on my behalf. No matter what words I use when I pray, God knows what my needs are before I even ask him.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 (NJKV)
Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. Matthew 6:8 (NJKV)
For a long time, I felt that I had to pray a certain way. Sometimes, I woud get frustrated because I felt as if my prayers were not “’good enough”. As I grew closer to God, I longed for more fellowship with him. As I started to fellowship with him more and meditate on what he was saying to me, I started to pray more. I learned to pray from my heart, and not my head. Now, I pray continually. I also seek out other resournces to help me grow in my prayer life.
So you see, prayer is a way that we communicate with God. Prayer is necessary to maintain your personal relationship with God. All you need to do is come to the Father with a sincere heart and believing that he will answer your prayers.
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. Matthew 21:22 (ESV)
Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:24 (NKJV)
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your blessings. A special thank you for your protection and provision. Lord, I ask that you continue to remind us that our prayer does not have to be eloquent. Remind us that we can communicate with you at anytime and at all times. Thank you for being there always to listen to our prayers. I pray that the person who is reading this post realizes that prayer is communication with you. It is through prayer that we draw closer to you. Lord, I pray that you draw us closer to you as we continue to journal scriptures about prayer throughout the month of August. In Jesus’ name , I pray. Amen
What does your prayer life look like? My challenge to you is to be bold and make any adjustments that you feel are needed to your prayer life. Pray continually. Your Heavenly Father is waiting to hear from you. You can do this! I am cheering for you!
HIS love and MINE,
Shemeca