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A Lesson In Prayer

Prayer. Some of us are great at it. Our prayers are like poetry to the ears of God and we know without a doubt the He hears us. However, some of us like myself, struggle in that department of faith. Should we get on our knees and pray? Is my prayer less effective if I am lying in bed while I pray? What do I pray for? All of these are questions that many of us have. Honestly? There is no right or wrong answer. We have been instructed two things that stand out. Pray constantly and pray without babbling.

Prayer is your personal conversation with God. No one can tell you how to speak with him. Whether you are lying down, on your knees, lying prostrate, or driving in your car God can hear you. Psalms 102:17 says "He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute and will not despise their prayer." 1 John 5:14 " Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." 

I am able to write at great length about the things I am passionate about. I express myself so much better through written word than I do vocally. Speaking is not something I am comfortable with. Does that make my written prayers any less effective? No. In fact, I am able to go back to my prayers and see exactly where in my life God has answered my prayers. This doesn't mean that I don't pray aloud. on the contrary, I find that I pray quite often in my car. It's the place in which I spend the most time in silence. My conversations, I'm sure to those passing by looks as though I am talking to myself. These are the moment I find that I cry and ask questions. I often laugh and most importantly I stop and listen. Fancy words and speaking in tongues are well and fine if that is how you are called to pray to God if that is the best way to express yourself and your needs to the Lord than so be it. 

My personal prayer relationship with the Lord is funny. I often speak to Him as though he is my best friend. After all, that is exactly what he is. He's our Father and our friend and we can speak to him in that way. Old school saints will tell you that you cannot question God. That's not completely true. As with your parents, you are able to ask questions so long as you are seeking to understand His plan. The biggest question we like to ask God is "Why". Why did this happen? Why did that happen? Why can't I have this? Jeremiah 33:3 tells us "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know." So don't be afraid to ask God those questions. Sometimes the answer will be no, sometimes it will be yes, and sometimes it will be, not yet. Sometimes the because to the why question will be something you learn the answer to later in life. He will always answer your questions. 

What do I do if I don't know what to pray for? Ask God what is on your heart and listen for the answer. Sometimes prayer is not about asking for anything at all but a way of letting God know that you appreciate everything he has done in your life. Singing is not the only way to praise and glorify God. Sometimes the only thing you need is a grateful heart and the words on your lips to let Him know that no matter what you have gone through you can see Him moving in your life and you are thankful for everything He has done.

Prayer is only as complicated as we make it. No one on this earth has prayer down to a science, as there is no science to be had when it comes to prayer. All you have to do to pray is just be sincere and humble in your approach to the Father through His son Jesus Christ. 



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