What is prayer? It's simply a conversation with God.
I'm always a little amazed and saddened by people who think they can't pray - or don't know how to pray. I'm sure there are different reasons for thinking this way. I can see why some might think they have to recite lengthy and wordy prayers. After all, that's the way prayers are spoken in church. But in actuality, God would much rather hear you just talk to Him.
He doesn't care about flowery speeches. He doesn't want to hear anything rote. He wants to know what's on your heart, your words of praise and thanksgiving, your concerns and petitions - all as if you were sitting next to him and simply talking to Him as a friend.
One of the methods we use with the kids in our youth group is telling them to just say one sentence (during open prayer time). We tell them, "how hard is it to say one sentence?," like, "help my grandma feel better" or "thank you for the beautiful day." Once they start and see how easy it is, you almost can't stop them. There's nothing that makes my heart smile more than hearing a group of teenagers pray in this manner.
I understand how scary it can be to pray in a larger group. I once felt that way, too. But we shouldn't be praying for others and their opinions. We should only be concerned with God's opinion and communicating our heart to Him. That shouldn't be something we're fearful of doing, but something we look forward to.
The other aspect of prayer is the other side of the conversation - the listening. God wants the conversation to be two sided, not one. But that's another post, as well as how often we should pray. Just know that praying doesn't have to be hard, or scary, or even laborious. It's a gift that we're given to be able to personally converse with our creator and almighty God. Give it a try.
And speaking of prayer, a fellow blogger, Penless Writer, has started a 24/7 prayer group here in the bloggy world. I, along with other bloggers, am committed to praying each day for prayer requests that are shared. If you ever would like someone to pray for you or someone you know, you can click on the Hearts In 1 Accord graphic on my side bar and it will take you to the email address you can use to email your request. If you would like to join the group of pray-ers, you can use the same email address.
Be sure to visit Heather, of Not A DIY Life, for all today's participants.
7 comments:
Beautifully written, my dear. I remember a talk in church once when the woman talked about her regularly phone conversations with her sister and how she equated that to prayer. That it is a two-way conversation and we need to both talk and listen. I always try to keep that in mind when I pray!
Great post as usual!! I really like this:
It's a gift that we're given to be able to personally converse with our creator and almighty God. Give it a try.
Amber's point of liking it to phoning a friend is a thought I'd never had but a very good one.
Susan
Great thoughts, Diana! Prayer is conversation. Too often we try to make prayer complicated, but it's not! And I am SO thankful that we don't have to memorize anything or pray in any specific way.
Thanks so much for sharing!
I always say the Lord's prayer (or sing it) when I don't know what else to say.
You're right; the more you just "talk" to God, the easier praying becomes.
It is odd how we can talk about anything usually, but when it comes to praying aloud, it can be so hard.
I work on the one sentence prayers with my 2nd grade Sunday school class - by the end of the year, it has become so much easier for them...and for me to pray aloud!
Great post Diana!!
Well thought out and written post. You gave a great gift to the teenagers.
Similarly, I love to hear little children pray. Their prayers are so sweet and sincere. I'm always amazed at who they pray for and why. They have compassion that isn't always expressed in other ways.
LOVE IT!! I love that you said we should not be fearful but look forward to prayer, That is so cool. You would be amazed at the people I know that will NOT pray out loud in a group. Great post may I use it? I think it will help some folks open up more. Thank you my friend:)
Deb
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