Prayer is prayer, right? It's what you do in church, or before a meal, at bedtime, or when you rise in the morning. The Lord's Prayer, the Sinner's Prayer, an invocation or benediction as bookends to a wedding or funeral. That's what prayer is. Isn't it?
Yes and no.
As with every aspect of our relationship with God, prayer is personal. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to define it. Jesus taught us how to pray. He gave us a model to follow which encompasses every aspect of life. What is God's will in your life overall, this week, right now? What is daily bread? How often do we need forgiveness, and to forgive others? What temptations do you face? Life is dynamic. It changes. One prayer, or type of prayer, cannot cover it all.
My prayers vary day to day, and even hour to hour. Not only in content, but in form. Sometimes I approach God on my knees with head bowed in humble submission. Other times I approach God with head held high and arms outstretched. One hour prayer pours out of my mouth in a flood, the next I can form not even a coherent thought, let alone put voice to what I feel.
Prayer reflects what is inside us.
Or at least it should.When joyful, I pray joyously. When hurt, I pray for healing. When tired--strength; guilty--forgiveness; thankful--thanksgiving.
Prayer is a conversation with God. Talk to Him. Adore Him for who He is. Confess your failings. Give thanks for what He provides. Pray for supplication (intervention) for yourself and others. That is the ACTS model of prayer, and it is a good place to start.
Prayer is a two way street.
Like any effective conversation, prayer involves two-way communication. Presenting a laundry list of needs to God is not necessarily prayer. You have to stop talking and listen. God may speak to you through His Word (the Bible), via another person, or the voice of the Holy Spirit inside you. I don't know how He will answer, but this I know: If you listen, He will speak.
True prayer is also honest. It is God to whom you pray. Nothing is hidden from Him. Whatever it is, He already knows. I believe prayer is less about us influencing God than God influencing us. That can only happen if you hear what He says.
What is prayer?
It's a conversation with Almighty God, who is our Creator and Lord, and also our Abba Father (Daddy). Prayer is talking and listening to the source of all wisdom, the provider of all things, and the one who loves us more than we can imagine. Prayer is a privilege, an honor, and a necessity.
Prayer is an important part of your relationship with God. The more time you spend conversing with Him, the closer you will become. When it comes right down to it, prayer is what you need it to be, when you need it.
And we could all use a little prayer. Don't you agree?
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