My friend, remember the times we kneeled to pray. We pray because we believe our Father listens. Prayer is the way in which the life of a Christian is nourished. Talk with God, be yourself before him, and let him commune with you. Let your prayers be a daily habit. Let them be simple in nature and rooted in your heart. Too much thinking about your prayers will only lead you to produce clanging sounds that are harsh in God’s ears. Don’t try to impress him with refined words, memorized verses, and eloquent recitations. Just be you. Just tell him what worries you. Tell him what you need. Ask that his will be done and then be satisfied that he heard you and will respond in due time. Remember, his timing is divine, and yours is not, so it should not be a surprise to you if he does not give you precisely what you want when you want it. When that is the case, be patient. Often, what is refined in you while you are waiting is the best answer to your prayers.
In Jesus Christ, go boldly to God with your prayers. And do not simply pray for favor and things, but pray for others. Pray that you and those you love will be drawn closer to God, and pray for unpleasant circumstances to change so that God’s glory may shine through. Remember that while on the cross, Jesus prayed for his enemies; he was clear about his desire and command that we, too, should pray for others as he did. What more extraordinary display of love for your neighbor and brother is there than to bow and pray for him? It pleases the Lord when we pray for others, so do so often. Very often.
In prayer is the best way to spend time alone with God. It is when you are alone with him that you are free from distraction and temptation to impress with your actions and words. There are times for public and corporate prayer, and there are times for private prayer. Kneel often and be sincere with your Lord. Make private time with him so that you can go before him and speak without hesitation or shame about what you need or what hurts you the most.
Friend, pray continually, on all occasions, and with all kinds of prayers and requests, for the Lord is faithful. And as you draw nearer to him, he will strengthen and protect you, growing you in righteousness and enriching you with blessings. Daily prayer strengthens your walk with Christ, increasing your endurance for his sake. Pray kneeling, standing, as you sink into your pillow, and even when driving or pushing a grocery cart. Your prayer ritual is unimportant; it is that you pray often and with sincerity that matters most. Most of all, pray with thanksgiving, for you should always be thankful that you can speak directly to God. Amen.
