But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. – Matthew 6:6 (NLT)
Prayer is fundamental to our relationship with God in terms of our Christian growth and development.
We are changed for good when we engage and connect with God in prayer. In fact, prayer reveals our inner dependence on God.
Jesus himself is not a stranger to prayer. His whole life, the success of His ministry was evidence of His dependence on God through prayer.
We have limited insight into the contents of Jesus’ conversations (prayers) with His Father. For example, His prayer in John 17 and the prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. He was however no doubt consistent in finding time alone to hear, learn, receive direction and instruction from His Father.
We need to pray with knowledge, understanding and faith. And what better way to gain this knowledge, understanding and faith than through the word of God. Jesus overcame Satan’s temptations by quoting what was written in scripture. And “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
Prayer is much more than just presenting God with a list of requests. It should also be about finding out what’s in God’s heart. It should be a time of receiving instruction and insight from God our Father.
The Bible is full of all types of prayers and some of these prayers are long, and some are short and direct to the point. One such short prayer was by Elisha – “And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)
Prayer doesn’t need to be complicated. God already knows what’s in our hearts, so we don’t need to impress Him with many words. “… for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Matthew 6:8 (NLT)
So why is it so hard sometimes to pray? Why don’t we pray as often as we should?
Perhaps, it’s the word “Prayer” that sometimes intimidates or scares us? But if we view or see prayer as having a conversation with a friend, perhaps this will break every myth or barrier. Just as we chat about politics, or our favourite sports team etc, we should have the same confidence and passion in talking to God about any matter.
Perhaps you think God will not hear you because of what you’ve done. There’s no better time to chat to God about the matter.
There will always be a reason to call on God either in a request or in worship, praise, and thanksgiving. Let us learn to talk to God and commit our everyday activities into His hands, even the most simple and obvious tasks.
The more we learn to talk to God about small matters, the more confidence we’ll have when big issues arise.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 