Prayer is talking with God, it is a dialogue of the soul.
But prayer is much more than words. It is an expression of your heart, mind and emotions toward God. It’s an experience, a relationship, not merely an activity. The goal of prayer is not to talk, rather to be with God.
Does it sound a little mystical – good – it is. Prayer may seem strange at first but most things do when you first try (remember learning to ride a bike or to use chop sticks how did it feel at first). So hang in there. It won’t take too long before talking with God will be like talking with a friend and it will become increasingly meaningful to you.
Can I really just talk with God, or do I need to get a book of prayers?
Yes you can simply talk with God as you talk with a trusted friend. God knows you and loves you, and God longs to hear from you. Talk with God honestly; tell God your hurts, and longings, your concerns and your joys. God is interested and listening. But prayers that others have written can be very helpful too.
Do I have to light candles and be in a church building to pray?
No. Prayer is talking with God. God is everywhere. So you can be at home, in your car, at work, in class. However, our physical environment does play an important role. Prayer can be challenging in an atmosphere filled with distractions. So for some people it can be helpful to find a quiet place.
Do I have to get down on my knees to pray?
No. The reason people often close their eyes and bow their heads is to cut down on distractions. Sometimes people get on their knees out of respect for God (it can be a good discipline but whatever your posture you have God’s attention). If you’re talking with God while driving, its best to stay off your knees and to keep your eyes open.
I Recommend:
- Be Honest (God knows so don’t try to trick the Divine)
- Tell it to God Straight (God can handle your worst, and God is hoping that you’ll talk about it)
- Don’t wait (When the feeling to pray hits you, do it)
- Set aside specific times of the day to talk with God
Try:
- Writing a letter to God.
- Write some poetry (Psalms in the Bible is a book of poetry written to God).
- Imagine God is sitting in an empty chair in your room, and talk to God.
- Pray with a trusted friend, or a small gathering of friends.
What do I include in my prayer?
Prayer is your unique communication with God there is no magic incantations or phases. If you’d like some guidance in getting started, I’d encourage you to consider the following prayer outline, its also an acronym (ACTS):
Adoration – Take a moment to tell God what you appreciated about your experience of God, what you appreciate about the Divine’s character… this has been called worship or praise.
Confession – Express again you dependence on God and you need for spacious, forgiveness, God promises room. The more we begin to understand who God is the more we see our need to grow in love, and our need for God.
Thanksgiving – Spend some time focusing on people, things, place, experiences, animals, events, etc. you are thankful for and communicate those to God. You may wish to express your thanks to God for forgiveness, or anything that seems to come to you as gift.
Submit Requests – What are the needs in your life: relational, spiritual, financial, emotional, physical, environmental, societal, etc. God is interested in them all. Maybe you have some friends or family or maybe you’re aware of something that concerns you and you just want to talk with God. Its all good.
Take a look at things Jesus taught his followers to include when they pray, see Matthew 6.
A prayer God promises to answer, when sincerely offered:
God,
I’m full of questions and I know I’m not perfect, I’ve “sinned” and I need your forgiveness. Help me learn to depend on You. I’d like to walk in your way as best as I can. Please make me more like Jesus.
Thanks
Peace, dwight
