Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians that we are to pray without ceasing. Sometimes it can seem hard enough to pray at all, much less to pray without ceasing. How do I even pray?
There are two very important things to understand about prayer. First, it’s not as complicated as we sometimes try to make it. Prayer is simply a conversation, except instead of a conversation with your earthly confidant, it’s a conversation with the Creator of the Universe. Just as a child unreservedly shares their hopes, their dreams, their fears and their desires with a grown-up they trust, we share our innermost concerns with God. Just as a loving parent dials their attention fully into what their child has to say, God is waiting to listen to ALL you have to say. There isn’t a complex formula, a perfect script or prescribed time or place. As a matter of fact, driving down the road, sitting at your desk, walking to the mailbox - any time or any place will do - just start the conversation. Second, we must remember that a conversation is a two-way street. God often speaks in a whisper if we are willing to be still, to be quiet, and to listen. What does He want to say to you?
Challenge: Set aside five minutes a day this week to talk to God, then reserve another five minutes listening quietly.
Tips: Have a hard time focusing while praying? Write out your prayers as you pray them. Have a hard time remembering to pray? Put a rubberband around your wrist as a reminder to pray throughout the day, or every time you get in your car alone, turn off the radio and talk to God.