“Earnest prayer . . has great power and wonderful results.” James 5:16 NLT
“Prayer is the practice of speaking comfortably with a Father who knows and loves you.”
My thoughts today are about “conversations with God.”
Do you know what prayer is? Most would describe prayer as a religious activity best done in church or possibly on one’s knees, or a practice of desperation when divine intervention is needed immediately. I would suggest that real prayer is simply a normal conversation with your Heavenly Father, based on a relationship of trust.
The disciples asked Jesus, “Teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1 NIV. This passage of Scripture tells us two things about what prompted them. John had taught his followers to pray, and they wished the same benefit from Jesus. Also, they had just watched Jesus pray with such an enviable intimacy with God, and had observed numerous occasions of the powerfulness in His prayer that they had not yet experienced, but wanted to do so.
Jesus’ response must have startled the disciples with its simplicity and intimacy. Their first assumption about prayer that Jesus shattered was their former understanding of God. Jesus said, “When you pray, say: Our Father . .” They heard Jesus often address God as His Father. But could Jesus possibly be inviting them to also speak with God as their Father, the most personal and closest of relationships?
Prayer is the practice of speaking comfortably and naturally with a Father who knows and loves you, desiring your best in every way; prayer is not a matter of respectfully talking to a God who is distant from you. Prayer can bridge every difference between who He is and who you are, and narrows any distance of where you are from where He is.
When you feel lonely, you just want to speak with someone, especially family or friends. God is there for you when they are, and when they cannot be. When you face problems and need comfort or counsel, you feel better after speaking with someone whose advice you trust. There is no confidant better than the One whose name is “wonderful Counselor . . Everlasting Father.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV.
And this is important; remember that prayer is much more about listening, a little bit about talking. God wants to hear what you have to say; you need to hear what God has to say! God already knows you, but you need to know God more personally and practically! A conversation with God is much more than time spent telling God what you need or what’s going on in your life and circumstance; prayer is your opportunity to open your heart to God, inviting Him to speak to you so that you know His heart and will better.
When you have tough choices to make, you will naturally seek wisdom and direction from someone whose life and experience can help you find your way. When they cannot, He can! With prayer, you can immediately open communication with the One who is the Way and the Truth – “Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend upon your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT. Your prayer lifestyle will directly relate to your unbending conviction of the necessity and effectiveness of your sincere conversations with God. See Ephesians 6:18 NIV. “Continuing steadfastly in prayer.” Romans 12:12. Prayer – sincere, believing prayer – will have God’s attention anytime, every time. When you are helpless to change or control what is happening, or not happening, God is able; so pray! Read Philippians 4:6-7 NLT.
My prayer for you today is that your conversations with God are honest and often.