Prayer can be an intimidating word to some people. To some it may be thought of as only something the paid clergy or staff can do. Other people may be put off by the traditional folding of hands, closing of eyes and bowing of the head. Yet prayer in its simplest form is just talking or directing your thoughts to the one who created us. Here are three thoughts that may change your perspective when it come to prayer.
1. Prayer is a mindset and not a formal speech.
Scripture exhorts us to "pray without ceasing." In other words, to live with the continual awareness of God's presence and that He is listening to not only our words but our thoughts as well. In my parent's home to this day, there is always a radio on. It's not loud, but it's on. It's a foundational audio track that lies underneath any and all conversations in the house. Music, news, and weather continuously permeate the area. This radio connection is rarely severed. Prayer is similar; the channel to speak to God is always open. It's on ongoing transcendant dialog.
2. Function trumps form when it comes to prayer.
The function or purpose of prayer is to communicate with God. There is nowhere in the Bible that sets forth the form or position by which to pray. In fact, you might be surprised to learn the Bible only gives examples of a prayer posture. In John 17:1 we find Jesus looking up to heaven as He prayed; Luke 22:41 finds Jesus kneeling as he prayed; and in Matthew 26:38 Jesus is laying prostate as He prayed. So there is no perfect prayer posture to assume while we speak with God. In other words, you can't do it wrong. When people fold their hands and close their eyes to pray, they are doing so to help them focus on God and what they are saying.
3. God desires our conversation.
What dad doesn't enjoy talking to their children? God, Abba Father, likewise wants to dialog with us, His children. God cares deeply about each one of us. In fact, he cares about the smallest details of our lives. The end result of a fruitful prayer life is a healthy relationship between Father and child.
If prayer isn't already a regular part of your life, begin today knowing there's nothing mystical or formal about it. Just simply talk to your Father. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, constant in prayer!" Romans 12:12
