“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” – Hebrews 4:15-16
Question for the day: What are our challenges with prayer?
I have had some off-line responses to yesterday’s post on prayer that I would like to address. This is so important, probably one of the most important elements of our relationship with God. So let’s make sure we are giving it our most concentrated effort.
There is no “right way” to pray. Many have expressed a fear that they “won’t do it right.” Therefore, they are hesitant to try. Folks, hear this: Just by virtue of your trying, does it become right in God’s eyes. He is so overjoyed that you are making an effort to connect with Him. He honors every minute that we spend with Him. So don’t be afraid to try. And don’t try to be something you are not. Just speak normally, as you would with a friend. Or just be quiet and listen.
I know that is not how we normally hear prayer. For many of us, we are intimidated by the way we hear others (pastors and clergy) pray. Don’t worry about that. God doesn’t expect that from us. Remember, He already knows everything about us. He doesn’t expect something that is outside our personality or character. He expects us to be authentic and ourselves. He desires that we be honest and open to what He has to say. So just be yourself. One of the best prayers I have ever heard was from a friend many years ago: “Hey God. I don’t know what I am doing here so… what’s next?” – FABULOUS!
I am on vacation with my family this week. And I am really enjoying this time with my children. It doesn’t matter what they want to talk about, I am just happy to be with them and hear what they have to say. Some things they want to share are silly, and some are serious. Some are filled with wonder, and some are surprising. But I am so happy that they want to share things with me, that it doesn’t matter what they say. I would never feel that their thoughts were not worth my time.
And so it is with God. So give it a try and experience the most profound gift that any of us can ever receive, time with our Creator.
Peace
Gracious Father,
You are a loving parent, so happy to hear what we have to say. Your door is always open, and Your ear inclined to us. Thank You for listening and caring about what we have to say. Although it is hard for us to comprehend, we believe that if something is important to us, then it is important to You. What an amazing gift!
Give us today, Lord, the ability to approach You without fear. Let the Holy Spirit lead us into prayer lives that open us up to conversations with You. Open our hearts, that we might be in full communion with You, and live in Your peace.
In the name of the Lamb we pray,
Amen
mysaviorspeaks 
I love this thought process. It is the desire and obedience that counts. To concern ourselves with form and process can easily drift into legalism, works righteousness or a “pharisee” approach to spirituality. ” Be still and know I am God” says it all. Psalm 46:10 Let God do the real work…the heavy lifting. You just be present, available and seeking.