Prayer

23Feb11

Prayer should be one of the easiest things in the life of a Christian. So why does it seem that so many of us struggle with it?

I am teaching on spiritual disciplines right now in our youth program, and this week is on prayer. As I think about what I need to teach these students, I keep coming back to the simplicity of the task. It’s just talking to God. You be real. You be honest. You be you.

I remember watching a high school student praying before a sermon at a preaching competition. He started his prayer this way, “God, You’re so freaking awesome!” I remember laughing at first, and then realizing that that is the essence of prayer. We just talk to God. No fancy words or poetic language necessary. We speak to God the way we would speak to any other friend.

One of my favorite quotes from Jesus about prayer is “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:7-8).

God doesn’t need us to try to sound smart or eloquent. He wants us to be ourselves and just talk.

I’m curious though. What are some of the most meaningful lessons you’ve learned on prayer?