The pandemic has been challenging to keep in touch with family and friends; sometimes it is easy, other times it is hard. If I don’t communicate with loved ones, how would they know me? How would I know about them?
Communication is important in relationships, helping know about each other.
The definition for prayer that I learned long ago is, “communicating with God.” But that sounds dry or mechanical.
Later I discovered prayer is the love language for our relationship with God.
God seeks and desires relationship with us. Our part is to draw near to Him. He wants to hear from us, like I want to hear from my family and friends.
Jesus showed us the importance of prayer. He withdrew from others to pray and seek the Father. (Luke 5:16)
He taught how to connect upward to God when the disciples asked about prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Jesus also taught us to pray with others in community.
“For where two or three are gathered, I am there with them. “(Matthew 18:20)
Through praying together we connect outward with others and connect upward to God.
Whether we are alone or in a group, we can turn our hearts and thoughts toward heaven,
knowing that God will hear us.
Prayer draws us closer to God.
When our hearts ache for peace, we can turn to the Lord and know His presence.
The Bible does not give us a specific “to-do list” for drawing near to God, but instead views it a dynamic relationship between the Creator and His creation. People in the Bible prayed many kinds of prayers, offering praise and thanksgiving to God, and crying out in laments and confession of sin.
Communication with God through prayer is necessary and personal.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Our part is to be devoted to seeking the Lord through ways that lead us to a closer relationship with Him.
“Be devoted to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
(read previous post, “Simple Prayer Instructions”)
Think back to an early memory of prayer. What were you taught as a child?
My early memories of prayer were at bedtime, with the reminder from mom to “say my prayers.” I knew the connection to God must be important. I closed my eyes tightly and prayed, believing that if I lay real still, I would actually feel the hand of God on my head as an assurance. Although I never felt anything on my head, I felt peace and believed God was near.
Nobody is born an expert at prayer; it is a learned behavior. The enemy of our souls whispers lies to us, that we aren’t doing it right or often enough. Keep praying!
Although we can pray every day, no one ever masters prayer on their own.
We need the Holy Spirit to guide us, especially when our words fail. (Romans 8:26-27)
It takes a lifetime of doing it, yet can be so simple a child can pray.
Prayer is personal, spiritual communion with God where we pour out our heart’s desires.
It is the love language of our relationship with God.
How do you draw near to God in prayer?
Your Brother
“No one masters prayer” – True. To get around my shortcomings in prayer, I have always found great strength in “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
Nancy Kay Grace
Thanks for bringing that to my attention! We absolutely need the Spirit to guide us. Point well taken, and post edited.