Prayer is Simply Talking to God...

I thought about this year's tribute and remembrance for my sister, Heidi M Allen, and realized to ask some to pray might create stress or have some thinking, "I don't know how to pray or I would." Before you give up, read today's blog...prayer is simply talking to God.

I used to think prayer was something you memorized, repeated verbatim, aloud, so your family and God know you are praying. I didn't get the intense, deep, and personal aspect of prayer.

Instead I just got on my knees, said the Rosary or the Our Father and called it "daily prayer". Checked it off the list and went to bed.
I was so wrong!

Prayer is so much more! Is it repeating memorized prayers and Scripture? It can be. Is this the only way we can pray? No. Actually, this is the very beginning. In truth, to pray is opening your heart, mind, and schedule to spend time with a friend. A time to thank God for all He is doing in your life, praise Him for the small and big things only God can do, and share requests for ways you are in need of His guidance, love, healing, provision, or whatever it might be.

Think of praying as a time to enjoy your favorite beverage with a friend. My favorite time of day is first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee. An important aspect of prayer to remember is this, God isn't a genie in a bottle or Oz. He is God. He is loving, gracious, and merciful. He always answers prayer but it's not always with a yes. (Thank goodness!) Sometimes He says No or Not right now. Regardless, He is answering.

Just like getting together with a friend, friendship is a two-way relationship. We can't simply go to God when we have a need or desire. How would you feel if the only time you heard from someone was when they were in need and wanted something from you? Friendship goes both ways, and so does the communication we have available to us with God ~ through Jesus death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit remained so we too, can talk with God. He is ready and listening.

My first prayers after Heidi's kidnapping were bouts of anger and I'm ashamed to say, temper tantrums. I never thought of this as praying. I just thought I was yelling and releasing the anger. I don't recommend "praying" in forms of yelling and anger but on some levels, this might be where some of you need to start. God already knows you're mad at Him, or misplacing your blame, or frustrated. He loves us so much, He desires to hear us let it go. His shoulders are more than strong enough to carry this for us.

On a lighter not, watch the youtube video below for the "Skinny on Prayer".

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Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —
his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

What is your definition of prayer?