Prayer Makes A Relationship

"Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

     How do you pray? Do you actually talk to God as if you were having a conversation with Him? Do you have a regular prayer you pray every morning or night, saying the same thing over and over each day? Do you even pray every day, or only when you need something? Do you stop to thank Him when He answers your prayer in the way you were hoping for? Do you praise Him every day? Do you still praise Him when He gives you what you need rather than what you want?

     God is our Heavenly Father and we should feel like we can have an open conversation with Him. He wants us to talk to Him. Tell Him what you want, tell Him what you feel like you need, tell Him your hopes and dreams, tell Him your fears and frustrations and things you're struggling with.

     After all that, though, don't forget to listen for His response. Yes, He will talk to you. The Holy Spirit is always talking to us, encouraging the choices we make every day. The closer you get to Him, it will seem easier to recognize His guidance. Don't forget to read your Bible because that is the main tool He uses to talk to us. Pray before you read that you will get something out of it, and you most definitely always will.

     Some people might say they don't know how to pray. It's easier than you might think. Just talk to Him like you would talk to anyone. Talk to him like I'm talking to you right now. Prayer is a one-on-one conversation with your Creator. That might make it seem a little intimidating to just talk to Him casually, but that comes with having a relationship with Him. He is also our Heavenly Father. Talk to Him like you would talk to your dad, or you could also talk to Him like you would talk to your best friend (which is another part of the relationship we have with Him).

     By the way, yes, I called prayer a conversation. Like I said, God talks to us all the time. Sometimes He might choose to do it through your Bible reading. Other times, we just need to be still, be quiet, open our hearts, and listen.

     Just like any relationship, it takes time and effort to help it grow. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says simply that we are to "Pray without ceasing." Jesus will always make the time to talk to us. Will you make the time to talk to Him?