What Am I Supposed to Pray?

It is hard to imagine that God would have made prayer so difficult for us that we don't know what to say to Him or we do not even make an attempt to pray.  Prayer is speaking to God, which He asks us to do continually (1 Th. 5:17).  But what do we say?  Often, the natural reflex is to ask God for things or to ask God for healing.  This is fine and certainly biblical.  However, I believe that a Christian must see prayer as constant communion with God throughout each day and not only at a scheduled time.  It is a matter of continually thanking him for each act of kindness and each person that comes your way.  It is telling Him how great He is for the beautiful sunshine, trees, river, and the small things that make life so pleasant and good.  It is asking Him to calm our hearts when frustrations arise.  It is our silent cry to him in prayer when we hurt so badly and we are unable to share with anyone else.  It is thanking Him for His daily provision beyond our food but for our cars, homes, clothes, friends, and families.  It is thanking him for the future He has in store for us because He is our blessed Hope.  It is thanking him for eternal security through the work of His Spirit.  It is thanking Him for never taking His eye off of us and for never leaving us.  It is just sitting and reflecting on His holiness and His sovereign hand in the details.  It is meditation on His Word and claiming His promises because He is so good.

You see, Paul encouraged believers that as they lived each day they were to walk in a spirit of prayer.  There should be an element of constant fellowship with God and speaking to Him as your best friend.  It is the way that we are to move forward each day in victory over satan (Ephesians 6:18).  Many times believers are flattened spiritually and can't understand why and it is due to a lack of a precious relationship that God has made Himself available to us through prayer.  Through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, the veil has been torn, and believers can have direct access to God Almighty--amazing!!!  We don't even have to stand in a long line.  Yet, we often forfeit the most important thing in life that we could EVER do. 

"Father, I stand amazed at the provision of prayer that you have made for your children.  You delight in our company, praise to you, and requests that we bring.  You are patient, holy, perfect, just, and good all the time.  I marvel that you are constant and sovereign.  Your love for me is steadfast so how could I ever not give you everything I have--especially time with you in prayer?  I praise your name today and give you all the glory for everything good!  You are my Father and I am your child.  I long to delight in your presence and to marvel at your majestic name.  Amen."