Do You 'Believe in Prayer'?

The word prayer gets thrown around a lot these days and I wonder if we sometimes forget what it's all about. You see, prayer is really quite meaningless unless there is a God who listens and responds. Now, I am not trying to pick at words, but you might say...

• So, I do not 'believe in prayer,' but I believe in the God of Heaven who listens and responds.
• I do not believe 'prayer works' or that there is 'power in prayer,' yet I know that my God works in the lives of people and that He is powerful.
• I do not 'send prayers.' Rather, I speak openly with my Heavenly Father who listens to His children.
• I do not recite memorized prayers. Prayer is not cute poetry for the amusement of others. Clever rhymes do not move God. Chanting memorized verse over and over does not move God. Prayer is heartfelt communication with the God who is real and who listens and who acts.

How meaningful would it be to you if your children thanked you after a meal at a restaurant:

   Thanks for the meal; the food was good.

   Please drive us home; we wish you would.

Sincere? Meaningful? After the tenth time?

        And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans,

        for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

                                                                                              —Matthew 6:7

I believe that prayer is important, not because it makes me feel better, but because I have been given assurances by God in the Bible. He has given me promises so I KNOW that He hears me when I intentionally speak to Him. I am confident that He considers my requests and answers.

     This is the confidence which we have before Him,

     that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 

                                                                                             —1 John 5:14

I cannot tell you whether my prayers are supplication, intercession, or something else. I pray with Intention and I open my heart to God. Sometimes, often times, I lack words; I just need…“Help!”

     ...for we do not know how to pray as we should,

     but he Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings

     too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts

     knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes

     for the saints according of the will of God.

                                                                                           —Romans 8:26-27

There are times when I express my joy, praise, and thanks; sometimes I make a request. I pray for understanding when I do not understand. I pray for discernment when I face uncertainties. I pray for courage to endure life's trials and for courage to stand firm in my faith.

     Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask,

     believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.

                                                                                            —Mark 11:24

I find myself being cautious with my attitude when praying. I never think of prayer as a ‘tool’ or a means to obtain what I want. I realize that I am addressing the Holy God of Heaven who Created the universe, including me.

      You ask and do not receive,

     because you ask with wrong motives,

     so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

     God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

                                                                                            —James 4:3 & 6

Prayer is really quite simple, just open your heart to God, but always watch your attitude. Believe God; believe in God; believe in the God who answers prayer. Talk to God. Pray.