Originally posted 10/15/2020
The topic of prayer has been coming up over and over in the past few weeks in my daily devotions, in conversations I’m having, and even on social media. It is a huge topic—and will likely cover a number of posts to discuss the when, how, why, and what of prayer. A few days ago, I tuned into a virtual women’s conference only to find that the topic was prayer. I have a pass to another virtual event on prayer to watch within the next month. Emails and social media posts from churches are focused on prayer. With everything going on in the world, many are looking at prayer with a new perspective. With churches going online only for several weeks (and some still more online than in person), personal prayer has come to the forefront. We don’t have as many venues for corporate prayer when we aren’t in church services and don’t have Bible studies, small groups, or prayer meetings to attend. We have had to get personal with prayer, stretching spiritual muscles that many of us haven’t used as regularly as we might be willing to admit—and that is a good thing!
Prayer has always been a favorite spiritual discipline of mine. It is definitely a discipline, and it takes practice. While there is no right or wrong way to pray, being truly vulnerably, transparent and open with God in prayer is something that takes time to do well and be comfortable with. Vulnerability comes more easily when things are difficult—hurt, hardship, pain, and overwhelm can often be poured out to God in words, tears, and groans that He hears and understands. But what about prayer in the day to day? Praying when things are going well, or even just ok, can feel awkward, and often less important than talking with God about the big, hard, awful stuff of life. Does God really care about the day to day? Are the ins and outs of my life important enough to bring to Him?
Yes, they are. The God of all creation knit you together in your mother’s womb. He knows the number of your days, the hairs on your head, and every thought you will ever think before you think it. He is all about the day to day. He is as with us in the small stuff as He is in the monumental moments. Prayer is a conversation. Just as you would call or text your closest friend when something comes to mind—big, small, good, bad, or even something that only the two of you will understand and relate to—God is there in that same way. When we talk to our closest friends, we spend less time making sure that our specific words and phrases are perfect. We just know that they understand. They get us, and we know it. In that same way, prayer doesn’t have to be elaborate. The specific phrases and words are less important than the reality of our heart.
In later posts, I will share more about specifics of prayer—Scriptures, strategies, journals, and resources that I can share. I am excited to dig deeper into all that prayer is and how valuable it is in growing our relationship with God. I hope you will join me!
Until then…thanks for reading! 😊 EW