Spiritual Practices - Prayer

In lieu of global events this past week or so, prayer has been something I have been leaning in to more than usual. There is something about talking things over with our Creator that calms my anxious mind. It is interesting how in times of trial or tragedy or desperation we are more inclined to pray than when things are peaceful in our world (personal world and literal world). Why is this? When things are going well, we so quickly turn towards earthly things. How often do we celebrate with food or drinks or parties or calling our friends and family to tell them good news BEFORE we pause and acknowledge God's hand in the good news/situation? Could it be that in times of difficulty, deep down, we realize that only God can provide us with what we need? Could it be that deep down, we know the world can not help us? There are many chunks of Text throughout the Bible commanding us to pray, guiding us on how to pray, or simply talking about prayer. This is intentional. As with any relationship, the more time you spend together and the more you talk, the stronger the relationship becomes. Prayer = deeper relationship with God. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to "pray continuously". I think of this as having constant dialogue with God. In the celebration, in the tragedy, in the monotonous commute to work, and everything in between. But how do we do this? How do we stay in constant communication with God in all the things? To start, I think you just have to start. Just say one prayer. Prayer does not have to be formal. The Bible even frowns upon "babbling" with the intentions of thinking you will be heard "better" (Matthew 6:7). Just start talking to God. If this feels uncomfortable, rest in assurance that this is normal. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes. If that feels to much to start, there are several examples in the Bible that may be a good starting point for example: Matthew 6:9-13 or Luke 11:2-4 is a great prayer to recite if you are unsure on what to say, 1 Samuel 1:10-11 is a model prayer of humility and longing prayed by Hannah, 2 Kings 20:1-6 shows how King Hezekiah showed vulnerability before the Lord in times of trial and God answered his prayer, Psalm 51 models a prayer of repentance, Matthew 26:36-46 is a time when Jesus asks for God's will to be done, and Genesis 18:16-33 where Abraham prays an intercessory prayer for a land of moral disaster. These are just a few references. If this still seems too much, I suggest just reading aloud a Psalm or two. Then read it again, this time slower. If this gives you some confidence, move one step further and ask God to reveal something to you in what you just read. Then sit with that word or phrase and let God speak to you. Although there is great benefit of carving out time specifically for prayer, it can be more simple than that. You are not required to pray aloud. In fact, God suggests we pray in secret (Matthew 6:6). I often do this as a dialogue in my head where I just talk to God in my head. Some people like to set up a specific time(s) to pray throughout the day. Some people set a timer and sit with God and just converse with Him. Some have prayer journals where they write down their gratitude, their desires, and their love for God. There is no one size fits all here. God rejoices when we have a relationship with Him. I challenge you this week, if prayer is new to you or something you have not done in a while and feels uncomfortable, set aside 5 minutes from your day (this is as easy as while you are showering), and say "God, Creator of all, please create in me the desire and discipline to pray. Amen." See where that takes you. I am certain God will hear you and begin to work in you. If prayer is something you do frequently, pray for those who are new to prayer or who have fallen from it to have the desire and discipline to pray.