Prayer has become an almost universal concept. People blithely promise to “pray for” dear ones and counsel one another to “pray about” difficult situations. And yet, what is this thing called prayer? I am convinced that it is an irreplaceable key to victorious Christian living, but to simply advise you all to “Pray more!” would not do. We need to grow in our understanding of prayer and its meaning.

My mind is filled with examples of what prayer is not meant to be:

• A mere repetition of set phrases such as “Please keep me safe,” “Please help me” etc,
• A chance to ‘convince’ God to do such and such,
• A chance for the preacher to extend his sermon and ‘pray at’ his audience,
• A dry form where we ‘say our prayers’ or intone a blessing on the food.

You know what I mean! Friendships certainly don't grow very well on small talk or “hello, how are you"s and those don't work very well in our talks with God, either.
I want you in your own mind to have a think about what deep, lasting friendships are built on. Translate that into your prayers and you will gain wonderful insights into what prayer really is.
Here are just a few points. I am sure you can think of many more – and please do!

Honesty is a must. There is no benefit in telling God what you think He wants to hear! Tell Him what is on your heart – just as you would with your best friend.

Time: It takes time to build up good friendships and just the same, your prayer life will grow and improve with time. But if you only ever spent five minutes a day talking to your best friend, would it be satisfying for either of you? Would the friendship really grow?

Praise: When you pray, take the time to praise God for who He is and what He has done. Good friendships certainly don't grow on criticism! And this will strengthen your own love and trust in Him.

Memories: What a joy it is to reminisce on highlights you and your close friends have experienced together. Why don’t you try it with God? Remember the times He has helped you, given you peace, when you first gave your heart to Him, or even the chapters from other’s experiences that have inspired you with His goodness. Talk about them with Him. Remembering is always sweet, but it is a wonderful source of encouragement when you are going through difficulties or feeling down.
“I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.” Psalms 119:52
Do we really need to pray?

Prayer is breath to the soul – that should give us a good idea of how badly we need it. But think for a minute. In a marriage or any close friendship, good communication is the key. You just can't do without it!

In one of his letters, Paul exhorted his readers to “pray without ceasing” and if we think of the stereotypical kneeling beside the bed or in church kind of praying, we might think he is being a bit unreasonable. Daniel retired to his room for prayer three times a day and we can benefit from his example. But what Paul is talking about and what we all need is having the lines of communication continually open between us and God. This is referring to conversion with God, whether it be silent or out loud (depending on where you are and who is around) at any time, and indeed continually.

Imagine having your partner or best friend with you while you work, drive, or shop – wherever. If you are close to that person, you are likely to ‘chat’ on and off continually. Prayer must not simply be an act, but an attitude. Be aware that God is with you, right by you, continually and talk with Him from your heart. (Read Psalm 139, especially verses 7-10.) Sometimes, you may just want to share a concern or two, thank Him for something, ask for a blessing or pour out a heavy burden into His ears – whatever is on your heart.

Sometimes, you will recognize something wrong – you feel impatience or irritation welling up and if allowed, this can very easily and quickly sever that connection. I have struggled with this a lot. Often, after I have enjoyed a thorough “seething” session, I have realized that God is no longer close and indeed, that is exactly how that connection is usually broken. Under inspiration Isaiah said, “your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you.” What to do then?

Pray!

At that point, you may not feel like praying, but I have found it is always the best thing to do right then. I used to struggle to ‘manage’ my wrong feelings and try to correct them, but that never worked well or for long! Only God can do that. When I have instead, turned to Him, surrendered my bitterness and asked Him to heal me, I've felt His power to recreate. (Read Psalm 51:10-12.)

God is so good! He has been such a Helper and dear Friend to me. Though this may sound strange recently I have found a blessing in typing prayers. Because I am often at my computer, and I do quite a bit of typing, typing messages to my Heavenly Father is quite convenient. And why not? We often keep in contact with our friends on the Internet via instant messaging programs. My point is not that there is anything better about praying in this way – but that it is a form of expression that is now natural and convenient for me and it may be for you, too.

God does not always give us the things we ask for. And sometimes we may feel frustrated with Him, and with prayer, because of this. We may feel that “it’s no use.” This is where trust comes in. When we realize how Almighty He is and how very much He loves us we can accept that He is doing what is for our absolute best.

I read the story of a poor Indian girl, Mimosa, who during sickness discovered that, “when relief did not always come at once, peace did.” She took it for granted that the Lord could heal, but “in acceptance lieth peace.” In her simplicity she said,

“And is not peace of more importance?”

I have also found this to be true. Though, in His infinite love and wisdom God may not grant the thing we desire, He will give us peace. And the inner peace and happiness that I have found in praying to Him is without comparison.

So, my friends, pray always, continually.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13