Just pray (2)

Prayer isn't about trying to impress God with stamina or fancy words. It's about inviting him into our life and asking for what he wants for it (see Matthew 6:5-15 for Jesus' take on that). Let's look at some handy practical tips for our time alone with God.

(1) Reverently badger God. We may worry that God won't want to hear our long list of life-worries. But when we pray, we can know deep down that God hears and wants to answer our prayers in the best way for us. Check Isaiah 62:6-7. Yes, he tells us to give him no rest. Keep it real. Let's share every point on our list.

(2) Team up. Sometimes our problems are too difficult for us to handle alone, and we need someone to pray with us: 'Whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son' (John 14:13 NKJV). God loves to see people get together, share their prayer needs and bring them before him.

(3) Give thanks. How much good stuff does God send our way that goes unnoticed? Hundreds, thousands...? When we slow down enough to look out for them, our whole way of praying will change. Thanking God, even when we're asking for things?... 'In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God' (Philippians 4:6 NIV).



So what now? Does any one of these three tips particularly stand out to you? Take time today to put that point into practice. Just pray!





— SCRIPTURE —

'Pray...with all kinds of prayers and requests.' Ephesians 6:18 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Judg 4-6, Matt 12:1-14, Ps 93, Pro 13:7-8