The Privilege Of Prayer

  Over the years, it has struck me as ‘odd’ that people would contact me and ask for prayer because they say,  ‘I know your prayer is heard’ or ‘I know you prayers matter’….. or some other (to me) bizarre reason.  My prayers are no more important than anyone else’s.  Each of those requests could have certainly begun with them praying.

PATTERNS OF PRAYER

I’ve read a lot about praying, and how it should be done.  There are several patterns for prayers, so you can do it in a specific order, and other nuances which makes prayer a special time.  Honestly, I don’t know if I do it right; I just talk to God like He’s my best Friend!  

JUST CHATTING

Anyone who walks up behind me, may at any given moment, hear me audibly whisper a prayer of praise or call out for help!  

SERIOUS PRAYER

Our Sunday School class is studying about prayer based on the prayer Jesus gave during the Sermon On the Mount— ‘The Lord’s Prayer’.  The writer is very specific about certain areas and gives heavy weight to each line.  It’s been totally interesting, insightful and can leave a person wondering if ‘I’ll ever get it right!’

A BEST FRIEND

Yet one of the most power illustrations of prayer I’ver heard, was remarkably simple.  There was a sick man on his bed, I guess in essence knowing he was nearing his last days.  There was a conversation about prayer and he was advised to talk to Jesus just like he was talking to his best friend.  

One day as was customary, someone came to visit, and found the old man leaning over the side of the bed with his head resting on the seat of the chair. Apparently, he liked the chair there because he’d picture Jesus sitting there and talk to him.  He passed away in that position, with the indication that he laid his head in the lap of his best friend.  

I don’t know that I’ve ever pictured Jesus right in front of me while I pray, but I do look up, even at night, in the darkness, while on my knees.  Yet I feel like He’s looking down and listening!  

A CONVERSATION WITH GOD

And yes, I talk to Him, just like I talk to anyone else— or in the way I write!  But it’s personal.  The conversation is real.  There are times when, after I share what’s on my mind or heart, that my mind gets brand new images, or lines of scripture or a random thought I was surprised to hear.  In my mind, that’s God responding.  Sometimes all I can do is cry, smile and say ‘thank you’!

One of my favorite ways, or times, to pray is first thing in the morning before the world comes rushing in and filling my mind with questions, problems and all those ‘things’ that ruffle feathers, and raise blood pressure!  

A HEART FULL OF GRATITUDE

I positively love coming to the Lord, smiling with a heart full of gratitude and just say, “Lord, I’m not coming to ask for anything this morning.  I just want to sit at your feet and be in Your presence.”  Then I just wait….silently, and the goose bumps begin forming all over my being, as Christ’s presence rains down.

AN AMAZING PRIVILEGE

What a privilege we have, by being able to go to the Throne of Grace, one on one, with the Creator of the Universe.  My prayers, requests, problems, struggles or any other descriptor is different than yours or anyone else’s, but they’re not unique. We all have them.  But I choose to take those moments and revel in worship, to the God I serve.

Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do?  Isn’t that how relationships are shaped and grow?  Isn’t time the best thing you can give a child—or spouse?  Why not God?  He is the ultimate friend!

IT'S ABOUT RELATIONSHIP

What started as a ‘discipline’—  regular prayer time— has become a time that I rejoice in.  There is no greater love than what we can receive from our Almighty Father.  And as His child, I want nothing more than to spend quality time with Him.  After all, that’s what relationships are built on.

Photo Credit: Prayer