Prayer was not designed to be complicated. It’s not rocket science.

It’s just talk.

For some reason it’s a struggle though. Perhaps because it’s conversation between the Creator and the crowns of His creation. Perhaps because we are distinctly different types of beings (albeit  with a common eternal relationship). Perhaps because we forget God is not “out of sight out of mind.” (If you’ve been baptized He’s very much right here and in you.)

Even the close followers of Jesus wanted to know how to pray.

When asked about prayer basics Jesus told His disciples to treat God as their Father who desired to give them only good and always enough. (Matthew 6.9-13)

When the Bible writer Paul wrote about our weaknesses he reminded us the Holy Spirit cries out in prayer when we don’t know how. (Romans 8.26)

Prayer is an exercise in listening and speaking. Of listening to those inner words and desires that are often promptings of the Holy Spirit. Of speaking what’s on your heart any time of day or night. 

Prayer is honest conversation between you and your Father. 

Sometimes it’s quite lengthy and full of emotion like how you broke down uncontrollably at your son’s funeral.

Other times its quite pithy and mundane like when you told your wife about your run-in with the credit card swiper at the gas pump. (Hopefully no one recorded that for Instagram release.)

Regardless of the location or topic prayer is just talk. Just catching up. Between you and Dad.

Let’s pray: Father, make us more comfortable with talking with you. Help us express all of our needs and our joys to you all of the time. Show us how conversing with the One who created us strengthens our relationship with you, preparing us for whatever the day brings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.