A Beginner Learns to Pray

It seems funny to think of myself as a beginner to prayer, but I don't recall any direct instruction growing up about just how to pray. Of course, we gave thanks before meals, and we said our prayers at bedtime. But no one ever said how we should ask God for what we want.

I remember being one of those people during silent prayer that had nothing going on inside my head. Not because I was being stubborn or defiant, I just didn't know how to pray.

Becoming Catholic came with some instruction in prayer. Praying the rosary was soothing and comforting, but it didn't feel like a prayer asking for something from God as much as it was a prayer because I was in need of forgiveness for something.

Now that I am in relationship with Christians who I look up to as role models and examples; I realize that they are much further along in their walk with God. They always seem to have the perfect words and the most eloquent language when offering a prayer.

I am starting to see that prayer is so personal. What is the right way for one person is not necessarily the right way for me. Instead of trying to imitate their prayer style, I am working on talking to God in my own words and in my own manner.

It really is as simple as just talking to God. If I ask for more than he feels I am ready or deserving of, then he just won't bring that into my life. I am going to continue to ask in faith and allow him to decide when I am ready for my requests. I know they are on their way, I just don't know when they will arrive.

I am using simple language and simple terms and taking baby steps towards being a prayer warrior. I am reminded of how my children make their Christmas lists. Children aren't afraid to ask for exactly what they want. They don't lament over the cost or the unlikely hood that they will receive what they asked for.

Come Christmas morning, they usually won't have everything on their list, but they are thrilled and excited about what they did get.　

What The Bible Says About Prayer:

Matt. 6:5 - "hypocrites...love to stand and pray...in order to be seen of men"
Matt. 6:6 - "when you pray, go into your inner room, pray to your Father in secret"
Matt. 6:7 - "when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition"
Matt. 6:8 - "your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him"
Matt. 21:22 - "everything you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive"
Mk. 11:25 - "when you pray, forgive, if you have anything against anyone"
Rom. 8:26 - "we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit intercedes"
Eph. 6:18 - "pray at all times in the Spirit"
Phil. 4:6 - "in everything with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made know to God"
I Thess. 5:17 - "pray without ceasing"
I Tim. 2:1 - "I urge entreaties and prayers...be made on behalf of all men"
James 5:16 - "the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much"

Resources
Day 21 - Getting Over The Blame Hurdle

Christ in You Ministries - Prayer

Every Student.com -Does God Answer Our Prayers?