When I was a baby Christian in my late teens, I was so worried the preacher was going to call on me to pray at the end of the service. I made sure I did not make eye contact with brother Les. So many of the seasoned Christian men would be a better choice. As I have matured in my walk with Christ prayer has become so much more natural for me.
Prayer, simply put, is a conversation with God. God is not interested in a long, drawn-out prayer with eloquence and style that lasts for 5-10 minutes. I have heard these prayers. They are trying to impress those who listen with how beautiful and loud they pray. They are praying simply to be heard by those around them. God simply would just love to hear from us with some thankfulness, gratitude and a request for His help if needed. When I pray to Jesus, I picture him sitting beside me or across from me. I don’t need to speak loudly or try to find the exact perfect words; I just need to be real with Him. I believe He knows our hearts and He would love for us to feel very comfortable talking with Him.
Jesus is by far the absolute best friend a person could ever have. He goes everywhere with us. He is always right there to talk with. He left The Holy Spirit to dwell within us so we could have that constant connection. Breath prayers are music to the ears of God, I think. A simple, “thank you Jesus”, “I love you Lord”, “Jesus help me”. Think about it this way. Who is your best friend? Your spouse, maybe someone you work with or possibly a Christian friend you go to church with and hang out with. More than likely, you talk or text daily, even multiple times a day with your spouse or best friend.
How often do we talk with our absolute best friend, Jesus? Sadly, for me, maybe once a day and sometimes I may go several days. He wants to hear from me more than that if I am to have a deep personal relationship with Him. More importantly, how often to we stop to be still and listen for God to speak to us? Yes, what He must communicate to us is very important. He may speak to us through the Holy Spirit within us. It may be through His Word, the bible. He may use a friend or a stranger or someone else to communicate with us. I have never heard an audible response, but I have met people who say they have.
In closing this devotion, I want to encourage you to be still at some point each day and simply talk to Jesus as you would your spouse or a dear close friend. Then pause for a minute and listen for Him to speak to your heart. You might be surprised what He has to say.
Jim Everett
Matthew 6:7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
