48. The Art of Prayer: Learning How to Talk to God - Col. 4:2-6

This devotional may receive less attention than previous ones, especially since topics such as love, prayer, and forgiveness may be less appealing than the rapture or anti-christ to some. However, it's crucial to understand that prayer is a vital component of our faith, second only to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Prayer and studying the Word of God are essential; however, in my opinion, prayer is more important from a biblical perspective.

Prayer as a Problem

Prayer can be challenging because it requires humility before the Almighty. The prayer of Jesus starts with "Our Father who art in heaven" to remind us of God's greatness and our dependence on Him. We must recognize whom we are approaching in prayer, just as Job was reminded of his place before God.

I understand that prayer can be challenging, and I can relate to this difficulty, especially as one gets older. I have found myself in a situation where spending an hour and a half doing research and writing a devotional blog is much easier for me than spending 30 minutes in quiet meditation and prayer. However, I am learning that there are times when silence and being still before the Almighty are more necessary, and talking to God is not always what is needed when I’m praying, but sometimes God, through the spirit, wants to talk to me. What I mean is that I am discovering that the Father is asking me to listen more, pay attention to the truth in my inner parts, and listen to my heart and conscience, living according to that in faith that God is at work in me, shaping my convictions and perception of His kingdom and His will.

As I get older, I learn to listen, reflect in prayer, and talk less to God. My prayers have become more straightforward, expressing gratitude for my life, family, friends, and God's provisions. I ask God to make me more loving and forgiving, and I pray that my life and actions will positively influence the next generation.

However, there are times when various situations come that I need to figure out how to pray without imposing my opinions on them. In such cases, I pray that God's will and kingdom would be accomplished instead of directing God to act in a particular way. When someone says to me, “Pray that God will….” I rarely vocalize my opinion on that request; I never direct God on what he should do but instead ask for heavenly insight and perspective and for God to accomplish his will.

Whether demanding, humbly petitioning, or praying for God’s will be done, these are all forms of prayer that can be found in the Bible, and it requires the wisdom of God to know which form is required at the time. But we must pray.

I don’t know how to pray.

I met a missionary from the Church of Latter-Day Saints who told me that they taught him how to pray. I was surprised because I thought praying was talking to God, but it turns out that many people feel the same way - they don't know how to pray.

The good news is that the best way to learn to talk to God is to start talking to Him. There are no rules about where you must be or what time of day it is. The best prayers are the ones that are sincere expressions of our thoughts, feelings, and needs. It could be a cry for help, expressing gratitude or simply sharing your concerns. In Bible College, I was nervous and insecure about many things. I started walking around the block and talking to God to calm myself down. I would express all my feelings and thoughts to Him, just like I would with a friend. I realized that prayer is just talking to God - nothing complicated. So, if you're one of those who feel like they don't know how to pray, start talking to God.

I don’t know what to pray!

When someone expresses uncertainty about what to pray, it's understandable. Throughout the years, people have approached me and requested prayer. For instance, imagine a hypothetical scenario where a self-proclaimed Christian brother or sister tells you she and her unmarried boyfriend are planning to purchase a house. They've already made an offer, and she's seeking your prayers that the sale goes through. What should you do? It's a complex situation. Let's say there's nothing immoral happening. They say they will get married but are purchasing the house now because it's a good deal. They plan on living in separate rooms until their wedding date, which they provide. How do you pray in this case?

Another example is when a brother or sister approaches you with a loved one who is terminally ill and approaching the end of their life. How should you pray? Do you demand that God heal or take them quickly without pain or suffering? There are many situations where it's hard to know what to pray.

For those who pray in tongues, that may be a solution. However, the Bible states that our spirit is praying mysteries. When we pray in tongues, our minds are unfruitful, the bible says. Further to that, as I understand the scriptures, the primary purpose for tongues, according to the bible, is personal edification. Still, what about those who don't pray in tongues?

I, while once putting a great emphasis on the gift of tongues myself, now rely heavily on two passages of scripture. The first is the prayer of wisdom found in the book of James. James prays that anyone lacking wisdom should pray to God, who gives generously. Sometimes I'll ask the Lord what to pray, but often, I default to the prayer of Jesus. No matter the situation, whether it's a complicated scenario involving two Christians purchasing a house and living separately until they get married, or an elderly brother or sister facing a terminal illness, I pray that God's kingdom would come to that specific situation and that His will would be done. Many times, that's the only prayer I can offer.

Not just about asking for stuff

Prayer is not merely about asking for things but should also include thanksgiving. The New Testament teaches us that prayer should always be accompanied by thanksgiving. In Philippians 4:6, we are commanded to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." This verse reminds us that prayer is not just about asking God what we want but should also include giving thanks for what we have already received.

Furthermore, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." This passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining a grateful heart in all circumstances, and not just when things are going well. We are called to give thanks in everything, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.

The Father also does not like ungratefulness or thankfulness. Romans 1:21 says, "For although they knew God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." This verse highlights the consequences of failing to give thanks to God. When we take God's blessings for granted and fail to acknowledge His goodness, our hearts become darkened and our thinking futile.

Today, let us remember the words of Colossians 4:2-6, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ." Let us recognize that prayer is not just about asking for things or guidance but also a way to express gratitude, seek wisdom, and intercede for others. Let us approach prayer humbly, acknowledging our dependence on God and His greatness. May we be encouraged to talk to God and share our thoughts, feelings, and needs with Him, knowing that there are no rules about where or when we must pray. And when we don't know what to pray, may we seek wisdom from God and trust that His will and kingdom will be accomplished in every situation. Let us continue to devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, and may God open doors for us to proclaim the mystery of Christ. Amen.