The Long and Short of Prayer

"You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed."   - John Bunyon

Many great men and women throughout the ages have prayed to God for guidance before undertaking a task; whether it was big or small. It's no secret that asking Him to help, or support us in prayer is important. Some of us find it invigorating, or motivating to pray early in the morning. Others find it better to pray in the evening, or at bedtime. No matter, the essential thing is that we find time for prayer.

Prayers don't have to be long or short. They don't have to follow a certain format, or standard. You can pray wherever you are comfortable, in whatever position. There isn't a checklist for prayer. God doesn't keep score, or rate our prayers. I'm pretty sure He just appreciates our honesty, sincerity, and intentions.

I grew up thinking that prayers were supposed to be rigid and stern. I couldn't bring myself to speak to God in a normal, human voice. He seemed distant, remote and maybe a little angry. I mostly prayed when I was either in trouble for something I did, or didn't do; and mainly for forgiveness. In fact, I don't remember doing any really serious praying outside of church. Prayers were something magical and other worldly.

Of course, this isn't the case now. My relationship with God has evolved a lot since those days. Oh, I still have a long way to go, but at least I'm not afraid to talk to Him. I know that when I pray He listens to me. It's our special time together. The best part is that I can do this anytime of the day or night. He is always available, and I don't ever have to make an appointment!

Some people only pray when they want something, or are in trouble. Others pray only during times of great stress, duress, and panic. That's okay. God never turns anyone away when it comes to prayer. Nor does He judge prayers. He accepts them all.

Prayer is an important piece of our relation with God. In fact, I would venture to say that it might very well be the most important piece. Without prayer, how would we communicate with Him? Yes, He knows everything we do, however, like any concerned parent He loves hearing from us personally. One day, we will be able to speak to Him personally. But for now, prayer is the closest, face-to-face we can get with Him on this side of heaven.

Prayer doesn't have to be fancy, or complicated. It doesn't have to scripted out like some major Broadway production, either. God loves us, and knowing this should make it easy to talk to Him. Whatever you have floating around in your head, or eating away at you; it doesn't matter. He can handle it, believe me. There's nothing so horrible, or ugly that He won't listen to. What might make any human turn away in total disgust; He welcomes with unconditional love.

One last thing. Don't expect God to be a "vending machine" when it comes to answering prayers. That's where many get it all wrong. Prayer is not something to be done out of convenience, or in a self-serving way. Don't pray because you feel that you have deserved, earned, or are due something. God knows what we need, when, and how we need it. Don't worry about it. We don't call the shots!

As I close today, I urge you all to pray simply, pray often, but pray respectfully. Be patient. Enjoy your time with Him. God's a great listener, and when He does respond, He responds with love, grace and abundance!

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7; James 1:5; James 4:1-4; James 4:15; Philippians 4:6

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I thank you for accepting my prayers. They might not always be pretty, or well-constructed; but You listen to them all without any hesitation, and get back to me when Your time is right, not mine; because You always know what's best for me. Amen

God bless you!

Jordyn