Begin a Prayer Life

"What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?" (Deuteronomy 4:7)

"In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly." (1 Samuel 1:10)

 "I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
   turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." (Psalm 17:6)

A prayer, by definition, is a plea or call for help.  We often tell another in distress, "I will be praying for you," or "My prayers are with you."  We turn to prayer when the road gets rough.  We beg on our knees for Him to spare a life.  We close our eyes and ask for something good to happen.

So, is prayer life intended only when stress comes in, others hurt or life seems unfair?  How do we build a constant prayer life?  What would we say to Him?

My husband stumbled across a great guide to begin building a prayer life.  He helped it teach the younger kids at church camp.  Sometimes little guys have no idea what to pray for or feel embarrassed to say the wrong thing when in a group setting.  Use this guide to get yourself started:

Place your hands together as though you just clapped.

Your thumb, nearest your body, represents those close to you.  Pray for your mom, dad, sister, best friend, etc.

Your pointer finger, next in line, represents those who instruct or heal.  Pray for doctors, nurses, teachers, etc.

Your tallest finger represents those in charge.  Pray for political leaders, ministers, founders of local organizations, etc.

Your ring finger, the weakest of all, represents those in pain or sick.  Pray for those in the hospital, cancer patients, etc.

Your pinkie finger, the smallest of all, represents you.  You are small compared the power and strength of Your Creator.  Pray for yourself and confess your sins. 

This provides a great START.  I emphasis the word start.  God yearns for a relationship with each of His Children.  A relationship requires communication.  His ears remain open to your words.  He loves to hear your concerns as well as your joys.  Share every emotion, every event and every moment with Him.  Hold a continuous conversation.  You need not wait until your head hits the pillow to pray for something or someone.  Lift up the words the very moment a thought enters your mind.  No where in the Bible does it say we can only pray before we close our eyes at night.  No where in the Bible does it instruct us to be on our knees when we pray.  He accepts prayer at any time of the day and in any stance.

A prayer does not require big, scholarly words or be a certain length.  God is your Father.  Speak to Him like you talk to others in your life.  He knows what is on your heart anyway, so speak it without sugar coating with sophisticated words.  The more real you are with Him, the better He can teach, show His presence and clothe you in His love. 

Give thanks to Him always for being at your side.  He always comes through for us.  Recognize Him for answering prayers.  Though, sometimes the answer is not exactly how we pictured, it corresponds with His plan.  His plan always works out for the good of those who trust, love and believe in Him (see Romans 8:28).  Our Maker knows best!

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for the people that surround me.  Be with us today and provide safe travels and joyous times.  Join us today as always and create memories for us to share.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig