Relational Prayer

Prayer is one of those things that is essential to live as a Christian in this world. Without it, I hesitate to call you a Christian, for it is essential for every Christian to communicate with God and Jesus Christ.

After all, that's what prayer is, right: communication with God?

Perhaps. Some Christians have very, very broad definitions of prayer. For my part, I take a narrower view (as I do with most things), and tend to see prayer as a direct communication with God, and almost always one that was initiated by the person. After all, how many times do you read in scripture something like "God spoke to Kevin, saying 'x,y,z,' and when Kevin had finished praying . . ."

No, you don't see that. God does speak directly to people in scripture (provided they have ears to listen), but I don't recall ever seeing that referred to as "prayer." Narrowing it down a little more, this shows us that prayer is a petition, or a seeking, done by mankind toward God. Seeking . . . blessings? Relationship? Solving of Problems? Deeper Understanding? Greater love toward him? All of the above? I would say so, sure. But how does one pray? It ought to be fairly intimidating to think that you're going to address the creator of the universe directly, and that he is going to listen to you, considering you could go to address someone of as little cosmic significance as . . . a mayor, and have them be too important to listen to you. Because of this, people are often afraid to pray, because they feel they don't know how.

The simplest prayer is always the best, I've heard it say. Do I believe this? Well, I'd certainly say that a simple prayer is a wonderful starting point. After all, one needs practice. But if we're going to approach this idea of God as we would a relationship with a person here on Earth, then ultimately, the simplest is not the best. The deepest relationship any person has (typically) is that with your spouse, and that one is far from simple.

To those who are new to the Lord, I exhort you: do not be ashamed of your simple prayers! God treasures them the same way that my wife (before we were even dating, when she had a huge crush on me) once treasured the most mundane conversation with me. But in the same way that today, my wife desires and needs a far deeper communion with me, God will eventually expect and desire more from you. There is a difference between childlike faith, which God treasures, and immature faith, which God does not desire in the slightest.

After all, we can't subside on milk forever-- we have to chew meat eventually. Really, we should have been chewing meat already . . .

To those who have had their faith for a long time, but have yet to truly learn to pray: it's time to shape up. Don't trick yourself into thinking you're so gracious by offering God a couple of sentences now and then. Don't let yourself think "I'm doing alright"-- alright is never alright! He deserves far more than what you're giving him-- he deserves your whole heart. Talk to him. Tell him how you're feeling. Tell him what's going on in your life. I know these sound kind of stupid because, after all, if he's God, he already knows that stuff. AND? Don't you think he would rather hear it from you, whom he loves more than you know? Tell him that you love him. But he knows, right? If a major university did a psychological study on me and found that I indeed love my wife, do you think she would find much comfort in that data, if I never told her myself? Why should God receive less discourse (and as a result, less love) from you than your earthly partner does? He loves you more than your earthly partner, it's time you returned his affections, in prayer. Don't have them? That's probably to be expected if you've never developed them, but you have to start somewhere. You can't wait for God to start it, because he's not going to force himself on you-- he's too much of a gentleman and an advocate of free will to do that. Besides, the fact that you're even wondering if this applies to you is already proof that God has started it: he's working on your heart.

Pray. Don't give up, either. It may seem hard if you haven't honestly tried to have relational prayer with him, but give it time. Don't give up. Don't give up when you feel you have nothing more to say-- you know you do. Don't give up when it seems like he isn't talking back; it's not that God doesn't want to speak to you, he just has to knock down your barriers first. By not responding, God forces you to continue to pray, trusting in faith that he's actually listening. As you exercise this faith more and more, your heart will be softened, and you may come to hear him. But please, for the love of God (truly), don't give up. You can do it, you just need to try.

Pray. Pray unto the Lord, that you may come to know him. Know the Lord, that you may come to love him. Love the Lord, that you may be able to spend all eternity with him. Trust me, there is no better company.