A Life of Prayer

Luke 11:1 “ One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of the disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us how to pray, just as John taught his disciples.'” NIV

In the scripture the following verses continue with the Lord's prayer. Throughout the entire bible we find instructions about how to pray and what to pray for. Unfortunately, we sometimes make it too difficult. Prayer can seem to be so spiritual, so structured. We don't always need to come before God with folded hands, head bowed down and eyes closed. There are times for that and I am not saying at all, that this is something we shouldn't do. But what prayer really is, is an expression of our relationship to God, talking to him, having conversation with the one who created us.We can and should speak to him all throughout the day, when we are working, driving, shopping as well as when we lock ourselves in our room, set ourselves apart and take time just for him, seeking his face
without distraction. “Lord, teach us how to pray... .”
Martin Luther said “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” What a true statement! We can involve God in everything we do. A relationship is based on communication, without it there can't be growth, there won't be any intimacy and eventually that relationship will break up. It is like channels on the radio. If we are close to a receiver and choose the right channel, we will have the clearest reception. But as we drive further away, the connection will get fuzzy and we'll eventually loose the signal completely.
Prayer is vital for our daily life as Christians. We can't just pray to God when we are in a tight spot, when we are in need and distress. We should involve him in simply everything that is going on in our lifes. Praising him in joy and abundance as well as thanking him as we overcome is what grows the relationship. I once heard someone say: “Prayer should be short, without giving God reasons why he should grant us this or that – he knows best what is good for us and what we need.” It is not about how long we pray but about the quality of our prayers. That doesn't mean we can't pray long prayers, but it is vital that we focus more on the relationship with God and on getting to know him better.
“Lord, teach us how to pray... .”
Prayer is like medicine for our soul! Have you ever tried to stop worrying about something? It doesn't really work very well, does it? The best way to not worry is by indirection; do something else, preferably something that is the opposite of worry. Thanksgiving is the best solution in such times. Instead of praying about our situation over and over again, praying thankful prayers. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Phillipians 4:6-7

God has promised us his provision, he knows exactly what we need and he will give it to us in his perfect timing. When Paul was in prison, he didn't focus on the current circumstances. Instead, he praised God and started thanking him that everything would turn out for his deliverance. He had such a close relationship to God, which gave him the ability to praise and thank him. He focused on the relationship with the Lord and didn't look at the circumstances.

Lord, teach us how to pray! Teach us in every situation, in joy and abuhndance as well as in need and distress. Draw me closer to you in communication. Develop in me a lifestyle of prayer.