Have you ever heard someone pray at a Church service and think, “Wow, I wish I could pray like that?” We’ve all been there. Here’s what we don’t 
realize, that’s more of a public speaking skill than a prayer skill. Personally, I can’t say a few words on the fly, I need time to prepare. So, I will panic if someone suddenly asks me to pray or speak publicly.
‘But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’ (Matthew 6:6)
There’s nothing wrong with public prayers but prayer is a very personal experience.
I’ve had some bad days in my life but one day stands out, everyone has a “May Day”. Literally, everything is crashing and burning around you. I was standing in the ashes of my life and all I could say was, “I don’t know what to say, I don’t know what to think. Please just be with me” and I just knelt there in silence. A while later, I said, “I don’t know what Your plan is for the next chapter of my life but I’m with You.” – 2 May 2018
I want you to realize that the power of prayer is not in how long you pray or how many words were uttered. It’s far deeper than that.
Let’s discuss how to pray…
The Grocery List Prayer
Generally, we do the grocery list prayer… We all do this. We have a list of requests, almost like a to-do-list that we submit every day. There’s nothing wrong with it. However, we get stuck once the list is complete. We don’t know what else to say. We are not even sure if God heard us.
Let me ask you something, how would you feel if people came up to you, gave you a list of things to do, and then left? What sort of relationship would you have with the person? Can a relationship even develop that way?
So, how do we get to know someone? How do we build relationships? How do we fall in love?
Communication is the key. You don’t just talk, you listen, you ask questions. It’s the same with Prayer. It’s communication and relationship building.
Read: Discover the Power of Worship
Try this, read the Bible before you pray. If there is something that you don’t understand in the text, ask… I’m being serious. Say, “Lord I read this, but I don’t get it. Does it mean this or that?”
Think about it, if I don’t ask you a question, is it a surprise if you don’t answer me? I made a statement, you are like, okay and the conversation is over.
Q&A… It’s the building blocks of communication. Ask questions. You may not get an answer immediately, but you will get an answer.
Hearing God
You won’t be out jogging and suddenly a shrub catches on fire and you hear a voice. Although that would be cool. So, what does God sound like?
You won’t hear an audible voice. (Keep in mind, I’m directing this to people that have the Holy Spirit.) It’s a thought but it feels different, you kind of know that it’s God.
God’s Will
Have you considered that perhaps, God wants things from you too? The reason why you are here is that God designed you for a purpose and put you here. Try asking how you can help in fulfilling His Will on the earth. Say, “Lord, use me. Guide me and allow me to be a blessing according to the gifts that you’ve given me.”
Confide
We complain to others… Sorry I mean, we confide in others about our problems. Have you ever tried to talk to God about it? Tell Him, what happened and how you felt. Ask what He thinks you should do? And wait for direction thereafter. (Just don’t be like the younger me and ask God to smite them)
Fear
While talking to God, always remember who you’re talking to and know your place. Never forget…
‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’ (Proverbs 9:10)
You are talking to God. He is all-knowing. He knows the intent of your heart. If you really give it thought, that is unnerving.
Once, I was talking about a situation and I said that I didn’t know what the right thing was to do in that situation. The answer came immediately, you knew…
‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.’ (Matthew 7:12)
If ever I got a fright, it was that day. I apologized immediately and said I’d sort out the situation.
Conclusion
As you practice talking to God and you get used to it being a two-way experience. You start to realize that God wants to play an active role in your life. There’s nothing like knowing you’re not alone in this and you have someone in your corner that wants what’s best for you.
Start your relationship with God today and see for yourself.
My goal is to emulate Jesus and follow his example but if all else fails, I’ll be like David. A writer, a man after God’s own heart and someone not to be trifled with.
I believe in discussing life in a candid (unfiltered), no holds barred manner that stimulates personal growth.
I spend my spare time creating content that is informative, entertaining and that will help others in their personal development.
The Hustle is a project that focuses on career and purpose.
I also have a cooking vlog called Passing it on which is on Facebook and YouTube.
In matters of faith, I contribute to this ministry.
