PRAYER MADE EASY

The misconceptions and errant traditions about prayer have hindered many from having a much more productive and powerful prayer life. Prayer is a "dialogue" and not a "monologue"; which means it's a two way conversation between you and the LORD. God does talk back. There is no special position required to be in, no bureaucracy of men to go through, and it is not necessary to call GOD by all of his divine names & titles, but simply begin by calling Him "Father" and ending by asking in the name of "Yeshua/Jesus" will suffice. The length of time isn't as important as your sincerity and faith, you don't have to be perfect to approach GOD, you don't have to wait for a special time, and you don't have to moan or be as eloquent and dramatic as someone else. You can stutter, be grammatically incorrect, talk with a lisp, or come straight out of the country or the hood, but you must be sincere and honest in what you are saying and not be playing. Prayer is not a "performance" to impress God.

MATTHEW 6:5-7; "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7) But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."

The Lord listens for the content and character of your heart not the eloquence of your words. He doesn't care whether or not you are on your knees, sitting down, laying down, standing up, driving, walking, or even on the toilet (thank Him for that too).You can actually "pray in secret" while you are in public. How? How many times have you talked under your breath where no one else could hear you? Why not talk to God also? You can pray all day and talk to God in secret under your breath with no one knowing what you are saying or doing, but as much as possible when possible open your mouth and say something. Don't just think it in your mind; that's more meditation than prayer. Your words have power so speak them and believe God to hear and answer. It is good and even preferable to get away somewhere secluded with God alone in the "prayer closet", but the nature of the conversation being "secret" is more important than where it takes place. You can have secret moments where you are, and sometimes you have to create the closet where you're at when you can't get to the private space you would like. Use your mind to meditate but use your mouth to pray whenever possible. God can read lips and hear whispers; SPEAK!

1st SAMUEL 1:12-17; "And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth. 13) Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. 14) And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. 15) And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. 16) Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. 17) Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him."

There is so much to pray for that there is literally no time during the course of a day that can't be filled with prayer. PRAYER is simply "communication and conversation" with God Almighty. During the exercise of prayer you can petition, plead, praise, worship, repent, confess, and be real. Prayer is personal, communal, an act of love, and also a weapon against evil. Everyone needs prayer whether they acknowledge it or not. Somebody, somewhere prayed for you. Prayer is one of the most important things you'll ever do and the one thing you should always do. Don't let the errant teachings & traditions of religion enslave you, block, or hinder you from a real relationship communicating with God. It is not as complicated as you may think. Prayer is conversation with your Heavenly Father so just start talking. He would like to hear from and talk to you a lot more often. ~ I.J. West

1st THESSALONIANS 5:17; "Pray without ceasing."