What is Prayer?

A question often wondered about by many people is:

 “What is the best way to pray?”  

A very old memory brought this wonder to mind this morning.  

I was probably a sophomore or Junior in high school when the conversation took place.  It was with a friend's mother.  I saw her, and her husband, as some of the most faithful people I knew.  

She made a statement that day that troubled me:

“I never pray for myself.”

As young, and impressionable, teen-ager I couldn’t decide if she was right or wrong. But I have never forgotten her facial expression, nor body language as she spoke.  She was very serious and sure of her opinion.

What I would want to tell her today, if she was still physically alive?   I totally disagree with you. 

What is the best way to pray?

Today my answer is:  Give God your thoughts.  Give God your totally, in-the-raw, real self.

I may have written about this before, I think I must have, but lets tackle it again. 

I’m thinking that there is no correct way to communicate with God.  No formula, no special words. 

Pray, or prayer, is just a word — a process that has been given definition to what people do when they are addressing God. 

The best example of prayer, in scripture, is found in the Book of Psalms where we read all kind of ordinary speaking.  Just every day, ordinary, communication. 

I’ll say that prayer is just being in a place of presences.  Being aware that God is with you, listening and speaking with you.

Much like what happens between friends and family when they communicate with each other.  And often times that communication is through non-verbal messages.

I believe that God hears us even when we don’t think He is listening.  He hears our feelings and our pains; as well as our joys, dreams and desires. Even when we don’t say a word.

And I believe that God is most appreciative when we come to him for help. When we actively need Him, for what ever reason.

I disagree, with my friend’s mother; because, with my whole being, I know that God likes it when we share ourselves with him.  Most especially when we need his wisdom and guidance.