Prayer to our Father, I believe, should be conversational. The examples in the Bible indicate that. He doesn't want us to be awkward or uncomfortable speaking with him. We don't have to use flowery language or be in a certain position each time we want to pray. It is certainly a sign of worship to pray with lifted hands or bended knee, but not necessary. We don't have to save our prayers for church. He is everywhere and is always accessible. Believers can approach the throne of grace boldly through the blood of our Messiah. If we go to him humbly and sincerely, he will gladly receive us. It is his greatest desire to fellowship with us and we bring him joy when we choose to spend quality time with him.
Relationships are so important. I know how happy I am when my daughter calls me just to talk. I love coming home after a long day's work and spending time with my husband. He always wants to hear about my day and what I accomplished. I was delighted when my sister called me recently to tell me she got the new job offer she was hoping for. As dear friends come to mind, I often stop and give them a call to see how they are doing. Then there are the times when a friend will call or email me to see how I am. This is what gives life meaning. We all know how wonderful it is to share our lives with family and friends and to talk with those who care about us.
Why do we find it so hard to imagine that our heavenly Father wants the same things? We are made in his image. He is the one who placed within our hearts a desire for fellowship. He created the family structure as a pattern of the family he wants to have for all eternity. He calls us his children. Certainly he is interested in us and everything we experience. He wants us to come to him and tell him our thoughts and desires, our needs. He is there anytime we call upon him We don't need an introduction. He knows us inside and out. Nothing is hidden from his sight. Before we even ask, he knows our needs.
Why then do we pray? Because he loves us and wants to hear from us. He doesn't want us to neglect the most important relationship we can have. He wants to spend each and every day with us. If we truly love him, we should find ourselves thinking about him often. We should be eager to spend quality time with him and feel his presence in our lives.
We don't need formality when we are with those who are closest to us. We love those most with whom we can just be ourselves. This applies even more so with our creator. Next time you pray, just be yourself. Begin a conversation with God, open yourself to him honestly and sincerely, the way you would approach a loving parent. You will find, as you become more at ease, you will long for these special times and count them as the most rewarding fellowship you could ever have.
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