Psalm 61:1 NLT

'O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!'

Prayer carries our hopes and aspirations to God. We express our prayer in words because we believe God hears our prayers. So prayer is really conversational. It is my ability to chat things through with God. My problem comes when my requests appear to remain unmet. Yet, prayer is so much more than a series of requests or personal requirements.

In conversation with others, it helps me clarify things and clears my mind, creating space for fresh understanding; it enables me to disclose thoughts and emotions. In conversation I listen to the responses from others and learn insights. This is the reality of prayer. It offers us the opportunity to be with God and discover more, both about ourselves and God. This is exhilarating!

My understanding of who God is and how I might best relate to him comes through prayer. Many of my perceptions and misunderstandings about God have been resolved, sometimes with difficulty, through prayer. Which is why God invites us to engage in conversation daily.

To enjoy immediate access to God, no matter our circumstances, is a privilege we often fail to take advantage of. Prayer is the path along which I travel in deepening my understanding of who I am in this world and who I've chosen to worship as God. Without a consistent practice of prayer, I can only know God as a concept rather than a person.

Remember God is within earshot wherever you are. He is also present 24/7, so always available. God does not move away from you; you may, however, neglect him. Then God appears remote and increasingly absent from your life. So let’s engage God in conversation rather than constantly turning up with a wish list, dumping it on God and moving on.

QUESTION: When and for how long do you pray? Would you consider increasing this time by another ten minutes each day for the week ahead?

PRAYER: Thank you for promising to always listen to my prayers. Help me to grow in this vital spiritual discipline.