The great thing about having a conversation with God (which some call prayer), is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. However, if you’re finding yourself stuck, Jesus did give a template to his disciples on how to prayer. You can find that in Luke 11:2-4.
Reading through The Lord’s Prayer this week, I was struck by how my prayer can change if I actually follow the flow of reverence and honor before getting to my asks and needs.
I do the opposite so often.
I sit down, and without even saying “Hey, Lord,” I just start unloading. “This is stressing me out. I need help here. You need to heal this person. Carry this situation for me.” I imagine God looks at me says, “my goodness son, take a deep breathe with me for just a moment.”
When I slow my roll, so to speak–when I acknowledge who He is, where He resides, His overall holiness first–my asks filter through differently. My heart is soft. In respect and reverence. In awe.
Jesus could have said, “when you pray… it doesn’t really matter what you say. Just speak from your heart. God will hear you.” Instead, he was incredibly specific, intentional, instructional.
Why?
I think it was for us. So that we can enter his presence slow, quiet, and peaceful. So that we can hear him in the whisper instead of the noise of our own thoughts. Not just to speak, but to actually listen as well. A conversation.
