Prayer (Matt 6:6)

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you - Matthew 6:6

It is astounding how many of us Christians think we can have a relationship with God without prayer.

This is just as silly as thinking we could have a relationship with our husband or wife without ever speaking to them.

You can have a masters of divinity certificate hanging on your wall and have more theological knowledge than anyone within 100 miles of you, but if you do not pray, you will not have a relationship with God.

Many people overcomplicate prayer. But there are really only three main principles to remember.

1. Know who you are talking to

You are talking to God - the Creator of the universe. He has ultimate power and authority over everything. Would you be respectful in the presence of an earthly king? How much more so then should you be in the presence of the King of Kings?

But as a Christian we must also remember that the veil between us and God has been torn. This being so, we have gained the ability to speak to God intimately like a friend.

Both of these must be balanced together.

2. Know why you are talking to Him

God is not a genie and God is not santa claus.

Are you talking to God because of your desire for a relationship with Him or because of your desire for things?

Things will never satisfy us. Only God will. And when we develop a relationship with God, all we will need to do to be satisfied is return to His presence in prayer.

But God also does want to give us things. He wants to give us wisdom, insight, peace, joy, healing, friendships, community, and many other things. We shouldn't be afraid to ask for good things.

James tells us that we receive not because we ask not.

Jesus tells us that if we ask then we shall receive.

So ask. But make sure you ask with the right motives.

3. Talk!

It's amazing how many people will spend more time thinking about prayer or studying prayer than actually praying.

Just start talking to God, and God Himself will teach you the rest.

Call to me and I will answer you

and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:3