How does one approach prayer?

How does one approach prayer? There are people who approach prayer confidently. These people usually volunteer to pray or who are called upon to pray. Sadly I am not one of those. There are people who approach prayer ferociously, their enthusiasm can be quite intimidating. They start off strong and remember every single thing. My prayer in those instances is not to be called upon to pray right after them. Some people mutter and mumble while they pray causing you to wonder if you are hard of hearing. I used to vigorously decline praying in public but now I pray albeit reluctantly. I am most comfortable praying by myself as myself. 

Prayer is talking to God

Even though it may not be the intention of a group there some hidden bylaws and rules that govern the way any given group prays. And if you are not privy to this you may feel inadequate. I haven’t mastered praying in a group or in public but I no longer freak out as I once did. I focus on my heart and the hearer of my prayer. Prayer in its simplest form is talking to God and when you can hear Him talking back to you, that is advanced. My suggestion is start where you are at with emphasis on building a relationship, growing in intimacy with God. 

My approach to prayer

I pray for many reasons and these reasons dictate my approach to prayer.  When I pray to tell Him all my troubles I approach prayer by reminding Him of His promises and to build up my confidence in His ability to answer my prayers. I am most confident when I pray to ask for things because He is my Provider. I am fairly confident when I pray for other people. However in my prayer journey I have learnt to be less formal especially if I speak to Him continuously during the day.

Remember who you are talking to

When you pray, remember who you are talking to, God your father. I love how Max Lucado explains it in his book ‘Before Amen‘. He writes that he went to a school playground to find out how children approach their daddies and this is what he didn’t hear:

“Father it is most gracious of thee to drive thy car to my place of education and provide me with domestic transportation. please know of my deep gratitude for your benevolence. For though art splendid in thy attentive care and diligent in they dedication.”

So approach prayer as yourself, in simplicity, in honesty, be carefree, trust in God’s ability to hear you, trust in His willingness to listen to you. He wants you to draw closer to Him and prayer is definitely one way of doing that.