Let's Talk About Prayer

Prayer is an area of struggle in my spiritual walk.  Of course I pray, but to be honest, I'm not always sure of what to say.  I prefer the listening side of prayer, but I do make sure to include plenty of "thank yous" and I do hope my praise brings our Father pleasure.  Many people ask me to pray for them or of a concern in their lives and I'm happy to do that and honored to be asked.  I'm also quite humbled to be allowed to address and hear the Creator of the universe!

I've walked in great insecurity my entire life, so being unsure as to how to pray did not come as any surprise to me, but I'm sensing a real change in the last year that I am really excited about.  It all began when my daughter who for all practical purposes seems to be the most judgmental, self-indulgent person I know, asked me if I'd prayed about our falling out, hers and mine.  I responded with "NO.  I'm listening about it."  It was in that moment, I realized I truly was verbalizing what I desired.  I want to pray in accordance with the Will of YHWH in the Name of Y'hshuwah so I get answers, His answers!

Our Heavenly Father doesn't need a report from me about what's going on here on planet earth.  He can already see that.  I was already aware that what had transpired between she and I, was completely out of His Will before the falling out.  The falling out, was Him closing the door.  I had repented, knew I was forgiven, and just needed to know if I should do anything else about the situation.  To this day, I've heard His voice on many other subjects, but His silence continues on that single issue.

I don't want to give G-d a wish list, like I'm expecting Him to do my bidding.  I don't want to pray as if I think G-d needs help to accomplish His Will or the care of His people.  Now that I've discussed all the things I'm unsure of, please let me share what I do know about prayer.

Prayer is truly communion with our Creator.  He has as much to say to us, as we are willing to hear . . .  I spend a great deal of my prayer time giving thanks.  He's just done so much and He's so good!  I also verbalize my trust in certain situations.  There are a couple of situations in which I know resolution is coming, but it hasn't arrived.  I tell Him, I trust Him, and I ask Him to help my unbelief.  I've mentioned praying the prayer of Abraham's servant on occasion, and certainly have frequently requested Him to bless the work of my hands.

I frequently pray the Psalms, because the author of many of those, King David, has been called a man after G-d's own heart.  Seems a good pattern to follow, and of course the prayer Messiah taught the disciples.  I have personalized and asked forgiveness for specific sins in correlation with my forgiveness of others.  I want to pray in accordance to Abba's will, to bring Him pleasure and glory!

Intercession has been a learning experience, in that He already knows the problem, and He already knows the number of solutions or amount of disregard that individual will choose.  Much of my intercessory time and I'm not an expert, is spent asking Him if I've been made aware of the situation because I am to do something or say something . . .  I have discovered, when I'm praying according to the Will of our Heavenly Father, there just isn't much for which I have to ask.

Once we've confessed sin with a repentant heart, the blessings, provision, and answers truly do come in praise and thanksgiving, because in praise and thanksgiving I enter into His presence.  There is no lack in His presence!