Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last week we looked closer at fasting and today we will discuss prayer.  We must define “What is prayer?” Prayer is a form of communication, a way of talking to God or to the saints. 

While we often think of prayer primarily as asking God for something, prayer, properly understood, is a conversation with God or with the saints. Just as we cannot hold a conversation with another person unless he can hear us, the very act of praying is an implicit recognition of the presence of God or the saints here with us. And in praying, we strengthen that recognition of the presence of God, which draws us closer to Him. That is why the Church recommends that we pray frequently and make prayer an important part of our everyday lives.

At times in our lives we seem to struggle with prayer? Does prayer seem like an exercise in eloquent speech that you just don’t possess?  Prayer is not a mysterious practice reserved only for clergy and the religiously devout. Prayer is simply communicating with God—listening and talking to Him. Believers can pray from the heart, freely, spontaneously, and in their own words. If prayer is a difficult area for you, learn these basics principles of prayer and how to apply them in your life.

*There is no correct or certain posture for prayer. In the Bible people prayed on their knees (1 Kings 8:54), bowing (Exodus 4:31), on their faces before God (2 Chronicles 20:18; Matthew 26:39), and standing (1 Kings 8:22). You may pray with your eyes opened or closed, quietly or out loud—however you are most comfortable and least distracted.  Your prayers need not be wordy or impressive in speech. 

 Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (NIV)

*Prayer Develops Our Relationship with God. If we never speak to our spouse or never listen to anything our spouse might have to say to us, our marriage relationship will quickly deteriorate. It is the same way with God. Prayer—communicating with God—helps us grow closer and more intimately connected with God.

John 15:7

But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! (NLT)

*One of the simplest reasons to spend time in prayer is because the Lord instructed us to pray. Obedience is a natural by-product of discipleship. 

Matthew 26:41

”Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!” (NLT) 

*If you are just beginning to pray trust that the Holy Spirit will help you in prayer when you don’t know how to pray. Keep it simple at first and speak what is in your heart.  Get a book of prayers and pray and learn some that touch your heart.  Make prayer a time between God and you.

Romans  8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. (NIV)

Let us recommit ourselves to prayer as we continue on our Lenten journey.

Fr. David