Learning to Pray

I've been working on two Bible studies this summer, one of which meets every other Monday night. Spending time with other Christian women is so good for my soul. Last Monday night, a woman in my group shared that prayer is the best part of her walk with God; that she talks to Him all day and even has lunch with him. I took that in, trying to imagine how wonderful that would be. It was almost painful for me to know it comes so naturally for some people.

Prayer has always been difficult for me. I don't know why. Before I became a believer I prayed every night: for protection for my loved ones, for healing, for guidance. I didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus, but I knew God was listening. I didn't know how He would answer my prayers, but I believed He would. And it's not that I don't believe the same thing now. I know that, when I take the time to do it, He will be faithful in responding to me, even if it isn't what I want to hear. The problem is that I am lazy. Plain and simple.

I was working on my lesson today and came across a little memo from the Lord (He likes to send me reminders and encouragements from time to time). The author, Joanna Weaver, was sharing her struggles with prayer and making time for God. She mentioned J. Sidlow Baxter, another author who spent over 2 weeks battling for a better prayer life, who said:

"For the first time the whole of my being -- intellect, will, and emotions -- was united in one coordinated prayer-operation."

Wow, that's what I want! I don't want to drift off, zone out, or just avoid prayer all together! I want every part of my being to be functioning as one harmonious unit. Joanna then professed, "I didn't have to wait until I felt spiritual to spend time with God. I just had to make a decision of the will, and the spiritual feelings would eventually come around." So, that's my key to making it happen. I don't have to feel something, I just have to make an effort. I need to put aside my laziness and take hold of time every day for prayer. It's that important.

Today is the first day of my prayer challenge. I'm going to make a list of the things I need to pray for, sit in a quiet space, and have a conversation with my Father, every day. He's waiting and I'm willing. That's a good place to start!