When I became a new follower of Christ and spent time worshipping in church I felt so intimidated by the other people sitting around me.
Their prayers were so different but in a good way. I’d never heard anything like it before in my life. Their words were so real and genuine.
Most of my life was spent reading someone else’s written prayers from a book or hearing others read the prayers out loud.
Maybe you can relate?
Finally, I built up enough courage to ask my Mentor if she would teach me how to pray.
How do you do that? Your prayers seem so personal and real.
I was so surprised by her answer.
“It’s not all that difficult, Jayme. Actually, it’s very simple. God longs to just have a conversation with us. All you need to do is talk to God like He is your best friend. Be real and authentic.”
I knew she was right. I had heard the other Christians pray like they were talking to their best friend. I decided I wanted to have that in my life too.
So, after weeks of hanging out together and discussing prayer and listening, I went home one night and alone in my bedroom, started talking to God. I don’t remember what I said but I just decided to step out and try it. Eventually, I began to feel comfortable with my prayer life and slowly began praying with my Mentor in a safe place to build my confidence.
So, what did I learn?
1. Prayer is a Conversation with God
God longs to have a conversation with you on a daily basis. You don’t need to say fancy words to impress Him. He knows our hearts and loves us all the same. We can be respectfully gut-honest with Him.
2. Prayer is Authentic and Specific
When we are authentic with God in prayer like a friend, confessing our specific sin and asking for forgiveness and He brings us restoration. Afterward, we’re able to move on in the conversation without guilt or shame.
3. Prayer includes Listening
Prayer is not only a one-way conversation with you doing all the talking. We need to listen too! I had to learn to be a better listener.
Giving God the time to speak to me means I need to be still and wait. My biggest surprise was in the waiting. God spoke during Bible times and He is still speaking today through His Word, circumstances, prayer and other believers.
I was so eager to learn and I’m still learning. Change is difficult but necessary.
God’s plan for all of us is to slowly day by day grow in our relationship with Him, in prayer, in His Word and in His purpose.
How about you? Is your prayer life stuck? Do you want to grow in your prayer life?
I hope you do!
Start today.
No matter where you go to pray, God is there with you.
Whether you are a Millennial or Empty-nester.
At home. In the Park. In your backyard. In your church.
“Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.” Psalm 66:20
“Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry.” Psalm 86:6
“Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised.” Psalm 119:170
“But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his song, praying to God who gives me life.” Psalm 42:8
“One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent anywhere else…” Psalm 84:10
Seek a Christian Mentor who can teach you to pray and begin to grow in your faith.
Mentoring changed my life and I know it will change yours.
Jayme a Spiritual Direction Coach. Mentor, Author, and Podcast Host is passionate about moving Christian Women forward to God’s direction for their life through Scripture and prayer. Join the Spiritual Direction Coaching Today Facebook private page or connect with her on Instagram.
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