A New Experience in Prayer

Scripture – Matthew 6:5-8: ⁵“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ⁶But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ⁷And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Prayer is an interesting experience. The simplest definition I’ve heard is that prayer is one’s natural conversation with God. The idea of conversation means listening is part of the process, as well as speaking. Often I overlook the listening part. In some ways, my personal prayers turn into babbling. I find myself just lifting up a list of thanksgivings and requests. I seldom take the time to sit quietly and listen. As I think in terms of prayer being a natural conversation, I’m also aware my prayers are sometimes quite boring. If I sat down with another person day after day and went through the same things in the same tone of voice over and over, that person would soon find it to be tedious and tiresome. I get Jesus’ point about praying in secret, and I do that. How can I pray in a more engaging and interesting way?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll begin experimenting with how I pray. I’ll pay attention to my language, my posture, my affect and my attitude. I’ll also take intentional time to listen without daydreaming or drifting off into planning my day.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, it is a continuing wonder that you hear me when I pray. Day after day you are faithful in that. And I thank you. I’m sorry for being so lackadaisical in my prayer life. Teach me to engage you in real conversation. Keep my ears open to your word in my life.