P.R.A.Y.E.R. - Act: 1 of 2

True or False - The act of prayer for a Christian is something that should automatically come easy to us.

False - Prayer is not easy. But, remember this:

Nothing that we have ever accomplished that is “great” in our lives is also easy. Greatness doesn’t come easy in anything.

Why can it be so difficult? There can be a lot of reasons but to start with - prayer is not natural for us. It is something that has to be learned just like when a child is learning to speak or when an adult wants to learn another language. It takes effort, struggle and perseverance.

So then, how can we make our prayer lives better or even great? Part of the answer lies in the process of moving from “duty to delight.” In other words, it’s escaping from looking at prayer as a “duty” that all good Christians have to do and instead getting to experience the “delight” of prayer.

The process can be challenging but it is most certainly worth the effort. It begins with praying in a dutiful and disciplined way with intentionality and perseverance until it becomes a delight. That is why it is so important to have a time, a place and a plan. A disciplined approach to prayer will result in prayer becoming a delight in your life. It will become something that you depend on each day and don’t want to miss out on (like ice cream, ha).

You will know that you are making progress when you will feel incomplete the days that you don’t have quality prayer time. Like life, it may not always feel great because this is a journey and not a destination, but you will be maturing in your faith and growing closer to Him.

God speaks to us in many ways - though scripture, the Holy Spirit, creation and His people. Don’t miss the opportunity to speak back to Him.

Prayer is the continuation of a conversation that God started with you. Answer Him.

Stay hungry,

Big E