how to pray

 new blog feature 

 Sundays, I'll share thoughts from what I learn in church.  We'll talk about the Gospel in a     practical way, and invite God's teachings into our lives. 

At mass today, we heard Gospel readings about Jesus teaching His disciples how to pray.  Do you believe that God knows what we need before we ask? I do.  The Bible tells us that. 

Well then, why do we need to pray, if God knows everything that's in our hearts, and already has a plan for us?  We are taught that prayer is an invitation for God to come into our lives through the Holy Spirit.  He is with us always, but there's something very special about us actively...consciously...inviting Him to be with us. 

We learned today that God always answers our prayers.  Our priest told us we may not always get an answer we like, or expect, but we will always get an answer. And, when we pray, we should be BOLD, HUMBLE, and PERSISTENT. 

Be BOLD.  Don't think that there's anything "too small" or "too big" that you could ask of God. He wants a relationship with you, and wants conversation with you.  He welcomes knowing your desires---and hearing them from you.  Don't be afraid to ask for help and guidance.  One of my favorite prayers every morning is, "Please God be with me today, and point me in the right direction." 

Be HUMBLE.  What does this mean, exactly?  There are many references in the Bible about how we need to become "like a child" when we pray. So...simple but meaningful prayers with a tone of respect, and obedience.  We are also told to ask for forgiveness for our sins, and for help in forgiving others, express gratitude, and make time for listening for His direction as we pray. Little children can have tantrums, sure! But, they can also be very honest, trusting, and loving.  That child-like love of family is what God wants from us when we communicate with Him. Work on improving your communication with God---we're not "praying for show" or "praying to impress"...we have having a conversation with our Heavenly Father. 

Be PERSISTENT. Again, if we believe that God knows what we want before we ask it, and that He will answer our prayers in a way that fits in with His will for our purpose on this planet.  Why are we taught that not only do we need to pray but that we need to be persistent about it? It's not a game, and it's not for Him.  Praying with persistence is for US.  The more we pray, the better we're able to identify what it is that we truly want.  It also helps us to figure out that in the end, we want GOD more than whatever it is we're praying for. That clarity makes us stronger, and builds our faith. 

Now, if we practice, and learn to be bold, humble, and persistence in prayer...how might we hear God answer us? 

"Basically in one of three ways," our priest said:
1.  YES - you are ready, and your prayer request fits His plan for your best, abundant life.
2.  NO - which actually is a YES to something greater.
3.  NOT YET - more thought and more prayerful communication is needed. 

Where you do need support?  How do you need God's help?  Pray and know that nothing is impossible with God. 

j. ​