Prayer Template

We have a prayer time in our youth group. Bearing in mind that most of our current members are unchurched, this is as much about helping them become comfortable with the whole concept of prayer as about bringing specific needs to God. Sometimes only one or two out of a dozen kids will pray. But they all have needs they're willing to share. This always amazes me: I don't remember having nearly as many fears and anxieties when I was their age.

One thing I notice is that they, and many other people, make prayer much more difficult than it needs to be. Prayer doesn't need to be expressed in lofty, formal language. There are no special phrases you have to use, there are no 'magic words' that grab God's attention. Prayer is just conversation with a friend.

And that brings up the issue of relationship to Him.

The older I get, the more I'm convinced that relationship is everything. Ministry isn't about theology or organizational structure or being theatrical, it's about connecting with people. Stepping outside yourself far enough to meet them where they are.

"... anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Relationship with God is about connecting with Him where He is. The beauty of this is that the Lord made the first move. He came to us in human flesh. He took the trouble to identify with us in our neediness. And He made the greatest overture of freindshp possible by dying the death we deserved on the cross and then rising from the dead in conquest of the most fearsome thing in our experience.

All right, at first it is a bit like having an imaginary friend. You feel a little foolish, talking to someone you can't see. But it's not all that strange. Here I am, writing to you, and I have no idea who you are or when you'll see this or if you'll respond. It's an exercise in faith and hope. Any conversation is, really.

The God of whom the Bible speaks wants to be your friend. He wants to be part of your everyday life. He wants you to just talk to Him, tell Him what's on your mind. Are you fearful or anxious? Are you happy? Are you confused? Have you accomplished something important? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you have hopes and dreams you're not sure how to realize? Have you been hurt or rejected? It can be difficult to find a human person who'll listen to these things and understand. But the Lord is always there and ready to hear.

And He doesn't just listen. He acts. He leads us and shapes us in the very act of prayer. Just developing the habit of taking everything we think and feel to Him is a transforming thing.

Don't worry too much about how you pray. Just do it. Do it often.