I was looking at the blogs that I have done, and I noticed that I have not done one on praying and prayer. When I re-committed my life to the Lord, I struggled with it. I heard other people pray these long elaborate prayers, and felt my small prayers are not heard by Him. As I continued my journey, or as some people call it “my walk” with the Lord, I realized He does hear my prayers.

So, the question begs to be asked, “What is prayer?” Let me first start with what Dictionary.com has for the definition..”a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.”  I love how it mentions worship!  My definition of prayer is real simple, it is a conversation with God! Prayer or praying does not have to be limited to when you are in church or synagogue!!  Yes, as part of worship we sing songs, and listen to a sermon, but we also pray to the Lord. 

Praying to God is not just about asking Him for things, whether it is for us or for others, but it is also a way to thank Him for what He has given to us, asking for His forgiveness when we do something that is wrong. I never understood growing up, why I had to wait until Yom Kippur to ask for forgiveness and be written in the “Book of Life”, now when I mess up, I immediately ask for forgiveness, although it is not necessary as Jesus paid the price for my sins. I am not saying that gives me a free pass to sin, but I know that I am forgiven. I am also confused as to why the Catholic church requires confession and have the priest ask Him for your forgiveness? I hope that one of my catholic friends can explain this to me. Please, I beg of you as you are reading this, do not think that I am putting down your religious beliefs or practices, as I am NOT!

I have found that my prayer life changes at times, it still is a conversation like i would have with you(the reader), my wife, step-daughter or anyone. It is something that is so intimate, because it is between me and my Heavenly Father. There are times that I ask Him for something for myself, or my family, or a friend. There are times that it is more asking Him for something for other people. There are times, more times then I care to remember that I apologize for something, but no matter what I take the time to thank Him for loving me exactly where I am in my life. There are times that I find myself demanding that He shows me what He wants me to do, or show me where He is taking me in my journey. That really does not work out well, but sometimes it does and He makes it clear to me.

There was a time a few years ago, that rent was coming due, and we did not have it. I started praying, talking to Him tell Him of my concern, well He heard me loud and clear, and we got the rent money, not sure how or where it came from, but we did and I thanked Him for answering my prayers.

I have learned through my walk, and talking to others, that no matter what He hears our prayers, whether it is the long elaborate prayers or the real short one. I am still a work in progress and will keep learning, and I will keep on talking praying to Him, and also learn to just sit back and let Him respond to the conversation!!

I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Please as usual leave your comments.

In His grace and presence.

His Love never fails

Joe