WHY PRAY?

I confess that I have struggled with my prayer life over the years, but if we can get away from the stereo type definitions of prayer, perhaps it will refresh your thinking.  Here is what I mean.

Prayer is cultivating a relationship with God.  Every relationship is uniquely different because we are all wired uniquely.  Relationships of intimacy require openness and trust, taking time and energy.  This also means your prayer life doesn't have to look like anybody else's.

Prayer is communicating with God.  Communication can be verbal and non-verbal.  Prayer can just be listening.  Mother Teresa said, "Prayer is not asking.  It is a longing of the soul.  Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God at his disposition, and listening to his voice with the depths of our hearts."

Prayer is a connection of the heart.  The pharisees were famous for long heartless prayers. When James says it is the fervent prayers of a righteous man that avails much, he is referring to a heart connection.
Ghandi said,  "Prayer is not asking.  It is a longing of the soul.  It is a daily admission of ones weakness.  It is better in prayer to have a heart without words then words without heart."

Prayer is a constant awareness of God's presence.  Paul tells us to pray continually.  How does that happen?  It happens by integrating my thoughts, words, and deeds with the influence of God.

If we take these definitions to heart we discover that prayer is more than a discipline, more than a compartmentalized practice, but a total awareness and dependence upon God.  Almost like breathing out and breathing in.