First off, prayer is all about relationship. ALL about relationship. I believe this is one of the major things I've gotten wrong about prayer. I've made it about getting God to do what I want. I just want Him to magically and instantaneously fix my problems. thank you very much. I look for quick, tangible answers that support my plan for a safe, happy, easy life. It could be anything from getting an A on a test to perfect health to a boyfriend. Not that any of those things are "wrong" to pray for - it's just that I'm seeking those things over Him and consequently making them idols. As He has given Himself fully to me, He longs for me to give myself to Him. He wants my heart. He doesn't want to be used as a means to an end. After all, the death of His Son was used as a means to an end - that "end" being a relationship with me. Wow.
One of my favorite quotes right now is: "I am for panic button prayers; He is for unfolding answers and ongoing conversation." Prayer is not this thing we do to simply "get" (thus making Him into a kind of vending machine) - it's meant to be a process, a journey that teaches me to walk with Him and leads me deeper into His heart.
I also need to realize the vast power and authority I have in going to Him through prayer. He is the Creator of the entire universe, He loves me, listens to me, and declares that anything asked for in His name will be given! I'm sorry to say, but I don't act like that's true most of the time. He wants to blow our minds and surprise us with His goodness, and here I sit, only asking for little things and not really believing. He longs to intervene in our lives - we just need to open the door through "faith-full" prayer! As Oswald Chambers wrote, "Faith is not some weak and pitiful emotion, but is strong and vigorous confidence built on the fact that God is holy love." Prayer is not meant to be tacked on to a situation to boost our confidence a bit...it's where a lot of work happens as we call on God to act on our behalf.
And finally, I need to "follow-up" in prayer. When I receive an answer to prayer and see how God is at work in my life or the lives of others, I need to celebrate. I need to erect "ebenezers" to remind my soul what an awesome, faithful, loving God I have. As I store up thanks for what He's done, trust will overflow into the next hard situation in my life.
Lord, teach me to pray.
Draw me ever nearer and enfold me in the warmth of Your embrace.
May all my prayers be marked by hope, anticipation, wonder, freedom, joy, and boldness...because You are more than I could ever ask or imagine.
Thankful to authors John F. DeVries, Ann Voskamp, Elisabeth Adams, and many others for the inspiration for this post.