If ever we as a nation and as a people needed to pray to the Father Almighty it is now. But if you are anything like me, you may still find praying a bit difficult. We may feel intimidated, inadequate, preoccupied, or we may simply lack the motivation to pray.

But God wants to hear our voice. As a good father longs to hear from his children, our Heavenly Father longs for us to come to him.

The Disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. This is often recited as “The Lords Prayer.” It is a helpful springboard for things to pray about, but when it becomes so familiar that we can say it with our minds far away, we haven’t really prayed, have we? 

Many theologians and writers have written beautiful prayers – wonderful and inspiring! But God cares more about hearing our hearts than beautiful words. And our hearts may only bubble out in spurts. But that’s OK. Be assured that God takes delight in heart-to-heart contact with you.

Be intentional about prayer and make time to talk to God. Find a special quiet place free from distractions. Take a prayer walk in a quiet place. Or as Susanna Wesley with her many children did, pull your apron up over your head – and pause to talk with your Lord.

Perhaps you remember singing this little song. May it remind you to pray anytime – morning noon, or night.

Whisper a prayer in the morning,
Whisper a prayer at noon;
Whisper a prayer in the evening
To keep your heart in tune.

God answers prayer in the morning,
God answers prayer at noon;
God answers prayer in the evening
To keep your heart in tune.