Until recently I have not been much of a pray out loud person. It has been in my head mostly.
Just over. A year ago I started writing my prayers out each day. A few times I’d pray out loud…even boldly. But often I was in a place of feeling not good enough at it. As if I didn’t have the the “right” words or do it eloquently enough. My mom and others told me prayer is a conversation with God and doesn’t need to be eloquent. God isn’t grading me like a professor grades an English paper(tough one for a perfectionist former English major to let sink in).
I questioned if I won’t be heard of listened to if I say “Heavenly Father” instead of “Dear Lord” (as if God on listens if we call Him by one of His names and not the other)
In truth God hears my cries. He knows my heart (even more than I do). Prayer is being open, honest, speaking (out loud or silently), and listening to Him to respond. It is having faith that He is listening and will respond. It is not “magic” in the way the world may see it. As if we pray and in the snap of a finger things happen. It is patience and understanding and in His time.
Sometimes I just close my eyes and write what comes to mind. I let the world go quiet so His voice can drift in. Other times I stream of conscience write letting Him take over.
Pray. Pray everyday. Pray big and bold. Pray small. In all things Pray. You WILL be heard. He WILL answer.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for listening to my prayers and speaking Your word back to me that I may know you. Father Thank you for knowing all the intimate concerns of my heart even more than I know them. Father please illuminate to me direction, your direction, that I may not falter on my path.
Thank you, In Jesus Name I Pray
After praying this, I closed my eyes to listen. Immediately I heard “Ephesus”. As I kept listening and clearing my mind I heard “edify my kingdom”, “be the church”, “moving in the right direction”, and “not done with you yet”.
My Prayer of you.
Faith Grows Faith 