Prayer.  It’s threaded thoughout the Old and New Testament.  We find it documented as early as Genesis, and as late as Revelation.  It is modeled throughout the entirety of the Bible by the patriarchs, psalmists, prophets, Jesus and eventually his disciples.

Most would define prayer as our inner-most conversations with God.  As a child, prayer was a more formal experience for me with the memorization of “Our Father” and the likes throughout my years of Sunday School.  However, as I’ve grown into adulthood, my prayer life has drastically changed.  Most days my prayers are simple heart-to-hearts with God.  Much like a conversation with a close friend, it is an ongoing, any-time-of-day, any place sort of thing.  No prescribed format. Just an authentic conversation.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. 

Psalm 17:6

The Greek word for prayer is proseuche.  It is defined as “a petition brought before God.”  It is a direct line of communication with God; a spiritual avenue that He has set up for us to bring forth our human concerns and petitions for His guidance.  It brings us into the presence of God.  Jesus has encouraged us as sons and daughters of the Most High to pray to God in his name with full confidence that God will hear and answer (John 14: 13-14).

For many years growing up, I witnessed first-hand the importance of prayer within my maternal family.  My mother, my grandparents, and my aunts gave great credence to prayer simply through their example.  There was never any doubt that it played an integral role in their daily lives.  I ALWAYS knew the importance that they placed on daily prayer. It was a place of strength and hope.  My grandparents are gone now, but my mother and my aunts continue on with the same fervor and dedication to prayer.  What a blessing that was and is for me.

With four kids of my own, I too want to pass this practice down to them. Although they are not little anymore with their dad or I leading them bedside in their prayers, I hope that those childhood routines and our continued example root deep into their souls as they become young adults. Like those that have gone before us, it is an essential part of our everyday, and I want the same for my own kids.

A few months back I heard the song “Talking to Jesus” by Brandon Lake and Thomas Rhett, and it resonated with me. I invite you to listen. God has summoned all of us to this place and eagerly waits to hear from you!