The Big Idea: I’m not going to attempt to motivate you to pray every day because I trust that you do. What I do want to do is to inspire you to be more authentic, more conversational, and more intimate with God about what concerns you.
Do not be anxious about anything. Talk to God about everything that concerns you. Philippians 4:6 amplified
Why authentic?
Well, we were created to be authentic in our communication with God.
Jesus, in His famous teaching on prayer, promotes heartfelt conversation with God. link to Matt 6:6-7
Authentic talk with God about our concerns brings us back to the source of life itself.
What is authentic?
Authentic with God is just like talking with your spouse or kids or friends — you talk about things you’re concerned about as they listen. Then they talk and you listen.
Chit-chat, white noise, and wordy rambling that borders on a rant is not a conversation, it’s a monologue. Often a violent monologue, if you’re the one listening.
How authentic?
Be real. If you’re confused or angry, let the emotions flow. If you’re sad or depressed, let Him know. If you’re in need of guidance or help in any way, just put it out there and ask.
God is not offended by our anger, fear, or our often horrible embarrassing private lives. I think He is, however, offended when we think He can’t handle our humanity. Let it rip – He is probably the only one on the planet who will not get tired of listening to you get whatever off your chest.
How long to pray?
It can be as short as “Jesus, help me!” or as long as it takes to work through all the details of the concern you are grappling with. God is a great and patient listener! He doesn’t limit you to 280 characters!
Being in a hurry will frustrate your conversations with God. Slow down – He’s got all the time in the world to be with you!
Reflect
Write a few prayers out. Put pen to paper and let it rip without thinking. Just keep your hand moving Stop, drop, and pray the moment you find yourself too hungry, lonely, tired, or worried. Make your mouth say words more than you normally do when you pray. Add some emotion to it. Scream your prayer – remember to close your door or scream into your pillow.
Pray
Note: Talk to God about anything you’d like.
Resources
Moving Mountains, John Edredge