by Erin Pickering

Have you ever been asked to pray? Insert dramatic theme music: Dum, dum, dum. We can all attest that at some point in our lives, we have found ourselves in a situation where we secretly repeat, "Please don't call on me, please don't call on me" when it comes to prayer. But why? 

Why is prayer such a scary, ominous thing for us Christians? Why do we make it more complicated than it is? I recently talked to my mom on the way to work, and we discussed prayer. During the discussion, we came to a point about the "why" I just stated above. My mom said, "I think we make it complicated because we approach prayer as believers as a place to negotiate with God. We come with our expectations, wants, desires, and needs, but do we ever really come and approach prayer from a place of surrender? Do we ever really get before God and be still? Do we ever say, 'God, I am not going to speak; I am just going to listen?" 

Talk about a moment of reality check. Prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue, for sure. But to have a conversation, we have to listen as well. We must understand that prayer is the best place, to be honest and transparent with the One who loves us beyond measure. Prayer is the place for us not to use lofty words but to be real in a conversation, like we talk every day.  

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to overlook the profound significance of prayer. Amidst our busy schedules and countless responsibilities, prayer remains the cornerstone of our relationship with God. It's our lifeline to Him.

Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice," John 10:27 reminds us. These simple yet powerful words encapsulate the essence of prayer—a direct line of communication with our Shepherd. But how do we embark on this journey of prayer? How do we navigate through the complexities of life while maintaining a constant connection with God? Let's explore some practical steps together.

First and foremost, let's make a plan for our prayer time. Just as we schedule appointments and meetings daily, carving out dedicated time for prayer is essential. Whether it's a few minutes in the morning, a quiet moment during lunch break, or before bed, find a time that works best for you. Remember, consistency is key. By setting aside regular moments for prayer, we demonstrate our earnest desire to commune with God.

But why is prayer so crucial? What does it accomplish? Allow me to share five quick insights:

Prayer changes our attitude: During life's challenges and uncertainties, prayer has the power to shift our perspective. It reminds us of God's sovereignty and fills our hearts with hope and trust.

Prayer changes our perception: We gain spiritual clarity and discernment through prayer. It opens our eyes to God's truth and aligns our thoughts with His will.

Prayer pushes us to see God's full promises: As we immerse ourselves in prayer, we discover the richness of God's promises in Scripture. His Word becomes alive and relevant to our lives, guiding us through every season.

Prayer moves us from our agenda to God's: Instead of clinging to our desires and plans, prayer invites us to surrender to God's perfect will. It's a humbling reminder that His ways are higher than ours, and His purposes prevail.

Prayer invites the Power of the Lord to work: When we relinquish control and allow God to lead, miracles happen. Prayer unleashes God's supernatural power, transforming situations and hearts in ways we could never imagine.

In essence, prayer is not merely a religious ritual; it's a holy encounter that shapes our character, deepens our faith, and fosters intimacy with the Lord. So, let's embrace the beauty of prayer with open hearts and willing spirits. Let's prioritize it in our lives, knowing we draw closer to the One who holds the universe in His hands through prayer.

As we embark on this journey of prayer together, may we echo the words of the Psalmist: "Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice" (Psalm 55:17). Let's lean into the promise that God hears our prayers and delights in our communion with Him. Together, let's nurture our prayer lives and experience the transformative power of God's presence.

Erin Pickering is the Adult Ministry Director at LowCountry Community Church.