Knowing How to Pray

Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and called to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, I pray You, let this child's life return to him." The LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him and he revived. 1 Kings 17:21-23 (New American Standard Bible)

I am struck by Elijah’s prayer of fourteen words, because of its simplicity and brevity. It wasn’t complicated and full of “formulas”. It was direct and to the point. Elijah was given a lifeless body and saw one need to bring before God….a resurrection. It is the first of two such scenarios found in Scripture and both times God does exactly what is asked of Him.

I have read books on prayer, been to seminars regarding prayer, talked with prayer warriors, listened to profound prayers, and desired a more effective prayer life. But when it was all said and done, I will admit to becoming intimidated by prayer. Why? Because it now seems so complicated and complex. There is a prayer language out there that I am not fully educated in as of yet. I don’t know all the “rules” of binding and loosing. I don’t know every tactic of the enemy to come against. All of a sudden, coming unto Him as a little child seems to require an indepth study that is equivalent to a college education.

So this morning I am asking myself and God some questions. How has something that was so simple in Bible times become so complicated and intimidating today? Why is it I can’t just talk to God, tell Him what I need or what I want Him to do, and see Him do it? Because quite frankly, the more complicated prayer becomes the less I tend to do it. What should be a joy and delight becomes over whelming leaving me with the feeling that my prayers are not good enough for God’s ears or worth His time or mine.

I am asking myself, what would happen if I just decided to do what I see patterned in Scripture time and time again? Just ask! Just talk! Just pray! If my walk with God is suppose to be authentic then can’t I talk to God using my own voice, my own words, and my own requests? His prophets did it that way. Jesus did it that way. Countless men and women of faith have done it that way. Prayer is not meant to be an exclusive club whereby only the knowledgeable are welcome. It is meant to be a time of interaction between God and His children. It is meant to be intimate and personal. It is meant to be full of childlike trust and simplicity. May someday I will have the more grown up version of prayer down pat, but for now I need a fresh start with my Father.

Father, You know the questions that abound in my mind this morning. Teach me how to pray! Amen.