I've been a Christian for a while and on this journey I've learned that prayer is the way we connect with God. It's like having a spouse or a best friend. You don't go days without talking to them. If you miss a day without speaking to them you feel the void. You live in harmony with them, you dialogue about your day, you vent with them, you share your joys and frustrations. So why is it so hard to do that with God? Here are three reasons why I think we don't pray.
1. We can't physically see him.
We are visually minded people and most of the time we want a live human being in our presence to talk to. God is absolutely present in your life. You may not be able to see him but He's there. He's the breeze you feel in the morning. He's alive in the Bible when you read it. Sometimes a little faith is required.
2. We don't have the time.
This is probably the biggest reason why we don't pray. We feel like we don't have the time in our schedule. Big mistake! We make time to watch a tv show or go on vacation which are all ok but when it takes precedence over The Giver of Life we've missed it. Listen I'm not a master in this area. I stay at home with three little ones and they keep me on my toes. I've learned that my prayer times don't have to be long sessions. I think early mornings before kids get up and nap times could allow some lengthier conversations with God, but the Bible also says pray without ceasing. So how does that look? Say a short prayer in bed before starting your day, in the shower, while cooking, or while cuddling with your kids. There is more time than what you think and trust me the Devil will make sure you "never have the time."
3. We forget the benefits.
I heard a quote once, "Prayer is the ultimate love language. It communicates in ways we can't." You can't always be physically present for someone in their time of need but you could pray. What blessings have we missed out on because we didn't feel like praying or didn't have the time to do it? Have you ever prayed for someone and their prayer was answered? Didn't you feel a sense of joy that you were God's instrument during that time? God wants to use us by standing in the gap through prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ and those who don't know him. If we don't who will?
So find out what works best for you and your life. There is no magic formula or right way. Just start a conversation with God and you'll see that He's a good listening ear and He wants to communicate back to you. You'll soon find yourself in a place where you yearn and desire to connect to The Source.
Additional Resources:
Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels
The Power of a Praying books by Stormie Omartian (I've read The Power of a Praying Wife but she also has a whole series geared towards the mom, husband, couples, etc.)
Power Verses:
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to pray, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)
1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him. (NIV)
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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