Our recent mission retreat started with a group prayer before breakfast. Then our activity group prayed for a successful day. We spent most of each morning praying over others.
Lunch brought another pre-meal prayer. Our afternoon session ended with a prayer of thanks. Another prayer blessed supper before we headed to a service. Back at the hotel, we ended each day in prayer thanking God for the day.
As we drove home from the retreat, I confessed to my wife, “I really need to pray more.”
“Me too,” she replied, understanding exactly what I meant.
What is real prayer?
It seemed like we spent every possible moment of our day praying that week, but how much was really prayer? We were truly thankful for the meals and the evangelism opportunities. It is normal for us to pray before starting an activity and appeal for blessings upon others.
But during the retreat, we were directed to pray. It wasn’t a spontaneous, personal connection with God. If we don’t have that, is it really prayer?
When we pray at church or recite missives from our youth, we honor God with the words. But prayer is supposed to be a conversation with God; a two-way communication. When we stick to standard prayer, should we expect more than a form letter in response?
How to pray
In his Gospel, Matthew warns us not to only pray in public. (Matt 6:5-15). Rather, he instructs us to find a private place, away from others. God hears these prayers clearer and responds more personally. But with kids, schedules, and other expectations of life, who has the time to get away and pray with any frequency?
Perhaps that is what makes solitary prayer so valuable. God knows the effort that must be made to carve out some alone time with Him. Fortunately, that is not the only way to pray and pray effectively.
How often should we pray?
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells us to pray “on all occasions with all kind of prayers and requests. … be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Eph. 6:18 NIV)
How can we pray always? It’s easier than it sounds. Just remember that Jesus walks with us. Imagine Jesus Christ in the passenger seat as you drive. He is watching the ball game, chasing the kids, and enjoying your lunch break with you.
In His presence, it is easy to pray about everything, all the time. Say, “Thank you, Lord” when a parking space opens or when you remember to walk the dog before you are in bed. Say, “Please, Lord” when you are running late or really need some sleep.
That habit will prime you for special prayer moments whenever you find yourself alone with Jesus. Maybe you steal a moment for solitary prayer while getting dressed for bed or when you are alone during lunch. Prayer will soon become second nature.
How do we know when it’s enough?
Followers who feel they don’t pray enough, probably don’t. If the thought is in your head that you need to pray more, you are probably correct. That nagging feeling is telling you to pray more.
So, keep praying, every day, in every way, until you feel connected to God. Only then will you know you are praying enough.
