How do we pray? How do YOU pray?

This is from a note that I wrote about three months ago. Enjoy!

I've been thinking...how do we pray? Seriously, think about it for a moment. Do we go through the motions, say the "Five Finger Prayer" (for those that know what that is), say the "Lord's Prayer," pray for us and our wants? How do we pray?

I do not want to get all high and mighty because truthfully I never enjoyed prayer; I never thought of it as more than bowing your head and staying silent while others pray. But who's to say that when we pray we can't sing or dance or shout or cry or kneel or run? To many times we think that prayer should be only very superficial like "Dear Jesus, Thank you for this day, please help me in all my classes, I pray for my family please be with them today, give me peace throughout the day, AMEN." While there's nothing wrong with that prayer, do we really mean it or are we doing it out of necessity...because God wants us to or because we want to?

I know that I'm rambling but I think what I need to say is summed up like this. "A man is no greater than who he is on his knees before God." - Jerry Falwell....well if that's the case than a week ago I was as weak as a newborn infant. Too often we may go to the gym to work out our muscles or read a book to exercise our mind, but do we pray? And how do we pray?

How do you pray? Let me ask it again, how do you pray? Answer it because what you just said directly shows how deep a relationship you have with your Creator. I am definitely not saying that I know how to have the most dynamic prayer life nor am I saying that a basic prayer is anything to be scoffed at (as long as it is truly meant). I do not know anything but Christ crucified and that is what directs my prayer life...what directs yours?

As I was singing getting ready to pray, I flipped to a song that I have sung many times but never fully grasped. I did a little exposition on it and this is what prompted this note.

SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER

Sweet hour of prayer - Can we give an hour of prayer to God or is our time 'too precious?

That calls me from a world of care - This world is so fast-paced and crazy. Can we shut off our cellphones, computers, iPods, or music long enough to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit?

And bids me at my Father's throne - We are able to enter the King of the universe's chamber. Can we do this in any kingly court on earth?

Makes all my wants and wishes known - God wants to know what you desire. But are we desiring the right things?

In season of distress and grief my soul has often found relief - Come to God during the times of heartache and trials. Are we too proud or hurt to praise and worship God in the middle of life's storms?

And I escaped the tempter's snare - By praying we can drive away darkness and Satan. Do we claim the blood of Christ as often as we should?

By thy return, sweet hour of prayer - Jesus is coming back will we be ready? Shall we then seek His face in prayer?