Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 ESV

A website offers individual understandings of prayer:
You’ve seen pictures of small children doing it with folded hands while kneeling at bedtime.
You’ve heard a chorus of unison voices following the lead of the minister during a somewhat solemn religious service.
Perhaps it is part of your morning, mealtime, and evening rhythm – as normal and essential as breathing.
If you didn’t grow up attending any type of church it may be a practice you consider odd, or awkward, or mysterious.
Or maybe it’s something you did once in your life during a particularly scary or painful experience. “Dear God, if you’re up there, help!”
Prayer is an essential part of every world religion, including Christianity. Most people realize it has something to do with talking to God. Many hope that it might bring much needed assistance or comfort when facing difficult circumstances.
What do Christians believe about this near universal activity? And how can you take steps to foster a meaningful habit of prayer in your life? *

Jesus said, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

And he said how not to pray and how to pray: “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men … but when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your father who is unseen.”

God, teach me to pray. Let me live conscious of your presence and of your willingness to talk things over with me.

 

 

*real-life.sojournchurch.org