Purpose in Prayer

       I'm not a prayer warrior; I never have been. Some people have a gift for it and I seemed to have not made the list.  What is the purpose of prayer? How does it function? For those of us who haven't seemed to make the list or have yet to discover that we are on it, understanding the purpose and function of prayer can be a difficult thing.
        I've come to understand a several things over the years about prayer.  Prayer can come in many different forms.  Prayer can look like a audible conversation with god or just one in our heads.  Prayer can look like words or just an open space in our minds.  Prayer can be a simple form of acknowledging that God is here with us.  For those of us that are artistically inclined, it can look like a painting, dance, ceramics, writing, or some other form of creative outlet.  I've also learned that prayer can take discipline.  To be honest, this is where I am lacking.
        Like other forms of relationships, our relationship with God requires and desires time and attention.  Much like a friend, we need to make time to spend with God.  For me, creating this space and time is the discipline component that I struggle with.  It's hard enough to create space and time for my friends and family let alone for an unseen, inaudible for some, God.  It would be so much easier if I could call God up and schedule a time to get a beer! But I can't....
        So why should we pray?  Why do I pray?  To be known and fully seen; to hear and be fully heard; to respond in a way in which deepens our understanding and image of God in our lives.  Where I feel I lack, God picks up my slack.  Without saying anything to God, the Holy Spirit works on my behalf and reveals the depths of my heart and mind to God.  And that is where my continual conversation with God begins.

 "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words". - Romans 8:26

          What I do know is this, when you tell someone you are going to pray for them...mean it! Do it! "Let your yes mean yes and your no mean no". -Matthew 5:37  I might stink at being a prayer warrior but one thing I make sure to do is when I tell someone they are in my prayers or that I will pray for them...I mean it! I do it! This is where we must be intentional in our conversation with God.  We owe it to our word and to our people to do so.

           Whether you are a gifted prayer warrior or a "gifted in other areas" person like me, prayer is an intrinsic part of our relationship with God.  It's our lifeline, our understanding, and from it sprouts a deeper relationship with God and wisdom.  How do you pray? Will you open the line?