I am so thankful for the model of The Lord’s Prayer because it is so simple. There are those who are eloquent in their prayers, but most of us aren’t. Most of us are just plain simple folks! In the above scripture Jesus suggests that less is more! In light of all of the prayers that God has to hear every moment, I can see why he would prefer simplicity.
As a child I learned very simple and to the point memorized prayers. Even though they were repeated day after day, they are sill in my memory bank. One example of this type of prayer is:
Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the food we eat,
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you God for everything!
- Author unknown
As I grew older of course, my prayers changed. I learned that simple conversation with God throughout the day is very important. I would imagine that there are people who talk to their cats and dogs more than they talk to God. Candid conversation with God can still be respectful of God and casual at the same time. There is merit in that comfortable pattern of speaking free and easy to God. Tevye, in “Fiddler on the Roof” often spoke to God in that casual manner. Many of his prayers were questions. Living in an attitude of prayer is simply going about my day with an awareness of God’s presence in my life.
God is so approachable; there is nothing that I can’t say to God. There isn’t a question that I can’t ask. I can confess my sin; I can ask for anything, I can express my anger and frustrations. I can cry. I can tell him when I am afraid. I can tell God my good news; I can thank him for my blessings. I can tell him of my need. I can express my love for him. Yes, the privilege of simple prayer is indeed a blessing.
I am so glad that God is accessible. Unlike the president or the queen of England, I can have God’s full attention and I am welcome to come into his presence any time, any place, and for any reason.
Eloquent words, long prayers, and loud delivery of those prayers are not what we need to get God’s attention nor is it what will causes him to decide to answer prayers in our favor. God wants us to come to him as little children. Simple and to the point, private, personal prayer is the best way to approach God. What God loves the most is not what we ask or how we ask but that we come. God wants a relationship with us and that relationship is formed in prayer.
Questions:
What do you like the best about simple prayer?
Do you feel comfortable praying simple prayer?
How often do you find yourself praying?
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the privilege that I have of coming to you in prayer. Help me not to complicate my prayer life, but instead practice the habit of simple prayer throughout the day. Help me to know that you are both the Almighty God and my personal friend. This is a hard concept for me to understand, yet you are a being of multiple facets and that is exactly what makes you God! You are big enough to rule the universe, yet small enough to reside inside of me and relate to me in a very personal way. You are an amazing God!
In your Son’s Name I pray. Amen
