The Truth about Prayer

Have you ever been in this situation? I know I have. You are in a group prayer meeting and you are listening to a particular brother or sister going non-stop for it seems like a decade; or you are at a funeral or church event and the person giving the prayer is saying the correct words, so much so that it is evoking a lot of ‘Hallelujahs’ and ‘Amen’ and ‘Yes Lords’. All you can think about, right at that moment, is ‘Man, this person knows how to pray’, or ‘Man this person knows how to touch God’, and you are left feeling intimidated because you know that you cannot pray in that manner. Have this ever happened to you?

My mind goes back to Luke 18:9, when Jesus was talking about the prayer of the Pharisee and the Publican. The Pharisee prayed with elaborate words and with self – righteousness, highlighting all the good he might have done, and I am sure there were a few ‘Amens and Halelujah’ in between; but the Publican just went humbly to God and said ‘forgive me for I have sinned.’ Who did God justify in the end? It was the Publican and not the Pharisee. You see the way God thinks is so much different to the mind of man.

Now do not misunderstand me, I will not dear to say that the elaborate prayers made by saints are not heard by God, but instead, what I am saying is that you can also touch God with just a few words. It is true also that most of the times less is always better.

Prayer to me therefore, is not expressed in the many words that is spoken to God. It is expressed in the manner of ones heart. Prayer is a heart to heart talk with God.

Psalm 51:17 says it correctly “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God , thou wilt not despise.”

Sometimes in prayer, there is no need to say much, just three words “Father forgive me” or ‘Father I need you”.

You must not try to emulate others around you or try to follow the 'masses'. Just Be Yourself. God does not need a show. All he needs is sincerity. Speak to God as you would speak to a friend. Confide in him, as you would confide in your closest companion. Then, you will realize that you would feel much better after prayer, than if you had done like the Pharisee and had prayed with the most elaborate words.

Let Matthew 6:7-8 be your prayer guide and you will not go wrong. It says, “But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall he heard for their much speaking. Be not therefore like them: for your Father knows what things ye have need of before ye ask him.”

Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Remember, God already knows what you need before you even ask, so if you follow this simple prayer formula you will never go wrong . I call it “P.P.T” Praise, Petition, and Thanksgiving. Always begin prayer with praises unto God. After this, you then let your petition be made known unto him. Then, always end you prayer by thanking God for answering your request.

What is the truth about prayer? Prayer is simple. It's just “P.P.T”.