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“But truly God has listened; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, because He has not rejected my prayer or removed His steadfast love from me.” Psalm 66:19-20 (Esv)

First conversations are ever hard for those of us who are not extroverts.  We’re usually not the ones to invite small talk with a total stranger.  We’re completely content to scroll through our phone during those moments of waiting or standing in line.  We just don’t know what to say.

Awkward is how we’d describe early conversations with a new friend.  We stumble through our words wondering if anything we’re saying is making sense. Bet we’ve all been there in the newness of a friendship when conversations were shallow and strained.  Yet something beautiful begins to unfold as we invest time into getting to know someone on a deeper level.  We relax and open up our hearts as trust evolves.  We laugh and celebrate our differences.  We value face to face encounters and prioritize connection. There’s nothing sweeter than watching us move from casual acquaintance to best friends where conversation flows effortlessly.

Our struggles with conversation sounds a lot like our apprehensions and intimidations with prayer doesn’t it?  Everyone else makes it seem so easy.  Their words make sense and convey power.  Yet when we try to utter a word it seems awkward, and we so fear messing it up.  We are intimidated to say the least and our repetitive words seem bland and boring even to our ears.

So glad sweet friends that prayer is not an attempt to impress our Heavenly Father.  If it was, I’d be in big trouble.  Instead, He invites us to come with genuine words from hearts desiring to know Him.  And the more time I spend getting to know our God in His word, the less intimidated I feel.  Glimpsing His grace, love and mercy sprinkled throughout the lives of men and women in scripture compels me to draw near rather than shrink back.  God’s compassion and   love for us eases my awkwardness and deepens my trust.  The conversation which once felt shallow, strained and difficult now flows effortlessly. No special words or repetitive phrases…just me and my God talking together.

Still feeling a little uneasy when it comes to prayer?  Rest assured dear one – we’ve all been there.  Praying through the Psalms is a great way to ease our uneasiness.  Praying God’s promises reminds us of His love and faithfulness. And for those days when we simply don’t know what to say….the Holy Spirit is interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).  God’s got it all covered.

“Father, through the death of Your Son we have full access to come boldly to Your throne….may we cherish the privilege of prayer and resist the temptation to quit when it seems hard.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life