A lot to learn.

four- by Lois A. Cheney
One morning I awoke with a desire I wanted to fulfill. It concerned a way I wanted to be.

This was a matter to lay before God. This was a matter for prayer. The desire was for a power and goodness, and I wanted the prayer to be right. I would preface my request with an acknowledgement of my unworthiness. This wasn't false; I knew it, and God would accept it.

All day phrases and words came to me. My special prayer took shape. I would set aside a time. I would approach him in truth.

In the evening I closed myself away from others. I read from his word. I reviewed the phrases and words of my very special prayer. Before I got really settled down, I was flooded with the answer, and I was the way I wanted to be. But I felt cheated...I had wanted that moment of communication with God. Then I thought I heard something.

"I heard you this morning."

I think I have a lot to learn about prayer

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So if prayer is communicating with our Father because he desires that we grow closer to Him and seek direction in our lives, is there a wrong way to pray? That's the question we will be exploring this week.

I struggle with this topic and wonder frequently, "am I doing this right?"

I've been studying the subject of prayer for the past month few months in preparation for this series. I'm realizing now that I've always had pre-conceived notions about the right and wrong way to pray. Generally prayer methods and equations have only served to make me feel almost guilty in prayer. Can I ask for supplication before I've adored? Was my adoration section long enough to then move to confession? What if I ask for my needs for a majority of the prayer, have I disappointed him? Are my prayers selfish? Why do my prayers sound the same even when I'm alone? My prayers lately all begin with "Father, I don't know how to pray. Teach me." I was jogging last evening around 7:00. It was absolutely beautiful; the perfect mixture between shadows and sunlight. The trees are green even if it felt like it was 100 degrees. I don't run with music anymore, because I find some of my best thinking comes as I try to force myself to run "just four more minutes and then you can walk!" I hate running. And for a time, I think I ran from praying. I think I have a lot to learn about prayer. I know I have a lot to learn about prayer.

See you guys this weekend for week #3 of "P is for Prayer." - Ginger

Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up." Ephesians 6:18

Photo from flickr.