Understand What Prayer Is For The First Time

As Soren Kierkegaard wisely said, prayer does not change God, but it changes the one who prays. It is a transformative act that shapes our hearts and minds.

The concept that prayer is a dialogue seems straightforward at first glance. But when you first start praying, it may feel more like a one-sided conversation. After all, you are talking, but you are not hearing anything...

...or are you?

It is easy to miss God's voice because He does not always respond immediately or in the exact manner we hoped. The phrase 'still small voice' is found in 1 Kings.

1 Kings 19:11-13 KJV - "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?"

Patience is key. You might pray about money concerns only to discover twenty dollars later in the day when you are at the grocery store.

You may have forgotten about your prayer, but God did not.

You may pray about a friend's upcoming surgery and not think about her speedy recovery, yet these are answered prayers. You simply were not aware of them.

Be mindful; you will see God's hand in every aspect of your life.

Start your conversations with God by asking Him to open your eyes to how He works in your life and those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your attention and help you recognize all the prayers that The Lord answered.

Some Christians find it helpful to list what they pray over. Adding the date to prayers allows them to look back and see how God has answered every request they made.

You can also do a devotional journal. This allows you to dive deep into Scripture verses and your prayers around them.

Please let me know if you would like a free, downloadable devotional journal for prayer. I am happy to send you one!

Understand What Prayer Is For The First Time