Daily Conversations

What do you think of when you hear the word prayer?
- church
- Lord's prayer
- count how many thee(s) and thou(s)
- heads bowed and eyes closed
- "in Jesus' name" or "Amen"
- Hail Mary or Apostle's Creed
- is this the right way or wrong way

I've come to learn that prayer is a daily conversation with the Creator of the Universe, who is also my Daddy. When I was younger I worried about the details. I would try to walk through my prayer before speaking it aloud. (I still catch myself sometimes.) Although I knew the truth in my head, He heard me, forgave me, blessed me, I felt something was lacking. It didn't always feel real.

As I've grown, I've learned to let go of some perfectionist tendencies (a work in progress) and traditions. This has freed me to be more genuine with Him. This has allowed our relationship to be more personal. I am more aware of His omnipresence as I pray.

Yes, there is a time for "heads bowed and eyes closed". But, I also pray on my way to work with my eyes wide open. At times I pray "in Jesus name" and other times I don't "end" it at all. I heard John MacArthur say, "Reading the Bible is like eating, and praying is like breathing." I breathe constantly. I should be in constant conversation with my Lord.

So what comes to mind when you hear the word prayer?