Talking to God 101

A five-year-old boy announced to his parents that he never wanted to pray again. When his mother probed the child’s unbelief, she got this simple explanation, “I prayed and prayed for a new puppy, and all I got was a new baby brother.”


There are times when we question prayer. We ask for guidance and all we hear is silence. We get what we want and wind up not wanting what we get. Unlike Garth Brooks, we don’t always find it easy to thank God for unanswered prayers. Yet people pray—in fact 80% of Americans pray and over half pray every day. So why is prayer so important in our lives? Why pray? What are the benefits of prayer? What do we do when prayers aren’t answered? How do we pray?

Prayer is not our asking for favors, or presenting God with some shopping list, or begging God and bargaining with God to give us what we want. Prayer is offering ourselves to be what God wants. Prayer is not asking what God can do for me, but listening to what God can do in the world through me. Prayer is not something you do that gives you a better day or week. Prayer is something you are that makes you a better disciple, which transforms you as a person. 

Prayer is one of the most powerful things we can do in life. Have you ever walked into a room where people were praying? Then you have sensed that hallowed aura, that special power that comes through the power of prayer. It is no wonder that the first of our Marks of Disciples is “Pray daily”. Prayers at meal time, devotional time, bed time, or on any other occasion are a great interlude into the cares and burdens of the day. 

Paul was right on the mark when he wrote to the Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Go with God,

Pastor Qualley