Have you ever heard someone who pray so eloquently that you thought, “Wow! I know that prayer went straight to the Throne Room of Heaven”? Listen, I know people who can pray with such power and command of the promises of God that it would be easy to think that my short, yet heartfelt, prayer couldn’t get the job done nearly as well.  Ever think like that? If so, think again.

RELATED: Who You Gonna Call?

Contrary to assumptions, a lengthy prayer isn’t any more powerful than a short one. While others may be impressed, God isn’t moved by our vocabulary, knowledge of the scriptures or the comforting sound of your voice. He’s not checking to see if your eyes are open or closed and He’s not incentivized by the shedding of your tears. When it comes to prayer, this is what Matthew 6:6-8 instructs:

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

This passage is saying: Keep It Simple

One of the sincerest prayers I ever prayed went something like this:

“God, I’m in trouble here.” Now, you may say, “that’s not a prayer” but, I promise you, it was just between me and God, it came from my heart, there was no time for repetition and God knew, that I knew, that NOBODY could get me out of that situation… but Him. 

Here’s what The Word has to say about God hearing our prayers:

  • 1 John 5:14-15: “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us”.
  • Psalm 34:17-18: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted…”.
  • Psalm 145:18: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth”.
  • Isaiah 65:24: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear”.

Please note, there is nothing wrong with those who can pray eloquently in public forums– nothing, at all. Just be sure that you don’t compare your prayers, private or public, to theirs. Whenever you speak to God from your heart, with the intention of hearing His voice, obeying His instructions and doing His will, He hears and He answers. Sincerity is the requirement for effective prayer, not eloquence. The next time you pray, in public or private, remember: It’s okay to Keep It Simple.

Love you, LifeSpeakers!
Wilma

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