Prayer

The key to prayer is to start simply and quietly. Prayer is the primary way of connecting to the infinite, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God. Without prayer you can never get close to God. Prayer is like a muscle. If you exercise it regularly your prayer muscle will gain strength and your appreciation for God will grow immeasurably. On the other hand if you don't use it, your prayer muscle will shrivel up and your capacity for God will shrink. And in those times of crisis when you suddenly feel compelled to pray, it will likely be painful experience. The good news is God doesn't put conditions on your prayer life. His feelings don't get hurt when you don't pray. But when you do, He connects with you in a powerful way. Prayer changes things. Pray for people who dislike you. Pray for people you dislike. Prayer without effort will be insincere. Effort without prayer will be ineffective. Don't pray for a lighter load. Pray for a stronger back. Prayer involves listening to God as well as speaking to Him. You can't stand up to satan if you know kneel before God. Pray with perseverance and expectancy. At its core, prayer is giving yourself to God.