Prayer Language

One of the struggles I’ve had with praying is feeling comfortable with what I’m saying.

When I was a child I was taught to pray by my grandmother.

Because she read the King James Bible (KJV), she used that grammar and vocabulary when she prayed.

Not that there is anything wrong with that version of the Bible.

There isn’t.

It’s just that it’s a very old version and was written in Old English and some of our words and ways of saying things have changed.

For example, instead of you, the KJV says thou.

Instead of brothers it says brethren.

Still the same message, just different vocabulary.

 

As I grew up, I tended to pray the way my grandmother did.

It felt stiff, bulky, and awkward.

In short, it felt fake.

 

I thought that was how you were supposed to pray and that because it made no sense to me I must not be doing it right.

I knew prayer was supposed to be respectful and reverent, but I thought I had to speak God’s language to be heard.

So, after awhile I just stopped praying.

 

Then, one day I found this verse:

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

It was like a lightbulb went off in my head.

I realized I don’t have to use fancy words.

All I need to do is be honest about my needs, feelings, and concerns.

I can use current language and grammar – my words – to speak to Him.

God will meet me where I am and He will listen.

 

That was life changing.

It made the whole idea of prayer much easier to understand and do.

Realizing I can speak in “regular” language has made my prayer life come alive.

 

Here’s something else I realized about prayer.

It’s not just a polite, quick communication with someone.

Instead of saying what we think we should say, we say what’s really on our heart, what’s really on our mind.

We say it as if we are talking to a close friend.

It’s not about being stiff and trying to be polite with what we say.

It’s a deep, soul-bearing, honest revelation of what we think and feel as well as where we are at that moment – both in our head and in our heart.

Yes, God expects us to show respect and humility as we come to Him in prayer, but He doesn’t expect us to be someone or something we’re not.

He expects us to be honest, both with Him and with ourselves.

 

So next time you pray, don’t worry if you’re getting the wording just right or if He hears you. (He does!)

Instead, focus on God and His love for you as you openly communicate with Him, sharing what’s on your heart.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much better you feel and at how your connection to the Lord begins to grow.

 

What an awesome God we serve!

Praise Him for His goodness, majesty, care, and concern!

 

 

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

 

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18

 

Here’s a post I wrote on How to Pray.

 

Here’s a post I wrote about Praying Scriptures.

 

Here’s a handy Prayer Template I created to help you as you pray. You do not have to use it word for word. Instead, use it as a starting point and guide and expand on it as you pray. To get it free, Click Here.

 

Here’s a P.R.A.Y. Sheet that gives a summary of how to pray and the parts that make up a prayer. You can also download and print it for free. To get it Click Here.