My most powerful prayers…. are the short ones. Like 1 to 3 words, short.
And When I say powerful, I mean like I feel like have a direct line to God(which is silly, because I always do), it feels meaningful, yet to the point.
When I was little, I was intimidated by prayer a little bit. I would hear these big long prayers with fancy words and think, “I don’t know if I can talk to God if it has to be like that.” Or I would intentionally put off praying because I thought that it had to be long and wordy.
As I grew older though I realized that’s totally not the case. I mean it can be, and those are great too, but don’t let the intimidation of a fancy prayer, keep you from doing it like I did.
The thing is, God doesn’t care how long your prayer is, he just wants to talk to you! He just wants a relationship with you the way most parents do with their kids. You are his creation, and he longs to be close to you.
I love when I see people write in prayer journals. (I wish I was better about this) There is something so cool about seeing pages and pages of conversation with your creator, and also looking back and seeing what has been answered in your life.
I have just found, when I am in those lowest of low moments, there is just something so beautiful about surrendering my problems over to the most high and just saying “help.” And that’s it. Or sometimes it’s “God, I don’t know what to do.” And I just feel this deep connection, when I’m totally helpless, speaking with God.
I don’t want you to be scared of talking to God because of what you think it’s supposed to look like. It doesn’t have to be memorized. It doesn’t have to be long and full of impressive words. What is impressive is that you took time out of your busy schedule just to say “I need you.” (Another favorite short prayer). The most important thing is that you speak from your heart. (because God can read it anyway) If you have a lot to say and it’s long but honest, that’s cool. But, if it’s short and direct, that’s cool too.
Find some time today, clear your head, and say hi. It’s really that simple. Simple can be powerful.
“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.”Matthew 6:7-13 (MSG)
