PRAY FOR ME: The Rev. Bonnie Willow, interfaith peace minister, believes prayer is helpful "because it allows us to feel that something bigger than the problem can bring in a solution." Photo by ... Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing.

Understanding the Context

Prayer is an expression of faith in God’s power, fueled by a desire for more of him. Prayer is spiritual communication between man and God, a two-way relationship in which man should not only talk to God but also listen to Him. Prayer to God is like a child’s conversation with his father. Prayerlessness is the great enemy of true happiness.

Key Insights

If you have set it aside or are stuck in a rut, here are seven simple prayers to pray each day. A deep prayer life is difficult to maintain, but it’s also greatly rewarding. Consider seven steps to take this year to help strengthen your prayers. Being devoted to prayer looks different from not being devoted to prayer. And God knows the difference.

Final Thoughts

He will call us to account: Have we been devoted to prayer? Is there a pattern of praying in your life that can fairly be called “being devoted to prayer”? “Praying only as crises enter your life would not be a pattern of devotion to ... Do you have an unanswered prayer? Not just a small, daily request, but a major heartbreaking, soul-wrenching, tear-soaking prayer that God has not answered? As a result, do you wonder: Does God really love me?

Has He heard me? Does He care? If He cares, is He unable to answer? Have I done something to displease Him?