The Language of Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Keep Reading...

In order to grow in a relationship, talking and listening is needed. But, do you know what it's like to have a person talk at you… and talk and talk… Relationship isn't built through one person just talking at another person. There needs to be a giving and receiving, a listening and understanding.

Do you find yourself talking at God? Perhaps you have a list of people to pray for or a list of needs and concerns to detail before him. But, are your prayers connecting? Is real relationship being built? Is power and authority being released through your voice?

We are called in Ephesians 6 to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions." It is important for us to realize that the Spirit is already interceding for us. Romans 8:26 There is already a conversation going on in heaven about you and your concerns. We can learn from the language of prayer that is already happening in the Godhead.

When you ask the Holy Spirit how to pray, he will teach you. He promises this. John 14:26 The most effective praying comes through listening to what is on God's heart and praying it back to him. Don't get caught just talking at God. Listen first. Ask him how you should pray. Then begin.

Question
Do you talk or listen more in your relationship with God?

Application
Think of a concern that you regularly pray about. Stop and ask the Holy Spirit how to pray specifically for that concern. Then begin praying what he gives you. When you are finished with that point, ask again if there is any other way you can pray. Practice listening, then praying.