Conversational Prayer

Having a regular, honest conversation with God

Stated most simply, prayer is having a conversation with God. It is more than something to do at church or before a meal. And our prayers should be about more than things we need or problems we face. Prayer is best thought of as a dialog of talking and listening. On the eve of his "I Have a Dream" speech, Martin Luther King Jr. told his staff he was going to talk to the Lord about what to say. That is a great perspective. Judah Smith shares this view and describes some great conversations that he has had with God.

Talking to God honestly and holding nothing back can be very freeing. There are times when a quiet reverence is appropriate. But at other times, the best thing is to talk with and listen to God in the same way you would confide in a friend. As you read the Psalms, you will see the passion of the writer’s heart in full display. You too can be this open and honest with God.

Application Question:

• Judah says "I think maybe censoring and filtering our prayers is a practice that hasn't done us a lot of benefit and so I'm challenged personally to be more candid, open, honest with God." He uses the example of David's prayers in the Psalms. Are you honest with God? Are you willing to pour out your heart to Him?