Prayer is without a doubt one of the most valuable blessings we have as God’s children. It is a form of fellowship and direct communication with our Heavenly Father who guides, strengthens and sustains us in the midst of our daily lives.
However, there may be many who struggle with it as they may wait to pray until they feel that they know how to as they search for the right words to convey their inner most thoughts to the one who holds the universe in his hands.
Perhaps some have heard the prayers of certain spiritual leaders and feel their words are not adequate enough to reach the heart of God. And since they would rather not pray “poorly,” they don’t pray at all. If this describes how you sometimes feel, take heart, because as God’s child you always have access to him regardless of the words you use or the amount of time you spend with him and he will answer your prayer in ways that you never thought possible.
There is an example in the Bible of a man who found this to be true. In the New Testament book of Mark, Chapter 9:17-24, this person is in dire need of answered prayer for his son, as he had been possessed by an evil spirit that would let him talk and when this spirit took over, it would throw him violently to the ground, causing him to have seizures and convulsions. Out of heartfelt desperation, this father says to Jesus, “If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.” Jesus says to the father, “If I can? Anything is possible if a person believes.”
After reading this passage, many would assume that it is speaking about the importance of belief and faith as we pray or some may think that we can automatically obtain anything we want is we just think positively. But even though faith, belief and a positive attitude are important factors in prayer, this passage goes beyond that in that it shows the heart-felt plea of a father who loves his child, a father who may not have all the eloquent words or previous experience with prayer, but it is an honest appeal of a hurting man that reaches the heart of God.
Do you ever find yourself in a similar situation, wondering if such a simple prayer could make a difference? If so, just remember that God is more moved by your heart than your eloquent use of words.
He sees your heart. He knows your needs and he will move heaven and Earth to respond. And because the power of prayer is in the one who hears it rather than in the one who says it, your prayers are heard and answered in miraculous ways!