Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayer is conversation with God, and any relationship is shaped by the quality of communication between those in the relationship. We use the word “prayer” when we’re talking about communicating with spiritual beings, so we often treat it differently than communicating with people. If we let go of the idea that there is one right way to pray, we can grow in our relationship with God.

But you ask, “Shouldn’t we be polite when we communicate with God?” Would it terrify you to be unabashed in your conversations with God? Think about conversations with your closest friend. You tell them dumb jokes. You share your ideas to gauge whether your dreams are as crazy as they sound in your head, while hoping for their warm encouragement. You cry out your rage, hurt, and confusion to them. They’re the first to hear about your date, pregnancy, or a second interview. You communicate without inhibition because your trust is born out of love.

Sometimes we withhold our most human selves from God because we fear offending or annoying Him. We envision God as too serious and holy for jokes, small animals, or parking spots. We don’t want to “bother” God with every little thing. Yet Jesus taught His friends to ask God for daily bread (Matthew 6:11). Communication with God shouldn’t be a last resort or only for the most special occasions. If prayer is communication, we should pray constantly about everything, giving thanks and freely asking for His help (Philippians 4:6).

 

Resource reading: Ephesians 6:18-20