How Do I Learn to Pray?

Karen O'Connor

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Prayer is talking with God — like chatting with a best friend over coffee or a Coke. At first, it may seem a bit silly to contemplate. How can someone talk with an invisble entity? Even if you believe there is a power higher than you, can you really 'talk with' this deity?

Yes! You can start right where you are no matter who you are or what you have done in your life. God wants to hear from His people.

You may wonder how to start.

Here's what I did. I was in such pain the first time I turned to God in prayer that I simply laid it out — as I would with a sister or friend.

"Lord, God. I'm hurting — bad. I've messed up my life. I'm divorced, away from my kids in a new city, scared and alone. Can you help me? I don't know how to fix what went wrong."

Then I was quiet for a few moments. Some words of Jesus Christ, which I had heard in a Bible study that a friend invited me to, came back to me right then.

They were from the Gospel according to John—John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." I knew then that if I kept talking to Jesus, He would lead me to the answers I needed.

I also started reading about prayer in other parts of the Bible and found these verses. "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16), and "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

I felt awkward at first just sitting in a chair and praying out loud. So I decided to pray while I walked and ran along the beach near my home. It came easier then. I was happy as I looked at the ocean and felt the warm sun on my face. I realized how much beauty there was around me and it came from God, our Creator.

From that day on I made prayer part of my morning routine. Now it's as much a part of my life as getting dressed and brushing my teeth. And most important, I know I am never alone. God hears and answers my prayers. I trust Him with my very life.

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About The Author

Karen
O'Connor

From Karen O'Connor - 

"I’ve been writing, teaching and speaking for 40+ years and have authored books, magazine articles, blogs, educational texts, and digital books.

"I got hooked on writing when my third grade teacher assigned students to write and illustrate a book for a class project. I knew then I wanted to be a ‘real’ writer some day and see a book of mine in a bookstore and in a library.

"Every day I look forward to going to my desk. In recent years I’ve focused on writing humor for seniors, including the best-sellers, Help, Lord! I’m Having a Senior Moment and Gettin’ Old Ain’t For Wimps. Some of my books are now on CD, as well. And many titles are available for the Kindle. Please check out my Books page.

"I also take great pleasure in helping others with their writing. Over the past 30 years I’ve taught for a variety of schools and conferences, including the University of California Adult Education, the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild, the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and currently for Bravewriter.com where I teach Write for Fun online for kids ten to fourteen.

"I was honored to be named Writer of the Year for 1997 by the San Diego Christian Writers Guild, in 2002 I received the Special Recognition Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference for writing and mentoring, and in 2004 I accepted the International Reading Association Award for my article for children on Kurdish refugees published in Highlights for Children magazine.

"If you’d like to explore what’s involved in writing professionally, I invite you to look into one of the many conferences available."

 

is an award-winning author and popular speaker from Watsonville, California. www.karenoconnor.com