Simplify Your Prayers and Just have a Conversation

And it doesn’t have to be a long conversation but just a sweet connection. My teens and I each came up with a three word prayer for one another. Speaking to Jesus on behalf of others is a good way to begin. After all, the commandments love God, love others is our life’s purpose. If you are not a prayer warrior as some call those who pray continually, don’t be intimidated. Prayer has no formula and nobody is better at praying than anyone else. Prayer is a moment that I can spend time with Jesus to seek help, give thanks, or just rest in our relationship. 

Ronnie B told me that Jesus was a simple man. He is also a simple savior. His expectations are not complex. Believe in Him and be saved. Spend time with Him and learn the direction He has for you. I am a firm believer in spending time in the Bible but also listening to women’s Bible podcast and YouTube videos. Lisa Harper’s Back Porch Theology is incredible. TBN has Better Together that brings five women of faith together to discuss His direction for life and the struggles that He has seen them through. I never end a video by Chrystal Evans Hurst without having a bit more clarity to steps forward. 

Whatever way you connect with Jesus is time well spent in building your life and relationship with Him. Whether you are on your knees, hands up in a group or sitting under a cozy blanket with your cup of piping hot coffee, He is present. His desire is for us to know Him and share Him with others. Sharing His love for me is my desire because I don’t want anyone I love or anyone who crosses my path to walk through life without the relationship I have with Jesus. Of course, He puts others in my life to be there for me, to support and defend me, and to spend time growing together. But time spent in prayer is my life blood. I could not imagine living a day without a quiet conversation with Jesus. It would be like spending the day without oxygen. His breath in my lungs and His love in my life sustain me. 

Keep it simple. Don’t overthink prayer. Just listen and share your moment. It is even a good thing if your mind wanders. That errand thought may be just what you need to speak to Jesus about. Yes, He even cares about our schedule, chores, worries, and distractions. My three word prayer was under one roof. Ronnie B and I were separated for years and the girls prayed these three simple words for us. We have now been back under one roof and better together than we ever were apart. The healing of our relationship didn’t just happen. It took building relationship and trust through time spent together. Spend time with those in your life that need healing. Shine a light on and lean in to relationships that need tending. Likewise, embrace the sweet words you can share in prayer. Praying together was one big change in our relationship as Ron and I put Jesus in the middle of difficult conversations. 

Here is a simple prayer I call Lissa’s prayer that I learned before she lost her Daddy and ultimately stood up and prayed at his memorial when she was only four years old. 

Lord above comfort me. Give me courage. Help me see. Guide my actions. Guide my words. Let me know my prayers are heard. Amen.

Comfort, courage direction and trust in His hearing me. Jesus was a simple man. Don’t over complicate spending time with Him.

In Him,

Joyful

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