Building Block #1: Prayer

So what is Prayer? It's not speaking to an unseen King in the language of a16th century poet! It's not a ritual where we say certain words in a certain order, or recite a memorized prayer for meals, bedtimes and communion services. It's not even sharing a long list of personal wants and woes for ourselves and our loved ones! So what is it really?

At its heart, it's having a Conversation with a Loving, Personal God. He Created Everything. He's your Heavenly Father. He knows everything about you! And He loves you! He Came to Earth, Lived a Perfect and Sinless Life, Died a Cruel Death and Rose Again 3 Days Later! This is Jesus Christ, The Messiah! It's knowing that your thoughts, your desires, your life is being guided by God's Presence inside your heart through His Holy Spirit.

This Almighty God wants to have a Relationship with YOU! The Best Way to build that relationship is through Prayer. This involves Three Key Elements:

Listening: To The Spirit speaking into your heart, and through Reading the Bible

Talking: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

Waiting: With True Patience and Trust that God will answer in His Time in His Way

5 H's Necessary for Effective Prayer:

1) HONOR: Recognize his Holiness, Power, Mercy and Justice ("You're God! I'm Not!")

2) HOURLY: Constant Communication with Headquarters ("I'm just checking in!")

3) HEART: Being Vulnerable and Transparent ("Here's What is really going on!")

4) HONEST: Seek Specific Answers ("What do you Want/Need God to do?")

5) HUMBLE: Submit to His Plans/Will ("Whatever You Want is Fine with Me, God!")

Remember these things as you start your prayer time: "GROW"

G: Grace (Asking God's help/guidance for yourself in your daily life)

R: Relatives (Praying from your heart for the needs of people related to you)

O: Others (Seeking God's Blessings on other people (friends,

strangers) who Need Him)

W: World (Extending Your View to various needs everywhere across our Globe)

There's no perfect way to Pray. Just start Connecting to God!