Growing up, so often I thought of prayer as such a formal thing. I think because the idea of me talking to God seemed a little like I was “taking up His time” if I wasn't prepared for my time with Him.
To be honest, sometimes I still struggle to fully understand how I get to have an intimate and informal relationship with such a big God. But you know what? That's exactly the opposite of how God sees me, and wants to talk with me.
As I've continued on this journey of discovering how to pursue informal prayer with Him, I've learned along the way that I can actually pray specific prayers. Yes, I can pray for the big things, like where God is leading me and what He has next for me. But I've actually found myself becoming more in tune with what He's saying to me when I pray for specific things, like the meeting I might be anxious for this afternoon, or the apartment my friend is looking at this week. Today, pick something specific that you're thinking about, and pray this prayer with me.
Pray:
God, thank you for who you are and how you've made me. Thank you for pursuing me, and speaking to me. Today, help me with [SPECIFIC THING]. I know it may seem so small in the grand scheme of things, but you are a God who cares about the specific things too. Be with me as I walk into this, and help me to look for you in this day. Thank you for loving me so much, that you care about [specific thing]. Amen.
Jenn Hood
Executive Assistant at Connexus Church
