Matthew 6:7-13
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

When we pray, we don’t need much speaking in the hopes that we can get God’s attention. We don’t need vain repetition to evoke a response from Him. We don’t have to wonder if our prayers can reach Him. But we can enter into His presence with confidence, knowing that He hears us, knowing that He knows us and knows our needs, knowing that He loves us as our Father. We can know that His will is done always and everywhere. We can know that He will provide for us. We can know we are forgiven. We can know He will protect us as we rely on Him. We can know that He is in control.

Our prayers can be with boldness, confidence and certainty when we understand the God to whom we pray and how He relates to us. It is not some religious ritual where we have to do specific things or say certain words. It is not a mere spiritual exercise that we can check off of our Christian to-do list. It is, at its heart, a conversation with the one who knows all about us and loves us more than we can fathom. This is the God who invites us to call Him Father, who invites us into His presence, and who wants to hear from us.

More than a focus on what we want or need, prayer is an opportunity to recognize God for who He is and what He does. It is a time to unburden our hearts and reset our minds. It is a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of life and find peace in His presence. It is a place for worship, praise and thanksgiving. And it is a way to strengthen and deepen our relationship with our heavenly Father as we engage in the intimate exercise of prayer.