“When prayer comes from a sincere heart, it rises into God’s presence and stays there.”  (Jim Cymbala, Fresh Faith, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 1999)

“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.”  (Ps. 141:2 NIV)

Prayer, in its simplest definition, is talking to God. It is sharing with Him the events of your day, emptying yourself of the distractions and concerns that cloud your mind, while asking God for direction and guidance. Some have created a picture of praying that is tedious, difficult and an unfulfilling use of time and energy. Prayer becomes difficult when we fail to understand that talking to God is like talking to a friend and not a stranger.

A prerequisite of prayer is sincerity. Sincerity is communicated by a focused mind, a genuine desire to interface, and attention to the details of the party you are communicating with. Sincerity is heartfelt, honest and earnest. Heartfelt, in that it only brings to God those things we have passion for. Honest, because it is willing to entertain an answer different than what one may initially desire. Earnest, because the timetable is short. We would like God to answer soon if not now.

Some of our prayer lists need to be pared down. Commit yourself to praying only for those things that you are sincere about. Prepare yourself though. Answers will start coming at an increased rate. The reality of God will be experienced in great measure. Your prayers won’t bounce off the ceiling and land at your feet. They will spend time in God’s presence and come back to you with answers.