Matthew 6:5, "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full." 1 John 5:14, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."

Think

What exactly is prayer? Is it only for the super-religious? Do you have to change your voice to sound holy to be heard? Is God withholding good from you until you learn to pray with lofty-sounding words? No! Prayer is simply talking with God. God doesn't need to know what we think or want. He already knows our every thought. He wants us to pray as an act of worship, a declaration that we're not God and, therefore, need His help and involvement in our lives. Understanding WHY we pray, not WHAT we pray, is the starting point. Motivation matters! So, when you pray, make it a conversation between just you and God. Go someplace where you can't be seen – a hidden place – and God, who also can't be seen, will meet you in that hidden place. Let God know that you love Him and are loyal to Him. Expose your fears and frustrations. Ask for what you need. And as you talk with God, remember it is the WHY not the WHAT that really matters. He is God and you are not.

Act

Jesus assumed His disciples prayed. Do you pray? Take this moment to reflect on your prayer life. If it is not what it should be, the problem is usually the "WHY" of prayer: You don't really believe you need God. Today, determine to make prayer a part of your daily life.

Pray

Heavenly Father, You are God and I am not. I love You and declare my loyalty and faithfulness to You. I'm thankful to be able to call on You anywhere at any time and know that You hear me. Today, I choose to make prayer a daily commitment. In Jesus' name, Amen.