February 10th | Prayer Is About Connection, Not Communication

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What if the only times God heard from you were on Sunday mornings and before meals at Grandma's house? How would *you* feel if that was the only time your own child ever spoke to you?

What Am I Supposed to Do with My Hands?

Many of us approach prayer with uncertainty or even anxiety. "Am I supposed to fold my hands? Kneel? Bow my head? Speak in old-fashioned 'religionese,' or just talk like myself?"

For too many people, prayer feels like the national anthem at a sporting event—a ritualistic obligation we perform out of duty. Something best left to priests, preachers, or those "more spiritual" than us. Or worse, we treat it like a last-resort emergency call—something we pull out only when we're dying, in deep trouble, or facing a crisis.

New believers especially often aren't taught what prayer truly is. Without that foundation, it's easy to drift slowly away from God's presence, treating Him like a distant figure rather than a loving Father.

Here's the huge question: What if the only times God heard from you were on Sunday mornings and before meals at Grandma's house? How would *you* feel if that was the only time your own child ever spoke to you?

Prayer is not a ritual—it's a relationship.

It's a genuine, ongoing conversation with a real Father who loves you deeply. You don't have to pray out of obligation—God doesn't force it. But He warmly invites you into it because He desires connection with you.

Jesus addressed this directly in Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV):

“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 others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Jesus is saying: Don't pray to impress people. Don't turn it into empty, repetitive formulas to "earn" God's attention. Your Father already knows your needs—He just wants your heart.

Prayer is an opportunity for connection, not mere communication.

It's about drawing near to God in authenticity—sharing your real thoughts, fears, joys, and needs. No perfect posture required. No special language needed. Just you, talking openly to your Dad.

Today, take a moment to step away from ritual and into relationship. Speak to Him like the loving Father He is. He's listening—and He's delighted to hear from you.