Three Keys to Prayer

A few years ago I read Pete Greig's book, How to Pray: A simple guide for normal people.  In the book he gave three simple thoughts about prayer.  

First, Keep it Simple.  Go for a walk, go for a drive, sit outside, and simply talk to God.  Some of my most profound prayer times have been outside just walking or sitting and talking to Him.  I've experienced incredible times in more organized and planned prayer, but for the most part I've found just talking to God as I go about my daily life seems to be the best times with Him.

Second, Keep it Real.  You don't have to speak King James-ese to talk to God.  Sometimes it is just "Thank you GOd," or "Wow, that is awesome," or "Lord, You did that!"  I do my best not to have a different tone when I'm talking to God...I seek to be reverent, to acknowledge Whom I and talking to, but I just keep it real.  Thomas Pertain said, "God is far too real to be met anywhere other than in reality."  He knows what is on your mind...just be honest and real.

Third, Keep it Up.  Richard Foster said, "By praying we learn to pray."  Merton said, "If you want a life of prayer, the way to get it is by praying."  Tyler Staton said, “Pray as you can, and don’t try to pray as you can’t.  If you can’t pray for an hour, great.  Don’t try.  It'll feel like an eternity.  Pray for a minute.  Pray as you can, and don’t try to pray as you can’t!”

Just as you learned to speak, learn to talk to God...go for a run, go for a walk, go play a round of golf and just talk to God as you are doing it and keep doing it until it is natural!