Drawing Closer to God (Part 2): Prayer

By Jackie Ricks

One of our goals this year is to draw closer to God. In the acrostic CLOSER, the first letter stands for “Communicate with God through prayer.” Prayer is the main thing that has carried me through life. Just as one wants to talk to her best friend, husband, child or whomever, she should want to talk to God in the same way. I know when something exciting happens, I immediately want to share it. By the same token, when problems arise, I need to discuss matters with someone. Although I love to talk to my loved ones, God is the best One to talk to in either case. God already knows exactly what has happened, but there is a comfort in thanking Him for the good things and asking for His help to discern what to do in any situation.

Psalm 145:18 states, “The Lord is near unto all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” The more I talk to God, the closer I feel to Him, just as I would to anyone with whom I communicate.

Many times, while driving down the road, I talk to God aloud. People driving near me may think I’ve lost my mind, but the truth is I’m finding peace and comfort in my quiet time with my friend — God. (Obviously, don’t close your eyes when you do this!) Some conversations with God are long, but some are as short as “thanks” or “help!” Quite often, I simply think of a situation where I say, “Lord, Your will.” There is no correct formula for prayer.

However, with that being said, let me tell you something I came up with years ago as I was writing Sunday School literature for Baptist Publishing House. It has helped me many times to remember not to monopolize God’s time by only asking for help or by not acknowledging that He will take care of everything in His own will. Since I love acrostics, I came up with this one for PRAYER, along with verses to read. Maybe it will help you as you draw closer to God through prayer:

• Praise — Psalm 107:31-32

• Repent — I John 1:9

• Ask — Matthew 21:22

• Yield — Matthew 26:39-45

• Expect — I John 5:14-15

• Rest — Matthew 11:28

Prayer — Lord, thank You for being there, no matter what time, day or night, that I come to You. You listen faithfully to everything I say or think. Since I don’t have to talk aloud, I can pray even in the midst of a crowded room. Please help me to remember to come to You first, whether it’s to rejoice or to cry. Show me, Lord, what You would have me do and how to be more faithful in bringing You all my hopes, dreams and desires, as well as my troubles. Thank You, again, for being God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Respond to God in prayer every chance you get today. Learn to communicate with Him on a regular basis.