PRAY (A 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes Post)

I came across a Christian comedian's routine recently, and at one point, he talked about his wife putting the kids to bed and helping them say their prayers.  His take on it absolutely nailed what I've heard from a LOT of my female church friends when they pray.  (Note:  Not my MALE church friends, however.)

"God, we just want to praise you and just thank you for all our blessings.  We just want to lift up (somebody's name) and just ask for your help with ____..." and on and on and on, until you think you're going to either go insane/crazy/postal or fall asleep listening to these interminable, namby-pamby so-called prayers.

Why do we pray the way we do?  I mean, I do it, too!  Where did it come from?  I understand it's partly from being put on the spot and filling up time while you think of something to say, but what is it with all the "want to's" and "justs" and "lifting ups???"  Where did we learn it?  What happened to "um" and "well," like we got dinged for in speech class?  Sometimes it drives me crazy.

If you want to praise Him, DO IT!  If you want to thank him, DO IT!  If you want to ask for help or guidance, DO IT!

Look in Psalms!  How did David pray?  He said, "I praise, you, O God!"  He said, "They're being mean to me!  Strike down my enemies!"  He didn't mince and tiptoe around; he said what he meant and got it over with. 

If you're going to pray, don't waste God's time - PRAY!  And do it with confidence!  Didn't Jesus say, "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." (Matthew 6:7-8, NIV)

Then Jesus gives us the Lord's Prayer as blueprint for effective prayer.  He starts with praise, says let things go the way You intend, make sure we have what we need to live, forgive our sins, help us forgive others, keep us out of trouble, more praise, then Amen. 

No fillers, no flounces, no unnecessary STUFF.

Just PRAY, for God's sake!

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This post is part of the 31-Day of Five Minute Free Writes challenge link-up.  Today's writing prompt was for Five Minute Friday, "PRAY."  For more information on the challenge click here.