Nature of Prayer

READ: JEREMIAH 29:12-13; JAMES 5:13-16 As a teen, I learned about the practice of prayer: simply communicating with God—both talking to Him and listening to Him. One warm afternoon, I decided to embrace the privilege of prayer. I walked down our family’s dirt driveway and ducked into a cluster of trees and vines. Away from my large, bustling family, I’d found a quiet spot to fellowship with Jesus. Decades later, I recall the intimacy of that time with the Lord, when I prayed for any requests that came to mind—family members, sick people at church, doctors and nurses caring for the ill. With childlike faith, I trusted that God heard me and cared, that my simple prayers connected with the Creator. When I pushed past tree branches and emerged from my little hideaway, I knew I’d spent meaningful time communing with Christ. I also wanted more of it. In Colossians 4:2, Paul reminds believers, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Jesus exhorted His disciple...