Yes, it’s true. I’m walking out onto the proverbial thin ice to explore prayer. Prayer is kinda messy. I’m certainly no expert, nor am I a novice. But rather than making it more complicated, I want to break it down to what I’ll call the simplicity of praying.

First, to pray means you believe in a Deity who can respond. Second, when we pray, all through the Bible it tells us to “pray expectantly.” David wrote about “laying out his expectations to you” (God) in Psalms, while James wrote about expectant prayer quite emphatically. Believe you have received it, whatever it is, thanking God in advance. This works. It’s not always immediate, but it works.

Finally, pray with gratitude, even when it feels like you’re going through hell. We can find something to be grateful for in all of life’s ugliness.

The prayer God answers immediately? Two audacious words: “Use me.” Be ready if you pray that one! It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s only for the brave…#heart #prayer #purpose #drive #desire #inspiration #encouragement