Prayer is simply talking to God -- and the most important thing I can say about this is that God wants you to talk to Him!
Prayer is the way we communicate with God who created us and saved us through Christ because he desires to be in a relationship with us. God talks to us through His word and the Holy Spirit in us. He helps us understand His word and apply it to our lives.
The Bible states God only promises to listen to prayers that are according to His will. The apostle John writes in 1 John 5:14-15 (NIV): “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
“Talking with God is a book on prayer for prodigals and the imperfect. Adam speaks on prayer not as someone who has it all figured out but rather as someone who's on the journey. He reminds us that regardless of who we are or where we've been, we can talk with God.
“One can distinguish two ways of approaching God: the way of overcoming estrangement and the way of meeting a stranger.” Paul Tillich's Engagement with Buddhism.
Silence and solitude are essential aspects of contemplative prayer, a practice of prayer that waits on God and trusts in God's present love and grace. While silence can be especially helpful in becoming attentive to God while praying, it is hardly an excuse to remain aloof from the needs of our neighbors.
Through the scriptures, we are taught that God will always hear our prayers and will answer them if we address Him with faith and real intent. In our hearts we will feel the confirmation that He does hear us, a feeling of peace and calm.
Jesus said, absolutely not. Our heavenly Father is nothing like the judge in the parable (Luke 18:6-8). God never grows weary of listening to his children. In fact, Jesus told us to keep on asking, keep on seeking, and keep on knocking (Matthew 7:7, AMP).
One does not need to believe in God for prayer to work. Despite being an atheist, Sam Harris has unapologetically spent time meditating with and learning from Hindus and Buddhists. This makes sense because you do not need to subscribe to any particular religion or believe in any God to meditate.
Listening to the Word of God Glorifies God
As we read, meditate, speak and preach the Word of God, we soon realize our “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Jesus tells us, “my sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
Philippians 4:5-7
The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Jesus emphasized the need to persevere in prayer, and by this, He meant that Christians ought to pray for at least two set times per day, during the day and at night. Notice in the following parable what the text says in verse 1 of Luke 18. He tells them how they should always pray.
There is power in praying aloud, so although silent prayers may be more comfortable for you, you should try to give voice to them when you can.
So, can you pray in your head? The answer to this is: God hears your prayers on all occasions, whether you're praying out loud or praying silently in your mind. You can be confident that God will hear the prayers in your head as he listens to your inner thoughts.
I've heard it said that God answers prayers in one of three ways. God says “Yes,” and you receive what you ask for. God says “No,” and you have to accept it and move on. Or God says “Not Yet,” and you learn to be patient and wait.
Throughout human history, God has initiated communication with humanity by speaking audibly to humans. He also speaks to us through the glory of His creation. Additionally, He speaks to us through His Holy Spirit and through dreams, visions and our thoughts.
“Prayer is the nearest approach to God and the highest enjoyment of Him that we are capable of in this life.” PLEASE PRAY……. “Always respond to every impulse to pray. The impulse to pray may come when you are reading or when you are battling with a text, or when a person or a concern comes to mind.