How Do I Know What To Pray?

I was asked the question this morning “How do you know what to pray?” It gave me pause; it made me think of the fact that I pray like a four year old speaking to their father. But how does a four year old know how to speak with their father?

I understood that I know how to pray, and what to pray, by listening. It is in the listening that I learn how to speak with God, both the character of the speaking, and the specifics of the conversation. My prayer is a conversation that God began when He adopted me, and He has never quit that conversation. He is the One leading the conversation always, and so I listen to what He is saying, and I know how I should respond.

This prayer is both personal and corporate; God is speaking to me alone, and He is speaking to me in the Body of Christ. It is not two separate prayers; it is one conversation that sometimes includes you. As I listen to my brothers and sisters and my pastor and the Holy Spirit, God’s communication to me is full, and specific, and immediate. And I am given constant opportunity to respond appropriately.

I confuse myself when I try to bring things into the conversation that God has not given to me. But when I am listening as God is talking, all of the conversation, both His part and mine, is understandable and satisfying to me. Is God teaching me how to pray? Yes, He has been doing that, and He continues.

God speaks, and I listen: He speaks through my pastor, He speaks through my brothers and sisters, The Word is speaking, and the Spirit is convicting. As I am meek, I continue to listen. Do you want to learn a new language? Listen to it being spoken. As you listen, you will learn. So it is with God: He speaks, I listen, I learn, and then I speak.

I have found that the more I listen, the more I am glad to pray. My prayer becomes more and more thanksgiving as I listen. Thank You Father, that you have been teaching me to speak Your language, and not to bring You my own.