Pray, Pray Often, Pray Boldly

Prayer, for some, is quite easy, natural in fact. For me, it is not! I have asked many people about how they pray, and I know I’ve been given very good advice. However, what works for one doesn’t always work for another.

As a coach, depending on what level you work, you sometimes have the opportunity to pick the players you work with, while others, you are handed the players. In either scenario, the players are all individuals and all likely have to be motivated and coached “differently.”

Some might need a good motivational kick in the rear end from time to time, while others need the shoulder hug as motivation. Regardless of how you engage with the player, you still have to coach them on a level they understand as well. They all come from different upbringings and backgrounds and learn in many different ways!

I suspect prayer is much the same! God knows all about us. Nothing is hidden from Him. Our hopes, our dreams, our needs, and everything in between! What He wants us to do is bring it to Him. We need to be willing to communicate in some form or fashion with Him, all of it!

Just like working with your players, you need to find your mode of motivation and figure out what avenue best fits a way for you to get it done! Once we get there, the job isn’t over. We need to be bold, lay it all out on the table. Even though God knows all, He wants you to express in any words you can manage…that YOU know! Ask, and answers will come in God’s timeframe. But you need to pray to get answers!

Scripture allows us to see many examples of bold prayer. Above, in Matt. 28:39, is part of Jesus’ approach in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here is one from David after falling badly with Bathsheba.

David: Psalm 51:1–2

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

Pretty direct, and there are so many more examples of bold prayer for intercession, supplication, and repentance in the Bible. Many of us are asked to pray for others and have asked others to pray for us. I’m still working on a delivery method! I believe simple works, like “Lord, heal (insert name here).” I also believe God wants us to ask for blessings upon ourselves and our family if it’s something we truly want!

You can be more eloquent and flowery with your prayer. It’s your prayer! It’s your comfort level. However it gets done, I promise you, any prayer (communication) with God is better than none! Find your niche and pray!

Be well, Build well, Serve well.