Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Is There a Right or Wrong Way to Pray? looks at prayer and questions.

Show notes: Is There a Right or Wrong Way to Pray?

Our question for today. Is there a right or wrong way to pray? I didn’t think so as a child but in my late 20s and early 30s, I became unsure. A struggle had begun in my heart as I searched for my identity. Who was I, really? My children were older and I started searching for more of God.

If the devil can’t hold you back, he’ll push you too far. That’s what happened to me. I searched and studied and read and listened. Too much. Confusion crept in and I wondered and worried about everything. Including prayer. I spent several years working through the questions but God patiently led me back to the childhood wonder I’d felt so long ago. The freedom and joy of each aspect of God. Prayer again became a time of sharing and listening.

What did I learn during those years? I’ll take the question words to explain my findings on prayer.

Who? We pray to God. You might say of course we do but I found myself at times praying to the air because I didn’t believe I was heard or would be answered. Sometimes I prayed to my ego by asking for things clearly not in the will or Word of God. Take a moment when you begin and focus on God.
How? Use words. Or groans. Or tears or cries or even screams if necessary. God created us and understands our conversation no matter what form it takes. Make sure you ask the Holy Spirit to help you. One of His jobs is helper and advocate. Remember also that Jesus is always at our side, pleading in intercession for us. So, when we can’t find words, He can.
What? We ask, intercede for others, praise, worship, plead. Our prayers can be one word like help or please. They can be long conversations discussing our feelings, our day, or the problems we face. Whatever you say, say it believing that He is and that He is who He says He is. God.
When? Morning. Noon. Evening. Midnight. At one point, I’ve prayed at every hour. Interceding for myself and others in the dark of night. Praising Him in the morning. Long afternoon talks. Whenever you need Him, He’ll be there.
Where? On your knees, in the car, at church, during a ballgame, while walking, in a designated place in your home. My favorite place to pray is while driving. I carry on a conversation with God like He is sitting in the seat beside me. And I believe He listens and nods, just like a friend. Because God is everywhere. Psalm 139:7-10 says, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” NLT
Why? Because it’s a necessity. Next week, we’ll discuss “why” at greater length. We can’t live without oxygen, water, or food. Or conversation with God. Yes, we can survive, maybe, but not truly live.

When I was twenty-eight years old, my mom called. She thought my fifty-three-year-old dad had had a stroke. It turned out he had an aneurysm that burst. He lived for five days. During that time and the months that followed, my prayers consisted of help and why, and grief compounded with more grief. God heard all my muddled groanings and cries and responded, pointing out Bible verses, and sending encouragement through friends, family, and music. One day at a time. He was there for me when I was hurt, sad, angry, confused. Don’t worry so much about a right or wrong way to pray. Just talk if you can and listen. God is big enough to sort it all out in the end. He is extending His hand, waiting to share the next dance.

Father God, we thank and praise You again for the privilege of prayer.