Teach Me to Pray

I had a unique opportunity recently. I had the joy of taking my daughter to the orthodontist. Now, I know what you are thinking, orthodontist appointments aren't the most joyful thing in life. I agree. My daughter very loudly (with a beautiful smile) agrees. My wallet agrees. In fact, I think in most situations, the only one who enjoys the orthodontist visit is the orthodontist and his accountant!

However, it was enjoyable because of the time I got to spend with her one on one, mano-a-mano, dad and daughter. For the hour drive to the orthodontist of our insurance carrier's choice, I got to talk with her and her with me. Once the visit was over, we went to get ice cream. Then, back in the car for another hour of tunes and talk, just the two of us.

She spoke with me in ways that never find a voice in the crowd of children clamoring for attention when I come home from the office. I heard her heart in ways that seem to get lost in the busyness and the bustle of everyday life. This particular orthodontist appointment will forever stand as a great day in our lives (I truly pray it meant as much to her).

At the same time, I heard my Heavenly Father's voice calling my name in an unusual way. I found myself hearing Him ask me if I valued my time with Him in the same way as I value the time with my daughter. Am I content with a quick "Good Morning" prayer followed by a haphazard handful of hurried and hushed prayers throughout the day concluded by a quick "Good Night" prayer as 'I lay me down to sleep'? This caused me to stop and evaluate my prayer life. As a quick side note, I believe everyone should stop and evaluate everything in life to prevent stagnation, so now became the time to evaluate how I pray. I came to a phrase I first remember hearing about 15 years ago. It comes from Luke chapter 11:

"One of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray...'" (Luke 11:1, HCSB)

I have books on prayer in my library. I have books on how to pray, what to pray, why we pray, even a great exposition on the Lord's Prayer, but these topics don't necessarily teach us to pray. For the request to "teach us to pray" goes beyond the ritual to the relationship. It looks through the list to the link between me and my God. It bridges my pattern with my passion. Maybe this is the key, for my next question of self -examination became "am I passionate about prayer?" It is easy to go through the motions with a mechanical precision, but passion involves my heart, mind and soul. It is taking time out of the busy day to concentrate on the Savior that concentrated on me when He was on the cross.

Lord, give me passion in prayer.

Lord, teach me to pray.

Take time to pray today. Start now with a quick prayer asking God to clear the schedule and allow you to spend time with Him. Then, look for the opportunities that He gives you to spend time with Him and use that time to talk with your Savior. I hope you take Him up on it before He decides you need braces just to get time alone with you!