I don’t write definitively on the subject of prayer very much because I find it to be indescribable, highly personal, and not open to the evaluation of others because . . .  prayer is between God and me.

Some wax eloquently on the subject, some have written entire books on the subject, and some have written entire series on the subject. I don’t write much about it.

But I live in its rich blessing! The relationship I have with God holds much prayer, holds much conversation, and holds much being still and knowing He is near. Prayer takes you there—near to God and near to a place you can go reverently, boldly, and intimately. Just God and you.

I know prayer is a safe place. I know I can take everything to God in prayer and know that I’m safe with Him. He knows me better than I know myself, and He knows my heart better than I do. I can be myself before Him—and with Him—more than anyone else in the world. Who else knows what I am going to say before I say it? Who else knows what I will pray before I pray?

I tell Him everything and I ask Him many things, and listen for His answers, leading, and direction. I have asked for help, and I have asked for healing. I ask for change, and I ask for permission to do something, start something, or stop something.

I’ve watched God answer suddenly and clearly, and I’ve waited and wondered about things for a very long time. I’m still waiting for some answers to prayers I have long prayed. I’ve seen doors close that I thought for sure would open, and I have seen Him move heaven and earth for me. I have seen Him give and I have seen Him take away.

When I search my heart on this subject, as indescribable and deeply personal as I find it to be, this I know—I live in prayer’s rich blessing interwoven in the day to day and moment to moment relationship I have with the Lord.

Psalm 5:3
My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.

—submitted by Kathy Cheek, US