Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of a believer’s life, often regarded as a vital line of communication between the believer and God. Yet, developing a consistent prayer practice can be challenging. Many people, much like myself in my early spiritual journey, perceive prayer as a daunting task filled with expectations—expectations often shaped by the elegant prayers observed in church services or taught in Sunday school. As I reflect on this, I find myself drawn back to the book of Acts, where we see new believers embarking on their spiritual journey with a radical commitment to prayer.

A Foundation Set in Scripture

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This passage perfectly encapsulates the transformative nature of faith in Christ. For many, including myself, coming to faith as a child may lack the dramatic testimonies often associated with adult conversions. However, we do carry experiences of spiritual growth and an unfaltering desire to connect with God. What often holds us back, especially in our formative years, is the struggle to understand the nature of prayer.
Through the lens of Acts 2:42–43, we observe how the early church placed significant emphasis on prayer. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.” Here, prayer is demonstrated not merely as a ritualistic practice but as an integral part of communal and personal worship. The early believers had a hearty understanding that prayer was intertwined with their faith journey, which I too, learned to appreciate with time.

The Early Challenges: Learning to Pray

As a child in the church, my first exposure to prayer came from observing pastors and teachers. The prayers I often heard were inspired, eloquent, and filled with terms that felt foreign to my young mind. Consequently, my own prayers were often confined to memorized phrases learned in Sunday school. At meals, I would recite, “God is great, God is good,” with hopeful inflections, and before bed, I would echo words taught to me, asking for blessings and protection over my family.
The absence of spontaneous conversation in my prayer life signified a misunderstanding—a misconception that I needed to pray with a script, packed with flowery language and theological precision. The reality was that God desired for me to enter into a genuine, heartfelt conversation with Him, unburdened by the perceived expectations I had observed in church settings.

A Turning Point: Discovering Real Prayer

It wasn’t until my experience at a girls’ camp called Camp Mundo Vista in fourth grade that I began to grasp the true essence of prayer. My camp counselor, Tammy, showcased a different approach to prayer—one that was simple, authentic, and relatable. Rather than relying solely on scripted prayers or formalities, she modeled a conversation with God that felt accessible.
During that week, we engaged in quiet times where we were encouraged to talk to God just as we would to a friend. This was revolutionary for me; I found peace in the realization that praying didn’t need to be a performance. God was not looking for elaborate phrases or theologically rich proclamations; He yearned for an open heart longing for connection. I learned to approach prayer as an opportunity to converse, share my thoughts, and express my desires—freedom that I had not realized I was missing.

Praying for My Family

One particular aspect of prayer began to nurture my heart during this period when I felt drawn to pray for my loved ones. I vividly remember committing to pray for my parents’ relationship with Christ. I prayed earnestly for my mother, who had drifted away from her faith, and for my father, who struggled with alcoholism. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” This passage served as a reminder to remain steadfast in my prayers, believing that God would work in my family’s life.
I remember that summer, sitting outside under the treess, praying for my mother to return to her faith. Over the years, I witnessed a transformation in her. I saw the work of God unfold as she healed, renewed her faith, and blossomed into a woman of God—a true hero in my eyes. Her journey was incredibly inspiring and affirmed the power of persistent prayer.

The Miraculous Moment: A Changed Heart

However, my father was a different story. He was entrenched in his struggles, hanging onto worldly desires despite the prayers I offered. Yet, inspired by the testimony of faith modeled by others, I did not lose hope. On that fateful morning, during one of my prayer times, I received a call from him. I could hardly believe my ears; he was crying out for help.
“I need Jesus,” he confessed. This moment was life-changing for both of us. He had turned on the television and encountered a program by Kenneth Copeland that spoke to his heart. In that instant, God answered my persistent prayers. My earthly father came to know his heavenly Father, and his life was radically changed. To my knowledge, he never took another drink after that morning.
His love for his family became overwhelmingly evident, and the time that God gave us with him afterward allowed me to see the kind of daddy that any little girl would want. I was blessed with the gift of having my dad walk me down the aisle and give me away—a moment I had once thought impossible.

God’s Answer and Our Persistent Faith

God answered my prayer with power, grace, and mercy. It is essential to remember that our prayers are powerful. Sometimes it may take years to see what we’re praying for come to pass, but God is listening. He is on the move, and He is actively answering our prayers. The important message in this is: don’t give up. Short of your miracle, keep praying; keep seeking God. He is there, He is listening, and prayer truly changes everything.

The Connection Between Prayer and Community

We see throughout scripture, particularly in Acts, how prayer is central to faith, but it is also most powerful when shared within a community. James 5:16 states, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Our prayers weave into the lives of others, creating a fabric of faith that can change destinies.
The community built within the early church exemplified the power of collective prayer. They prayed together, supported each other, and witnessed signs and wonders as a result of their heartfelt intercessions. The exciting part is that today, just as in the days of Acts, the prayers of believers can bring about encouragement, healing, and transformation in both the individual’s life and the broader community.

Living a Life of Prayer

As I continued my journey, it became evident that prayer is not merely about asking for things or finding answers; it is about establishing a relationship with the Creator. Instead of treating prayer as a duty or obligation, I began to engage with it as an everyday dialogue—one that would nourish my soul and deepen my faith.
Prayer can take many forms—whether it is through thanksgiving, supplication, confession, or listening in silence. Developing a personal rhythm of prayer becomes essential to facilitating an ongoing conversation with God. Choosing to incorporate prayer as a daily practice allows for continual reflection and connection.

Conclusion: The Journey of Conversation

Prayer does not need to be shrouded in complexity or eloquence. As believers, we are called to engage with God authentically and vulnerably, understanding that He welcomes our voices just as we are. The early disciples in Acts took prayer seriously, recognizing its critical role in their faith journey.
Through my experiences of prayer—from memorized phrases in my childhood to heartfelt conversations as an adult—I have learned that God desires intimate communion with us. Let us lean into the practice of prayer, both individually and within our faith communities, as we endeavor to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and witness the unfolding of miracles in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Remember, whether you feel like an eloquent speaker or a hesitant novice, in the eyes of God, your prayers are precious. Engage in the conversation, and watch the transformative power of prayer reshape your heart and open the door to new possibilities.