In looking at family dynamics, I’m drawn to how a child grows within the family, and how that relationship, from the very beginning illustrates how prayer is imperative in the life of a believer.

Think about when a baby is brought home from the hospital. In the beginning they only know they’re hungry, they’re tired, they’re sick. They can’t tell us what is wrong, just cry because something is.  The parents learn what each cry means. As we grow in our spiritual lives, first, we cry out to God, maybe not fully understanding our needs, but God knows our hearts, not just the words we say.

This became real, to me, early in my Christian Walk. In 1982 when I finally understood how much I needed God to intervene, my prayer was not pretty words directed by a pastor at the altar, after an altar call. My salvation moment happened while driving down the road. I reached the end, and my actual cry was “God if your there, if you really give a damn about me, take me, I’m done I can’t do this anymore. “Immediately I felt the Love of God wash over me, my car continued down the road, and about 4 miles later, I realized I wasn’t driving, my head was back, and my hands raised.

I’ve learned as I’ve grown that prayer is communication. There are times to speak and times to pause and listen to God. There are multiple aspects to a healthy prayer life. We see throughout Jesus’ time on this earth; He often stepped away from the busyness of ministry to hush, pause and spend time with His Father God.

Additionally in creating covenantal relationship, God calls his people to pray. 2 Chronicles 7: 13-14 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain or command the locusts to devour the land or send pestilence among my people If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Considering how a baby grows into adulthood. Their communication skills improve through spending time with those that love, care for and provide for them. Early on, they just ask for something, as they grow, they learn to express their desires and ask for specific things. for example early on its I’m hungry, as the grow, it becomes I want chicken nuggets.

Part of being a good parent is helping your children grow, teaching them to make good decisions. To consider options and consequences. In the same way God helps us grow. We learn to look at our situation, consider the choices and then take our decision to Him. Asking to confirm or redirect what we see as the best option. Having an intimate relationship with God through prayer and studying, helps us learn to hear His voice. Living out these practices shows us why prayer is imperative in our lives.