Prayer is not learning a formula nor simply repeating words. Prayer is never intended to be a vain repetition of memorized words. Jesus gave us a model prayer to understand. If you only say memorized words without considering their meaning, your heart is not in it. Prayer must come from the heart before it is spoken from the lips.
The heart of prayer is relational. It is fellowship with God. The believer who prays effectively has a personal relationship with God as Father. Through faith in Jesus Christ, God becomes your heavenly Father. You have a love relationship with Him as your heavenly Father. Jesus said, "In this manner, therefore pray, our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name"(Matthew 6:9). A relationship with God as Father is the heart of prayer.
All relationships are built upon communication. So it is with God our Father. Communication is a two way encounter. You speak to God and you listen to Him. He speaks to you through the Bible, the Word of God. You speak to Him in prayer.
The key to prayer is your personal relationship with God through personal communication. You can talk to Him about everything. That includes your problems. Make your requests known to God. Why worry when you can talk to God about everything? "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). That's the heart of prayer.
The key to prayer is your personal relationship with God through personal communication. You can talk to Him about everything. That includes your problems. Make your requests known to God. Why worry when you can talk to God about everything? "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). That's the heart of prayer.
