Document #: TX005834

Prayer and Church History Chapter 47 Prayer: Conversation with God

Chapter Summary Prayer is a conversation with a friend (God) that can be part of everyday life. God is a friend who knows us completely and loves us as we are. Prayer requires conversion, or a change of heart. Prayer is sometimes hard, but worth it.

“Messages to God” and “What Is Prayer?” (Handbook, pages 514‒517) Prayer is our way of staying in touch with God at all times. When you raise your mind and heart to God, you are praying. © Triff/Shutterstock.com

Pray It! Stop. Take time to slow down. Breathe quietly in and out a few times. Tell God what is in your mind and heart. Listen to the silence. Listen some more. Thank God for listening. © ambrozinio/Shutterstock.com

“Tuning In to God” (Handbook, pages 517‒519) God never tires of wanting to be with us. © Yudhsitirama/Shutterstock.com

Review It! God is never too busy to listen to us. We only have to “tune in,” listen, linger, and experience the divine music in our hearts and souls. © Redshinestudio/Shutterstock.com

Think About It! The name Emmanuel means “God is with us”— always, not just at Christmas. Think quietly . . . When is God with you? When do you need God to be with you? Tell him now: “God, please be with me when . . .” © jagoda/Shutterstock.com

“When to Pray” (Handbook, page 520) Because nothing can separate us from the love of God, it is always possible to pray. God is always loving us, every second of every day. We can always be open to his presence. © STILLFX/Shutterstock.com

Pray It! Saint Paul wrote, “Pray always for all God’s people” (Ephesians 6:18). Pair up to think of people who need prayer. Write your prayers, then offer your petitions aloud for the needs of God’s people. Respond to each one with, “Lord, hear our prayer.” (The scriptural quotation in this presentation is from the Good News Translation® [Today’s English Version, Second Edition] copyright © 1992 by the American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Bible text from the Good News Translation [GNT] is not to reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by the American Bible Society, 1865 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, americanbible.org.) © sibgat/Shutterstock.com

“When Prayer Is Difficult” (Handbook, pages 521‒522) Our relationship with God can have ups and downs. © BMJ/Shutterstock.com

Think About It! When we keep turning back to God even when we seem to get a busy signal, we experience conversion, a change of heart. We stay in touch with the God who loves us beyond all understanding. © Marish/Shutterstock.com

Pray It! When prayer is hard, try some of these ideas: Say a decade of the Rosary (one Our Father and ten Hail Marys). Listen to a favorite hymn or song. Pray “Lord, have mercy” ten times, and then be quiet for awhile. Thank God for mercy! Try one of these now, aloud as a group or silently.

Pray It! Stay in touch with God by appreciating creation. Even cities have parks and green spaces. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux once said, “What I know of the divine science and holy scripture, I learnt in the woods and fields.” Always be thankful! © Mark Carthy / Shutterstock.com