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Prayer is a mysterious communication between the All-Powerful Lord and a limited human being, but at its core it's a conversation. Although God knows you and your thoughts (7:20), he made you to worship him and to commune with him.

So when you pray, sound like yourself. Tell God what you think you need and why it seems important. Don't submit a wish list, but share your heart's desires as you would in any good conversation.

Then explore God's agenda. What do you know from God's Word regarding his intentions in this matter? What are his promises in relation to what you have asked? (For example, did he promise a fun car and new vertical blinds to faithful believers?) As you consider who God is and what you know about him, you may or may not adjust your requests. You always have to ask, What do my requests have to do with God's primary concern of bringing the people of the world into relationship with him?

Putting together your desires and God's will takes quiet time. So don't be afraid to bring up the same topic to God many times. It isn't a sign of weakness, but of openness for more input and wisdom from God. (See also 2 Kings 19:14-19; 2 Chronicles 6; 7; Nehemiah 1; Psalm 85; Lamentations 5; Matthew 6:5-15; Acts 4:23-31.)

Good Words to Remember:
O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this goodness to your servant. 2 Samuel 7:28

Today's Challenge:
What's your prayer style?

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