Sometimes advice isn’t always as helpful as the person intended. Prime example – “Just pray about it”!! Which is obviously good and sound advice! In fact, it is the BEST advice!! But in the moment, it doesn’t always seem the most … helpful. 

And as a believer, you think to yourself like “yea okay, i’ll pray about it, that’s a good idea.” and then you go to God like “…. Sooo ….” lol. 

And let’s be real – not everyone has the gift of gab. Not everyone can articulate their feelings and inner thoughts. And naturally, many of us have trouble praying. Sometimes we simply just don’t know WHAT to pray! We often get so stuck in the worry and chaos of things, that it overwhelms us and we can’t find the correct words (or any words) to express ourselves. And we even get so worried as if we can somehow pray the WRONG prayer. (lol writing that out actually makes it sound funny, but it’s the truth …)

But when it comes to God, it’s not always about what you say or how you say it. It’s about being real and vulnerable with Him. Any conversation (or prayer) that you may have with Him, is a good conversation (or good prayer). You literally cannot mess it up! It’s about what’s in your heart. 

You should also find comfort in knowing that God knows you better than you know yourself! And many times we don’t even have to speak. Do you know how many times I went to God and said “just take the wheel, puhleaseeee! Amen”. 

Because I believe the best part about prayer is that we don’t have to be perfect. We don’t have to know the perfect words. We don’t have to be politically (or biblically) correct. We don’t have to speak in proper sentences. We don’t have to put on a facade for God. We simply just have to be our true and authentic self. I wholeheartedly believe that He wants nothing more. Therefore, we literally cannot go wrong. 

Most importantly, no prayer is more powerful than the other. It doesn’t matter who the speaker is; the location; how long or short; or whatever other comparison you want to make. None of that matters. Pray your prayer for YOU and no one else. 

So just speak your truth. If you do that, you will be sure to succeed. 

TAKE AWAY: 
Throughout my journey, I’ve been learning to have better conversations (or prayers) with God. Here are some of the things I’ve started incorporating: 
1. Give praise – I’m learning that it’s important to praise God and be thankful for all that He has provided thus far and to actually tell Him so.
2. Include others – i’m learning to not only pray for myself but others as well, especially if my situation/prayer involves another person. 
3. Ask for wisdom – I want to be able to handle any and all of God’s responses and blessings that I may receive. Sometimes we ask for things and we don’t have the wisdom to care, appreciate, or navigate it. One of my biggest fears is praying for something, getting it, and then fumbling it because I mishandled it.
4. Incorporate biblical teachings – now that I’m really getting into my bible and reading the different stories (for myself) I’m able to compare and reference those teachings. It makes me feel like I’m showing God that I’m taking time to learn His word and incorporate it into my daily life. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: 
Maybe next time we tell someone to “Just pray about it” maybe we should offer them to tell us about it. 
Try saying something like “well, if you prayed about it, what would you say to God?” and then follow up with “Well what do you think God’s response would be?” —

This may give that person an opportunity to practice their prayer before presenting it to God. It also opens the conversation for more dialogue to allow that person to express themselves. 

And OBVIOUSLY no one can be God; but I still think that this could be a good idea. This method would allow that person to individually present their issue and evaluate their situation themselves, based on their own understanding and relationship with God, without you providing any advice. (And sometimes, no advice is the best advice you can give someone)

***However, results may vary lol. But I still think it’s a cool idea! Lol. If you try it, let me know how it goes! 

Ttyl. ❤