The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. – Psalm 145:18
My cell phone has speed dial, which I use quite frequently. My husband, my mom, and my sister each can be called with just one number, rather than the usual seven digits plus area code. To tell the truth, I do not even remember some of their phone numbers—only the one digit I need to call them.
Isn’t it wonderful that God is on “speed dial”? When we call on Him, He is right there. We do not have to recite a long, memorized prayer in order for Him to listen. If that were the case, we would be hard pressed in an emergency when all we have time for is, “Lord, help!” It is so great that He always hears us.
One day, a lovely young lady who had been in my youth camp cabin came to me and asked about prayer. She was not sure if she had to pray a certain way—if there were specific rules for prayer. I told her to just tell God what was on her heart. She asked if that meant to just “be real” with Him, and I said yes! We can be real with God. He already knows what we are thinking anyway, so we might as well tell Him the truth. When we come to Him honestly, that is the best prayer.
The disciples once asked Jesus how to pray. He gave them what is now called “The Lord’s Prayer.” If we consider the basic outline of this prayer, we may already naturally follow it when we pray, although perhaps not in the exact order. This prayer begins by acknowledging Who God is, and then asks that His will be done. It goes on to state daily needs and ask for guidance. The end is an expression of His greatness. We do not have to use specific wording when we pray, but it is good to always remember with Whom we are speaking, and to give Him the proper praise and reverence. Yet, at the same time, we can “be real” with Him. He knows our needs, and understands our personality, and best of all, He loves us. He is right there waiting to hear from us, just a quick call away!