Hey friend, can I just be honest for a second? There was a time, not so long ago, when prayer felt complicated to me. I know, I know… as someone who’s pastored and walked this faith journey for years, I’m “supposed” to have it all figured out, right?
But let me tell you: even I’ve had moments where I sat there wondering if I was doing it “right.” Was I using the right words? Did I sound holy enough? Did I say “Father God” too many times or not enough?
But then, somewhere between the highs and lows of life, in those quiet moments when no one was watching, I discovered something that changed everything: prayer is beautifully simple.
And I mean really simple.
Just Talk to Him Like He’s Right There. A Father, a friend (Because He Is)
I realized I didn’t need fancy language or a special formula. I didn’t need to pretend or perform. I just needed to talk. Like I would to someone I love and trust. Like I’m talking to you right now.
One morning, I was sitting with my coffee (which had already gone cold… you know how it goes), and I whispered, “Lord, I don’t even know what to say, but I know You’re here.” That was it. Nothing fancy. No heavenly trumpet sound. Just a child talking to their Father. And you know what? Peace came. Real, gentle, unshakable peace.
It hit me then, God wasn’t looking for perfection. He was just looking for me. My heart. My honesty. My voice.
That’s what this blog is really about. Not five steps to master prayer. Not unlocking a secret spiritual level. Just learning, or maybe remembering, that we’re already invited into a conversation with the One who knows us best and loves us most.
If there is one thing I need you to understand, prayer isn’t a performance; it’s a relationship.
Somewhere along the way, many of us got the idea that prayer is something you “do right,” or else God might not listen. And that’s such a lie.
We sometimes picture prayer like a courtroom or a business meeting, formal, stiff, full of pressure. But what if prayer is more like a family dinner?
What if it’s sitting around the table with a loving Father who says, “Tell Me how your day went”?
When we pray, we don’t twist God’s arm to get Him to do something. We align our hearts with His. We open the door and say, “Come sit with me, Lord.” Whether it’s in the kitchen while folding laundry, in the car on the way to work, or in tears late at night when we don’t know what tomorrow holds.
And when we pray for others? That’s one of the most beautiful, tender gifts we can offer. It’s saying, “Lord, I’m carrying this person to You because I love them, and I know You do too.” Intercession isn’t about having power; it’s about standing in love.
There have been days I didn’t want to pray. Days I felt like I had nothing left to say. Maybe you’ve been there too? When life feels too heavy, or your heart feels too quiet.
That’s when I learned to simply sit with God. No expectations. No fancy prayers. Just me, being real. And over time, He starts whispering things back. Through His Word, through a song on the radio, through the nudge in my spirit that says, “I see you. I’ve got you.”
Friend, that kind of encouragement changes you. It’s not hype. It’s not religion. It’s a relationship. Prayer opens the door to that kind of nearness. And it doesn’t have to be long; it just has to be real.
Because I believe with all my heart that prayer should never feel intimidating. It should never feel like a burden. Prayer is the most natural thing in the world for a child of God, it’s just talking with your Dad, your Papa.
I also wrote this for the one who’s new to faith and isn’t sure where to start. I also write this for the seasoned believer who’s lost some of the wonder.
And for the one who’s been hurt, burned out, or overwhelmed and needs to find their way back to that sweet, simple place with their Father God again.
It’s a love letter to the weary soul and a reminder to us all: you don’t have to have it all together. You just have to come. Come as you are. Come often. Come with tears or laughter or silence. But just come.
And Before I Let You Go
If you take one thing from this writing, I hope it’s this:
God’s ears aren’t tuned to eloquence. They’re attuned to sincerity.
He’s not grading your grammar. He’s listening to your heart. Whether you pray in a whisper or a shout, in a journal or through sobs, He’s there. Always. Loving you, listening to you, and walking with you.
So go ahead, talk to Him today. Tell Him what’s on your heart. Ask Him what’s on His. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter life feels when you’re not carrying it alone.
And hey, if this blessed you, if it reminded you that God is just a whisper away, would you let me know? I’d love to hear your heart, your story, and what prayer looks like in your life.
You’re so loved, friend.
Keep it simple. Keep it real.
RJ (Rox) Nolin
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