One Word that Changed Everything

I’m not one for quick fixes when it comes to faith. But today I might be. It’s a simple principle I discovered in Jesus' teaching on prayer. Luke 11:2a:

"He [Jesus] said to them, ‘When you pray, say...'”

Did you catch that?

Say.  This tells me that Jesus viewed prayer as something spoken. Of course, this doesn't mean every prayer must be spoken. Powerful prayers are often thought or whispered.   But I don’t know about you, my silent prayers often morph into a mix of communication with God, task lists, decorating ideas, meal planning, and the family calendar! Can you relate? And yet, Jesus said, “When you pray, say.” I still remember the moment that simple word "say" stirred in me. I was in our bedroom alone... and after reading that verse, rather than sitting in silence, I began to pray out loud. I confess, the first few sentences felt awkward, but within a few minutes, something in the room shifted. My scattered mind became focused and faith-filled. I sensed a connection with God's heart that left me confident of His listening ear. I've learned that when we pray aloud, it engages more of our being in prayer. Not only is the mind thinking, but the lips are moving, the voice is sounding, and the ears are hearing! Think with me: Why else would I be speaking unless Someone was in the room listening?  Let me ask you: Have you been praying for something and need your faith strengthened? Do you long to connect with God more deeply? Take a step of faith and pray out loud to Him.  Even when no one is around, He's there. He's listening. 💕