What Is Prayer?

(Parents, today’s devotion is material from Jim’s newest book, A Boy’s Guide to Prayer. We pray it blesses you and your tween as you read it together!)

Have you ever noticed a guy who looks like he’s talking to himself? You might even do this too. Well, when you talk to yourself, it’s only a one-way conversation. You are just saying what you are thinking in your mind and your heart. 

But when you pray and talk to God, that’s a totally different story!

So, what is prayer?

Prayer Is an Act of Faith

If you have tried to pray, you probably agree with me that prayer can be difficult and feel awkward. Why is that?

One reason is that you can’t see or touch the one you are praying to.

Another reason is that you can’t and won’t hear any response to your prayers. It seems like you are just talking to the air. So there you are, doing what appears to you or others to be talking to yourself.

But is that really true? If you want to make sure you are not just talking to yourself, but you are really talking to God—to Someone who can actually hear you and help you with your problems and needs—there is a verse that will help you. Here’s what it says:

Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

What does this verse say is the first thing you must do if you want God to hear your prayers?

“Anyone who wants to come to him [God] must _____________________ that God _____________________…”

To believe means to have faith. It means you are confident that even though you cannot see God, He is real—He does exist. If you have faith that God exists, you can and are to sincerely seek Him. God knows you, loves you, and wants to hear from you. One way you can let Him know you love Him is to pray and ask Him for His help about everything in your life. Start today!

RESPOND

Dear God, I want to have faith in You even though I can’t see You or hear You. I do believe You exist, and I thank You for the gift of prayer. Amen. 

RENEWING RESOURCES

NEW RELEASES! A Girl’s Guide to Prayerby Elizabeth George and A Boy’s Guide to Prayer by Jim George—These wonderful resources will help your tween understand what prayer really is, how to pray effectively, and what they can pray for.

Receive a free accompanying devotionalwith your purchase of these books!

REFLECT

Talk to your parents or your pastor about God. Ask them any questions you have about Him.

REMEMBER

If you have faith that God exists, you can and are to sincerely seek Him.