“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise.” – Psalm 51:17 (KJV)

Prayer is more than speaking words to God. Prayer begins with the heart. A person can have the right words but the wrong attitude, while another may have simple words but a sincere heart. God is interested not only in what we say when we pray, but also in the condition of our heart when we come before Him.

A heart that truly desires God will naturally desire to communicate with Him. The first heart we need for prayer is a heart that longs for God.Prayer should not be something we do only when we have problems. We should desire God’s presence even when everything is going well.

Psalm 42:1–2:

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.”

David’s heart was thirsty for God. Ask yourself: Do I seek God’s hand more than I seek His face? Prayer should be about knowing God, not merely obtaining things from Him.

Prayer requires humility. When we pray, we acknowledge that God is God and we are dependent on Him. 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray…”

Before prayer comes humility. A proud heart says, “I can handle everything myself.” A humble heart says, “Lord, I need You.”

God desires genuine prayer, not empty religious words (Matthew 6:7). Jesus warned against meaningless repetition in prayer. Prayer is not about trying to impress God with big words or lengthy sentences. God is interested in sincerity. You can come to Him with your fears, questions, weaknesses, gratitude, and desires.

Psalm 62:8:

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him…”

Prayer is pouring out your heart before God.

Sin can affect our fellowship with God. Therefore, we need a heart that is willing to acknowledge wrongdoing and turn back to God.

Psalm 66:18:

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.”

This does not mean that a person must become perfect before approaching God. Rather, it means we should not deliberately hold on to sin while pretending to pursue God.

1 John 1:9:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…”

A praying heart should be a repentant heart.

Reflection: What is the posture of your heart when you pray?

Confession: My heart is set right to pray according to God’s will. My heart is pure and cleansed from anything and everything that hinders my fellowship with God.

Related Scripture: Psalms 42, Psalms 139

Bible Reading: Exodus 32