God loves a simple prayer
A simple prayer, very little words, or even short & sweet. No matter how you’ve categorized your conversations with God, you should know that God loves a simple prayer just as much as any other. No need for orchestrated words, or loads of Bible references, your heart is what God’s looking at.
For a long time, I’ve listened to others leading prayer and thought, WOW, they’re an awesome pray-er. I admit, in the beginning, I even thought I had to live up to that. They’re words were eloquent, they’re vocabulary was filled with Bible-y words, it all seemed so spirit filled and intense. Mine, in comparison, were not. But finally I realized, God is just looking for some real talk!
I want to encourage you with these two verses to first, prove that God truly loves a simple prayer & second, help you know for sure He’s looking at the heart of a prayer-not the fanciness of their words.
When we’re overwhelmed & don’t have the right words
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
Have you ever cried out, straight from your heart and just knew that God was connecting with you? No words were needed, you just had a flood of assurance that He was there with you. In this verse it’s made so clear to us that God knows us from the inside. The Holy Spirit within us has communication with God and on our behalf, in those moments when we can’t find the right words, intercedes for us even through our crying, moaning & wordless emotions. Sometimes, there are no words than can be found to express our heart, and yet, God hears us.
God searches our heart
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.””
I mean, c’mon, do I really need to break this down to you? I love that God can be so blunt in verses like this. He didn’t want us to be confused, not one bit, so He laid it out in such a clear way. Friends, God tells us right here, He doesn’t consider fancy things, outward appearances, or (you guessed it) fancy words. Clearly, He cares more for the heart and our willingness to give ourselves over to Him.
Folks, it’s that simple. You don’t need a fancy vocabulary to come to the foot of the throne in prayer. God assures you right there in His Word that He simply desires your heart. So if you’re giving your all through simple prayer, then don’t stress about trying to be anything more than that.
Much love, tons of giggles & continued grace,
14 Comments
It is reassuring to read the verses you shared and to see the truth, that simple prayer is more than acceptable in God’s eyes. I recently joined a Bible group, and find myself intimidated by the praying ability of some of the other women. It’s good to remember that our Lord cares about what’s in our hearts more than our words.
I recently joined a group too. I encourage you (and myself) to simply speak from your heart in your new group. Enjoy and learn, grow and absorb.
Great post! This is a great reminder to talk to God from the heart and how powerful that can be. I know sometimes I overthink things. Good reminder to keep it simple
Yes! No need to overthink it, just let your feelings and thoughts fall out in prayer.
Very encouraging. Yes it seems when we hear others pray it’s easy to compare ourselves to them. God does just want to hear from our hearts. Sometimes in chaotic moments and praying help me is just as good as a long prayer. Either way though how wonderful it is to have a God who wants to listen and be with us.
Amen! Some of my deepest, heartfelt prayers were simple words cried out in desperation.
this was the perfect encouragement for this sunday morning!
Oh, I’m so happy this touched you.
Thanks for the reminder, to simply pray!
You’re certainly welcome Waynna.
Thank you for the reminder that God sees what’s on the inside. I love the example in Matthew of the simple prayer, “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
And thank you for sharing that verse! So simple and effective, not much more is needed.
Thank you for this lovely reminder. God looks at our hearts, not at how verbose or eloquent we are when praying. While I can engage in lengthy, heartfelt prayers some days, there are other times when about all I can say is, “Help, Lord” – and I know He hears and answers!
He truly is a Father to us. To know our hearts even if we don’t express them in all the same ways. He comes to our side when we call out to Him.