We often say things but do not mean what we say. We make promises we don’t keep. We give our word but do not keep it. Even when we pray, we simply recite words that we have said again and again.
Tradition is great. I cherish many traditions; however, we need to be careful that we do not become so routine with our relationship with Christ that we only spend time repeating the same words over and over again. You do not have to recite the same words as the person sitting beside you at church when you are praying. You should not be praying the exact same prayer everyday as your life is continually changing. When you are doing this, your prayer life has become a duty rather than a real conversation with God.
Your Father loves you and He wants so much for you to pour your heart out to Him. He knows what is on your heart but He wants to hear it from you. He wants you to open up and let Him in. When you pray, He is listening. Pray and mean it. Every word you say. Pour yourself out to Him.
“God’s there, listening for all who pray,
for all who pray and mean it.”
-Psalm 145:18 [MSG]
Tania Gutekunst 