PRAYER CHANGES THINGS! Just have a look at the picture on the left side here. I think this truly sums up what prayer really is and does. First of all we see a man who would seem to be in thoughtful, prayerful, meditative mind. But someone stands close by and appears to be stretching up his arm. That's exactly how I see it when I pray. I pray. The Holy Spirit 'intercedes' on my behalf and takes my prayers up into the very throne room of God. Prayer does not have to be fancy or complicated. It doesn't require the wisdom of Solomon or the dedication of Mother Theresa. I often pray while I'm washing dishes, (Lord, bless me with a dishwasher!), when I'm driving, (God, could you quickly put a sports engine in the forklift truck in front of me!!), or just relaxing in my favourite chair. There are times when I enter a deeper place in prayer, I sometimes cry or shout out to God, but that doesn't mean God will answer those prayers any more or any less. What He wants to hear is prayer from our hearts. Sincere prayers that reflect the heart and will of God. And in times when it's hard to find the words, the Lord does not leave us desolate or forlorn. Romans chapter 8 verses 26 and 27 gives us this reassurance: "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." We need never be stuck for words. We don't have to feel inadequate. It can be intimidating, especially for new Christians, when we hear someone praying and it's so fluent and the words seem so beautiful. But guess what! All the while, God is searching the heart. All the while, He's examining the motives. Our words could fall from our lips like a string of perfect pearls, but the value lies within the spirit. Education means nothing in spiritual terms. Motivation does. Eloquence may sound impressive, but it's obedience that sees the mighty hand of God at work. I started speaking to the Lord when I was just a child. He listened. I speak to the Lord now, sometimes when I'm still being childish!! He still listens! That's what He can do for you too! If you're reading this and you feel like you don't know where to begin, just start speaking to God as a friend. Tell it like it is. Remember the picture. You pray, and right there beside you is the Holy Spirit of God taking all the words you express and even those you can't express and lifting them up to God in heaven, who hears and cares. If you would like to ask questions or put forward a prayer request, just use the Contact page and you'll receive a reply. I am looking for a team of praying people who would like to become part of 'Soul Centre Circle of Prayer', hopefully joining with local and worldwide praying people through the receiving of prayer requests over the internet. If you feel you would like to be involved just get in touch. Teaching on prayer will have it's own web page very soon. Thank you for your patience as I build an online ministry which I believe God gave me the foundations for a long time ago. Remember prayer changes things.