about prayer

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying. (Eph. 6:18)

Sometimes we're overly concerned with how, when, how long we pray. I think the point of this verse is simple: just pray, and don't be too concerned about getting it perfect because there's a need to pray at all times, in all occasions, for all kinds of reasons.
- there's no occasion where you can't pray
- no trial or decision too big or small where pray doesn't fit the moment
- use all kinds of prayers: short, long, liturgical, spontaneous, written, spoken, repeated, said once, whispered, proclaimed (all kinds are good)
- pray on your own, with a few, in a large gathering
- don't pray ignorant: be aware of your surrounding culture and how it influences you
- be aware of what your spiritual community is going through
- be aware of what people are facing: ups, downs, decisions, trials, celebrations
- why not send someone a prayer note or email when you know what they're facing
- let your prayers be governed by God's Spirit; in the Spirit might be another way of saying - in God's direction; the best place to start are his words (Paul references in 6:17 that the sword of the Spirit is God's word, so maybe praying in the Spirit would be allowing the scriptures to set the focus of your prayers)

JUST PRAY!!

Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (Eph. 6:18, The Message)