Session 13

How to turn your prayers from lists to conversations

From Psalms: A 28-Day Devotional

The Bible includes more than 200 prayers by many folks about many things. But, more prayers are credited to David than any other person in the Bible. He was the shepherd boy who killed Goliath. He was also a king, chosen by God. David's prayers are heartfelt conversations with God. 

King David was called a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). This was not because he was perfect or his prayers better than others. David lusted, committed adultery, arranged a murder and had a child out of wedlock. He pleased God’s heart, however, because he was constantly in touch with and seeking God — through prayer.

David's prayers are honest but still humble, deeply emotional and still rational. He cries out to God for not moving fast enough, and in the same breath, reminds himself of God's character (Psalm 4:2-3).  And from what we can tell, David didn’t have a prayer schedule. He prayed in the morning (Psalm 5:3), in the evening (Psalm 4:4, Psalm 4:8), and whenever he was angry, joyful, or his heart needed comfort (Psalm 5:1-2). Prayer isn’t ruled by the clock but by our desire to connect with God. 

Prayer isn’t ruled by the clock but by our desire to connect with God.  

We can have a prayer life like David’s. Each morning, we can praise God for the blessings He has given us, including a new day. As we listen quietly, we invite God to make our prayer time a conversation. And that conversation continues as we present each request for each moment throughout the day (Philippians 4:6).

 At night, we can thank God for being present through each circumstance and for allowing us to speak directly to Him. When we start and end our day in conversation with God, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). We will be able to sleep peacefully, knowing He will provide whatever we need for in the day ahead. 

Reflect:

• How does praying in the morning change how you approach the day?
• How does praying in the evening prepare you for the next day?
• Based on what you read today, what is one step you can take today to make your prayer life more of a conversation with God?