Prayer is our first topic, and it is so important in your relationship with Jesus! We need to be able to communicate with our Heavenly Father! How would you and your friends get along if you couldn't speak to each other? That's exactly the kind of relationship you have with Jesus if you just say you're a Christian, but never talk to Jesus. Prayer doesn't have to be formal at all! God just wants us to talk to him and share our feelings. When we are scared, He wants us to lean on Him. When we are happy, He wants us to praise Him. Think of how often you talk with your best friend or family; that's how often God wants us to talk to Him. You might be thinking, "I can't do that! I'm way too busy!" You don't have to spend thirty minutes on your knees praying though; just try to keep in touch with God throughout the day. God is our Heavenly Father, and He wants us to bring our fears, joys, and troubles to Him! For some of you (including me!) praying sometimes seems like a chore, something we have to do to be a good Christian. It sometimes feels like we have to put on a mask to talk to God. We think, "I know I'm supposed to praise God in all circumstances, so I can't be mad at Him." But trust me, God understand that we get angry at Him. He understand that we aren't perfect, that we need to lean on Him. He is the One that love you the most, so don't be afraid to tell Him everything. What you say to God matters to Him, whether it's praying for your grandma's surgery to go well, or praying that you will have a good time at school. God hears and cares about every single part of your life. You are sooo important to Him, and He wants to hear your feelings. Psalm 5: 1-3 says, "Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." Prayer is an exciting way for you and your Lord to grow a deeper relationship! "Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28: 6-7
Noelle
