Prayer as a Conversation

Think about the last conversation you had with a friend. You probably asked questions, shared stories, listened for them to respond, possibly laughed or cried, or even talked about upcoming plans.

The apostle Paul in Philippians says we are to pray about everything. He doesn’t categorize topics as ones you can pray about and ones you can’t. No, he says to pray about everything and in every situation. Nothing is insignificant to the Lord—even the hairs on your head are numbered (see Matthew 10:30).

If you think about it, this means prayer is simply having a conversation with God. You can ask Him questions, share your stories, listen to Him (through Scripture and the Holy Spirit; see Romans 10:17 and John 14:26), laugh and cry with Him, and even talk about your upcoming plans.

As you hang out with friends and share your lives, what would it look like to invite God into that conversation? You may notice that your friend shares about a struggle or an overwhelming situation. Or maybe they share exciting news and an upcoming decision. While listening to them and being present with them is very important, offering to pray with them may also be encouraging.

Next steps for inviting God into the conversation with your friend:

• Thank you for sharing, could we pray about this together?

• I wonder if you feel [fill in the blank with the emotion that fits the situation]. Could we talk to God about this situation together?

• I’m so sorry for all you’re going through right now. Would you like to pray about this together?

If they agree to pray together, pause and ask the Holy Spirit what to keep in mind as you pray. Or maybe in your conversation, you notice they need encouragement, peace, joy, hope, to be seen, to be loved, or even truth, then mention that in your prayers to God.

Then take this conversation and invite God into it. Offer to start the prayer and invite your friend to conclude it. Here is a prayer to get you started:

Father, as we’ve been talking, thank You that You haven’t missed a moment. You care about every detail of our lives and desire for us to come to You with everything.

Lord, we want to talk with You about [whatever the situation/circumstance]. Give us Your insight into this, Lord… [Continue the prayer as the Holy Spirit leads, adding in whatever specific ways He leads you to pray.]

Talk It Over Together:

Whether in the chat or in person, here are some questions to consider as you find more opportunities to pray with a friend:

• What’s your daily conversation with God like? What do you feel like you can talk to Him about? What is more difficult to talk to Him about?

• When have you prayed with a friend and what was that experience like?

• Is there something that keeps you from reaching out and praying with others? If so, share this obstacle with a trusted friend and take your first step in praying about this together.

As you take your next step by inviting God into conversations with your friends, consider how your personal conversation with God will also grow deeper.