When thinking/praying earlier this week about a blog for today, a sweet friend and sister in Christ, Alexis Robertson, crossed my mind. After asking if she'd be willing to share with us, she so kindly agreed and actually already had something on her heart. (It's so neat how The Lord works!)

This is good, simple, down-to-earth truth, but it's an area we so commonly neglect. (I just stepped on my own toes.)

Prayer is simple (a conversation), but yet there's much to learn, and the growth never stops. That's one fascinating thing about a relationship with Jesus; one doesn't ever reach a point where they've completed all levels and receive the label "holier than thou."

Alexis says, "Prayer is an open door (open access if you will) to the God of the Universe. Yes, the God of the Universe! But that same open door intimately welcomes you to His feet."

Prayer is often not our first instinct. If we are called to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), prayer needs to be a part of our nature, not a backup plan. Like previously stated, as independent, and often self-reliant women, we like to give our ways a shot before bringing our concerns to the feet of Jesus. A confident, prayerful woman, relying on the He she needs, is a force to be reckoned with! Even the greatest of women are human, which means it will always take effort to not let our flesh rule.

"Prayer is something I work hard at turning to in all things," Alexis says. "My hope is that it's my first response rather than my last. I fail often, but there it is, still waiting for me."

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Alexis says the more she prays, the better she understand the heart of God. "Growing up, I would hear elders pray the most beautiful, eloquent prayers and wonder if I could ever get there. As I grow in age, but more importantly grow in Christ, I learn that it isn't about the words spoken - it's about the heart's intention."

She brings up two important, heart-checking questions:

Where is your heart resting as you're bringing forth these prayers?
Are they self-centered or centered around the selfless Jesus?

"Ah, they are so different," she says. "And you find them through experiencing life."

"I think about the power in prayer… that where two or more are gathered, He promises to be in the midst. But also that when you are alone, and you choose to speak to Him, He speaks to your heart there, too. I think about the generational prayers of grandparents and parents - how though not fulfilled for years perhaps, their power is nothing less."

"I think about the confirmation and peace that reside with truly praying the Father's heart for your life. I think about His goodness that shows up and shows out as you walk firmly in His will."

"I think about prayer allowing us to get to know His Spirit a little sweeter, and getting to know each other deeper."

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1 John 5:14)

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

The Word tells us multiple times to be confident in our prayers. How often do we whisper a prayer and hope that maybe it’s heard and responded to? We aren’t told to timidly wander to His feet and only hope He hears it.

Here is an analogy I used with my group of students at camp last summer: Assuming an A is the best you can do, if your parents told you it was ok to make straight C’s on your report card, does that make it seem like they have much confidence in your ability? They’d be settling for less than your best, and not helping you desire to tap into your greatest potential.

In the same way, if we don’t pray confidently, what does that say about our faith? If we believe there’s power in prayer and that He’s capable of big things, we should ask for big things!