It’s me!
In today’s world, many people misunderstand the true origin of prayer. It’s similar to the saying, “It’s not what you said, but how you said it.” When speaking to the Most High, the Creator, where our prayer originates from matters immensely.
Take, for example, the line from the song Hallelujah, “I heard there was a secret chord, but you don’t really care for music, do you?” This line can be interpreted as a metaphor for the mystery of connecting with God—a sacred, spiritual resonance beyond mere sound or words. It isn’t just about speaking; it’s about feeling. When we speak to the Creator, we don’t need words, language, or complex expressions. What is truly needed is feeling—a deep desire grounded in authentic sincerity. This is what is meant by, “Where does your prayer originate?”
Prayer Starts with the Heart
In the scriptures, Jesus emphasizes this when He teaches about prayer: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6, NIV). Here, Jesus is not referring to the physical room alone but the inner chamber of your heart—your feelings, intentions, and sincerity.
It’s not the eloquence of words or rituals that move God, but the condition of the heart. Prayer must originate from a place of humility and connection, not merely as a routine or formality.
The Experience of Adam
Let’s consider Adam and his experience in the presence of the Creator. In the Garden of Eden, Adam walked with God in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). Imagine the feeling of pure communion, unburdened by sin or separation, where words might have been unnecessary. The connection was one of complete unity and understanding. Adam didn’t have to ask, “How do I pray?” because his relationship with God was natural, heartfelt, and transparent. This is the kind of prayer that we should aim for—one where words aren’t even necessary, where the feeling is more important than the expression. It was a state of reverence, awe, and trust.
When we forget to put God first, we overlook this divine connection. In American society, we often get caught up in the external—achievements, material success, and recognition. But at the end of our lives, when we pass on, we will meet God first. Make sure you are in good terms upon your meeting.
As it says in Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” This underscores the idea that above all our earthly pursuits, what matters most is our relationship with God.
Your Unique Connection with God
Each of us is called to cultivate our own unique relationship with the Creator. No one is here by mistake. God doesn’t make mistakes. As Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) reminds us, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This personal relationship with God is something only you can nurture. No one else can pray your prayers for you or connect with God on your behalf. The Creator knows each star in the sky by name (Isaiah 40:26), and He knows you intimately. It’s not about your journey, your degrees, your wealth, your successes, or even your sins and failures—it’s about whether you reached out to Him, whether you sought to commune with Him genuinely.
Putting God First
At the end of the day, putting God first is the most important thing. It’s not about what you say in prayer, but how you position your heart before the Creator. As we live our lives, God is always watching, waiting for us to reach out. Will you take the time to say, “Dear God, Hi?”
This sincere connection is what God desires most from us—a heart that seeks Him with authenticity and humility. As Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) advises: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Dear God, Hi! is all it takes. Regardless of your walk of life. You do not have to walk alone. God loves us all! Keep on showing up!