Lord, teach us to pray 

Some of us are not skilled in the art of prayer. As we draw near to you in thought, our spirits long for your Spirit, and reach out for you, longing to feel you near. We know not how to express the deepest emotions that lie hidden in our hearts. 

In these moments, we have no polished phrases with which to impress one another, no finely molded, delicately turned clauses to present to you. Nor would we be confined to conventional petitions and repeat our prayers like the unwinding of a much-exposed film. We know, our Father, that we are closest to you when we have left behind the things that have held us captive so long 

We would not be ignorant in prayer and, like children, make want lists for you. Rather, we pray that you will give unto us only what we really need. We would not make our prayers the importuning of you, an omnipotent God, to do what we want you to do. Rather, give us the vision, the courage, that shall enlarge our horizons and stretch our faith to the adventure of seeking your loving will for our lives 

We thank you that you are hearing us even now. We thank you for the grace of prayer. We thank you for yourself. 
Amen. 

-Peter Marshall

Peter Marshall inspires me. 

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