Life can be pretty challenging, and when we find ourselves in a difficult situation with no clue about what to do, we can handle it in one of two ways. We can either devise our own strategy and rely on our own perceived cleverness, or acknowledge that we need divine help. Situations can quickly spiral out of control at any time, and when we’re backed against a wall with no way out, the truly wise person realizes that God can pull us out of any predicament. When we’re in trouble, prayer is the only real solution.

Prayer is direct communication with God, but it’s something many people have not learned how to do properly. We’re taught to say our prayers at bedtime when we’re little, but it usually involves memorizing words and repeating them back on cue. Religion teaches us to pray at certain times, like on Sunday, and only about certain topics. God wants us to talk with Him constantly, share what’s in our hearts and on our minds, and keep those lines of communication open. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NKJV).

Whether we’re struggling or everything is fine, what’s important to God is an attitude of thanksgiving as we pray. When we think about everything He’s done, including sending His Son to give us access to heaven and transform our lives here on earth, it’s hard not to give thanks. God wants us to give Him every fear and negative emotion we have. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:4, 6, NKJV).

God loves us and wants to hear from us anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Whenever something is troubling us, He wants us to come to Him. There are no forbidden topics, and nothing is off-limits. Even when things are going great in our lives, God still loves to hear from us.

Some people feel like they must fit their prayers into a pre-specified formula before they’re accepted. Others want to put on a show with their loud public prayers. God wants to free us from all those expectations, which are simply religious trappings. “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matthew 6:5-8).

The bottom line is that God wants to grant us what we request, in the same way a father wants to give his children what they ask for. When we trust Him enough to believe His Word, He’ll honor our prayers. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7, NIV). This is a promise from God!