Minsan, nanalangin si Jesus sa isang lugar. Nang siya’y matapos, sinabi ng isa sa kanyang mga alagad, “Panginoon, turuan nga po ninyo kaming manalangin, tulad ng ginawa ni Juan sa kanyang mga alagad.”

Lucas 11:1

Bilang isang bagong Christian, isa sa goals ni Robert ay magkaroon ng maayos na prayer life. Narinig niya kasi sa isang Sunday message that prayer is one of the best ways to connect to God. Ngunit nalito siya dahil nung nag-research siya sa Google, napakarami palang dapat i-consider. Sabi ng iba, dapat daw nakaluhod ka. Other sources say that you should pray for hours and some say that prayer must include making requests for the whole world. Robert felt confused and overwhelmed. Inisip niya na masyado palang complicated maging connected sa Diyos.

Kagaya ni Robert, marami ring Christ followers ang often confused about the nature of true prayer. Dahil sa dami ng voices and resources available, sometimes it’s hard to know what kind of prayer really pleases God. This may also be the question of the disciples during the lifetime of Jesus on earth. Sa Lucas 11:1, nakita nila si Jesus na nananalangin and they may have seen the difference. Jesus knew true prayer, and thankfully, He taught His disciples how to truly pray.

Itinuro ni Jesus sa Lucas 11:2-4 na ang totoong panalangin is not measured by length but by depth. The priority of prayer is our connection to God as our Father and His reign over our lives as King (Lucas 11:2). Bukod sa connection, prayer is also about God’s provision. Bilang isang mabuting Ama, He can definitely provide for our daily bread (Lucas 11:3). Lastly, prayer also focuses on pardon. It is a reminder for us na magpatawad sa mga nakasakit sa atin tulad nang pagpapatawad sa atin ni Jesus Christ. Connection, provision, and pardon — these are what makes prayer fruitful. Everything else are just icing on the cake.

God wants people to find Him. Kaya ginawa Niyang simple lang ang panalangin. True prayer is when you and God start a conversation that leads to a divine connection.