One Problem One Prayer

I have long believed that when we pray, we should keep it simple. Not to throw the whole kitchen sink in. I think we often get confused when we pray. We don’t separate the needs from the wants. Thus, we have this long laundry list of “asks”. We’re not going shopping. We are building a connection with something greater than us. At least for me that is the case.

One problem, one prayer. I believe that is the sweet spot. That is how we know it is sincere. Think about it. Lets say you have a child. They present you with a long and lavish Christmas list. You’re not sure how to prioritize. And then you get into your head and think about their wants and needs. You want them to be happy. But part of you wants them to be practical as well.

The flip side of that coin is a Christmas list with only handful of items, or perhaps just one. I think most of us would move heaven and earth trying to get it. Why? Because it means so much to your child. You want to fulfil the wish. I cannot speak for God, but I believe that one problem, one prayer activates something too deep for us to understand. I just feel simplicity opens doors when we pray.

What are your thoughts? Kitchen sink, or the “ask” of one? At the end of the day, prayer for me is not so much about the outcome. It’s about the connection. And maybe that is what God is really asking from us. A conversation. A simple check in. Like the parents that we only talk to on the holidays. They just want to be a little more involved in our lives.