Do you pray? That may be a light or weighted question, right? Let me ask you again but in different wording...Do you talk to Jesus?

Too many times people see prayer as this formal thing you must do on your knees in a church service.

Too many times people will say "I'll pray for you" and never do it.

Too many times we run to our friends, the hot bath, alcohol, and or tears when our world is crashing down. Why aren't we taking our problems to Jesus first?

I started thinking about why we don't. The author and perfecter...the all-knowing...the helper and provider. And we finally turn to him at the very last second before giving up and we cry out and say "Okay God I can't do this alone please do something". But we've missed it. Why cry out to God when you can "no longer do it"?

Why not cry out to God when you see the wave coming and pray "God bring me peace through this trial and allow me to walk along side of you. Keep my eyes on you, Father. Help me to praise you in this storm because I know you are teaching me and growing me to be more like you, God. When it gets tough put your arms around me and comfort me. For you are a good, good God."

Crying out to God is sometimes exactly what God intends for us to do. But rely on him early, don't use him as your last resource.

Prayer is so powerful. But it doesn't always have to be extremely formal.

If you're new to the idea of prayer, let me share with you something I do, to make you more comfortable with it!

Prayer is a conversation with Jesus. Just like you text your friends and parents, you can talk to Jesus the same way.

Have you ever talked to Jesus like your friend?

If you were raised in church or you've attended at least one service you might have saw a pattern with prayers. They start "Dear Jesus" and finish with "In Jesus name I pray, amen."

But let me tell you friends, talking to Jesus is super chill! You don't have to pray with your hands folded and your eyes closed.

I have my best talking to Jesus time when I'm driving alone in my car. I talk out loud, eyes open, hands on my steering wheel.

If I'm not in my car I'll often pray with my hands open, palms up. This is a symbol for me that I'm open and God can grab whatever I'm holding onto.

I've moved away from the "dear Jesus" opening and make it my own. I have a variety, but I say things like "hey hey heyyyy it's me" or "MORNING LOOORDDD!" or when it's more serious "Hey buddy..."

Talking to Jesus like a friend is a step to getting even closer to him. He wants to know you on this personal level where it's not awkward, where we're not afraid to come to him and talk, and where we can be open and comfortable.

Does your best friend know everything about you? Do you share everything with them?

Do you share everything with Jesus? Do you talk about your day? Your struggles? Your wants and needs? Jesus is the greatest best friend and is always faithful.

The next time you're in your car alone, or you're afraid to talk to God, talk to him like you're best friend. I promise he's the greatest listener.