From my 2016 Journal. A conversation
Karen: There are a lot of people out there who need my prayers.
Jesus: (with raised eyebrows) Oh really?
Karen: Well, isn’t that true? We’re taught, commanded, instructed to pray.
Jesus: (smiles) True. But that’s not why you pray.
Karen: It’s not?
Jesus: You pray because you love Me and I love you. It’s not a duty, a job, or a task to fulfill, a checklist to complete. People don’t need your prayers. I’m quite capable of taking care of them.
Karen: Ouch. Yes, Lord.
Jesus: I just want you to be with Me. I’ll guide your mind. Talk to Me about these people who are on your heart. I will listen, and I will consider your requests, but I know what’s best, and My will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven. I know your concerns. I know your thoughts before you even express them. But spoken words are important. “Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth.”
I have been a lifelong student on the subject of prayer and have met many who are skilled at verbalizing their prayers, but I have yet to meet anyone who believes they have mastered the discipline of an inner prayer life. Tell me what you’ve learned on your journey of intimacy with God.
In the Pursuit of Peace 
I’ve learned to keep a running conversation with the Lord all day long. The Bible says, when you lie down, and rise up (and all the time in between). The Lord hears my joys and my sighs, my grumblings and my laughter, my entreaties, and my thanks. It’s wonderful to have someone closer than a brother (or a husband).
I am not good at verbalizing prayer, nor do I like “organized” prayer sessions, but I do love talking to God.
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