I was reading a Bible study book the other evening titled "The Life-Changing Power of Prayer" by T.W. Hunt. I was blessed by what I read when it came to a discussion on prayer. Mr. Hunt wrote that "prayer is a relationship." I guess I never looked at it that way. I always thought of prayer as, well, prayer. I knew I was talking to God, but never really considered it a relationship. But it really is! It's us talking to God, and Him speaking to us.
I've had difficulty in the past waiting long enough for Him to speak to me. I've heard Him a few times, but it was when I was very still and no other thoughts were filling my head. It was a very remarkable time for me! And I do believe that being still in His presence, and spending some uninterrupted time with Him is His desire ~ and needs to be ours, as well.
The other passage I read in T.W. Hunt's study guide talked about calling on the name of the Lord. I've read so many passages in the Bible that mentioned so-and-so "called out to God," or another so-and-so "cried out." I assumed they were sending a prayer request to God, but it wasn't that clearly written.
Mr. Hunt writes, "The Hebrew word call (qara) is a strong verb of action. It means to cry out, to call aloud. Rather than just a random outcry, qara is usually used to address a specific person in order to make a specific request. People used this word throughout the Old Testament to cry out to God for His help."
So as you pray tonight and each time from now on, feel free to cry out to God on behalf of the needs in which you have and/or are praying about. He always hears us. He never turns away from us. He may say, "No, I've got something better planned for you" or "Not now because I'm working out a detail or two that you're unaware of" or "Okay, here you go!"
He's a good God and He desires a relationship with us ~ daily. He can truly be your best friend!