The easiest way to develop personal closeness and love toward someone is to speak openly with that person. It is through open conversation that one gains the freedom and intimacy to share everything mutually. A relationship deepens when both persons begin to share the same wavelength. If open communication is essential even for the growth of relationships between ordinary human beings, it is far more necessary for intimacy with God. Open conversation with God is what we call prayer.
There are many forms of prayer. Each type of prayer is in itself good and necessary. Yet among them, personal prayer is something that can never be neglected. Jesus Himself revealed the importance of personal prayer. The greatest example of this is that Jesus Himself prayed. Beyond communal prayer, the Bible makes it clear that Jesus also prayed personally. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Mt 6:6). This passage also teaches us what prayer ought to be.
Personal prayer is the path through which we recognize the love of God. Often we imagine that we are hidden from God’s eyes and that because of our sins God has become distant from us. But that is not true. It is when we speak to God through prayer that we begin to experience His love touching our hearts. Even when children become disobedient and drift away, a good father still longs for their return and remains willing to listen to them. God is the same. Even if we go astray or stumble, He is always ready to hear us. To return once again to that former love, we must open our hearts and speak to Him. We may have drifted away from God, but God never distances Himself from us. We realize this only when we speak to Him and when He responds to our conversation.
Personal prayer is the easiest way to become friends with God. A good friend illumines our life. We may be persons with many weaknesses, yet if we have a true friend, much goodness can come into our lives through that friendship. A friend who motivates us, accepts us, and guides us along the right path is truly a blessing. God too is like this. Prayer is the means through which He enters our lives as a friend. Through prayer, our life becomes freer, more beautiful, and more meaningful. We lose nothing through it; rather, we receive many blessings.
Prayer gives us courage and strengthens us. It also brings us consolation. We are people who carry many burdens in life and live under immense pressures. Yet when we surrender all these things to God through prayer, we experience freedom in our spirit. God knows our hearts and the burdens we carry. That is why Christ says: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).
Therefore, never neglect personal prayer. If you have not practised personal prayer until now, begin today itself. But do not approach God in prayer merely for the sake of petitions and intentions. Rather, accept Him as a friend and speak to Him. Open your heart before Him without hesitation or concealment.
There is no other person in this world before whom you can remain so transparent. God alone is capable of accepting you exactly as you are. Speak to Him every day. That conversation itself is your prayer. You can speak openly to Him while travelling, while working, and in every circumstance of life. Then your whole life itself will become a prayer.
