When praying for God’s guidance, do you ever feel that your prayers are not rising above the ceiling? Or do you sometimes find it difficult to concentrate because your mind wanders all over the “wilderness” as it were?

I recall one occasion when I was badly wanting God’s guidance, before going to bed, I picked up my bedside telephone and dialed 1-800-4heaven—from which I received a recorded message that said in a flat monotone voice: “You are dialing the wrong number.”

I was at least amused. It is true that (whether we feel it or not) God does hear our prayers when they come from the heart. As the old ditty says: “I often say my prayers / but do I really pray / and does the meaning of my heart / go with the words I say?” God doesn’t always answer our prayers in the way we want, but he always answers them in one way or another. Sometimes his answer is “no,” sometimes it is “yes,” and sometimes it is “wait a while.”

However, when having a difficult time praying, I have on many occasions written my prayers to God. This is something that King David often did in his Psalms. I have found this very helpful and suggest that you try and practice doing this oftentimes.

Today’s suggested prayer is an example: “Good morning, God, this is Jane (your name) calling/writing. Thank you for your promise that you always hear my prayers when I pray sincerely from my heart. Again today I commit and trust my life and way to you. Please guide me in the way that I should go. I am available so please use me to be ‘as Jesus’ in some way to every life I touch this day. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus name, amen.”

For further help read the article, “How to Pray Effectively” at:

http://tinyurl.com/good-morning-God

1. Psalm 145:18.