When people hear about prayer, it sometimes seems like a heavy demand or a burden. Many see prayer as one big, difficult task. When we say "pray," some immediately respond, "There they go again. Prayer is my problem". But prayer is not meant to be a burden. Prayer simply means talking to God — just talk to Him. Anyone who can talk can pray.
Prayer is also about spending time with God, and it is in that place of fellowship that you receive His plans for your life. The Bible says, "...you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you" (Jeremiah 29:12 NIV). From experience, I have learned that hearing from God and knowing His mind concerning you is actually the easiest thing in the world. When you spend time with Him, you gain access to His thoughts in a way that is natural and peaceful.
Many times, you just know what to do. God does not always speak audibly. Most often, those who stay in fellowship with Him simply come to understand His mind. As you stay in prayer and communion, you begin to know His thoughts concerning you. The Bible says, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" (Isaiah 30:21 NIV).
Sometimes, there are questions you have been carrying in your heart. The moment you step into that environment of fellowship — whether you are reading your Bible or praying — before you leave, you begin to receive the answers you were searching for all along. Even without God speaking audibly, you simply come to know His mind.
God is a Spirit, and He is a personal God who wants you to know Him. Look at what He said, "...I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). This is why we seek Him. Verse 13 continues, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV). What do you seek God for? It is for these plans. It is because of His plans for you that you fellowship with Him primarily. You may not even realize how beautiful your life is or how great His plans are for you. The Bible says, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence..." (Psalm 16:11 NIV).
So, do not see prayer as a burden anymore — see it as the place where you receive God's thoughts and plans for your life. Make a decision to spend time daily in fellowship with Him, and you will begin to walk in clarity, peace, and joy. His presence is where the answers you are looking for are revealed, and it is where you discover the beautiful future He has already prepared for you. Choose to fellowship with God in prayers everyday.