How would you define prayer? My own best short definition of prayer is communion with God. Communion is more than communication. Answering machines and voice mail are communication. Communion implies a direct, close relationship. It’s the wordless communication between a mother and her baby; it’s the private conversation between a man and a woman deeply in love.

Prayer is the expression of the close relationship between the person who prays and God. That close relationship is built through daily prayer in the midst of all of life’s circumstances. When we make a request of God, we are expressing our relationship, not just seeking favors. The love relationship comes first and prayer is the communication channel for that relationship.