I took French for a large portion of my academic life. After all those years, i can say a few words and phrases. Not enough to be able read the language or have a conversation with someone. Why is that? I think the main reason is because it was knowledge given with very little or no opportunity to use it in a practical way.

My prayer life has been very similar. I have read lots on prayer. I have picked up a few phrases here and there. But I generally speak with broken language.

I should be a little more fluent by now in this area of spiritual discipline, but I have found it does not come easy and it takes a lot of discipline and diligence. I have waited for 40 years for the desire to sweep me away, but it hasn't happened – so it's time to stop making excuses and pray.

“Prayer is a matter of urgency and it is to be our first priority,”

Paul, the apostle and spiritual mentor tells Timothy, his student and friend, ” I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people… ” (1 Timothy 2:1) Prayer is a matter of urgency and it is to be our first priority. If we are to have any significant change in our lives, church, community and country, it will only be because of prayer.

I got inspiration from a Nike advertisement. Their slogan, “Just Do it!” has been challenging people to step beyond themselves since 1988. They are even encouraging people to pray…lol.

When it comes to prayer we need to just do it.