Prayer in our culture often feels like silence. We live in a world where “ghosting” is common, and that sense of rejection can creep into how we relate to God. Sometimes I wonder, is anyone on the other end? When life is good, I drift into silence. When life is falling apart, prayer turns into a 911 call. Over time it can start to feel like prayer is just a duty or a dead end.

But prayer was never meant to be a burden. It is meant to be a delight. I admit, I’m not very good at it - and I don’t know anyone who has mastered it. That’s why I take comfort in the disciples’ one request of Jesus: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Instead of tips or tricks, Jesus gave them the Lord’s Prayer. Those words serve as training wheels when I don’t know what to say, and scaffolding when life feels shaky. God isn’t after the perfect format; he looks at the heart.

Because of Jesus, I have direct access to God. The cross tore down the barriers and opened the way for me to come to the Father anytime, anywhere. Even when I feel silence, it doesn’t mean absence. Scripture promises that Jesus is interceding for me and the Spirit groans on my behalf. God gathers both prayers and tears, and nothing is wasted.

The best way to learn to pray is simply to pray -    not to master prayer but to be mastered by God. Through the Lord’s Prayer, I find words that anchor me, draw me into God’s presence, and remind me that I’m speaking to a Father who is close enough to catch every whisper and strong enough to carry every burden.