A simple prayer can change otlook on life

"The Lord accepts my prayers." Ps 6:9 (NIV).

I have a plaque that says "Prayer Changes Things." When I'm down, the one thing that can lift me up is knowing the saying on that plaque is true.

Have you ever felt like praying, "God, I don't know what to do," or "I don't know what to say." Actually both of those are good prayers when times are so difficult you don't know what to say or do.

When times are tough our prayer life doesn't have to be difficult, it just needs to be straight from the heart. God is not impressed with empty phrases we pile up, but with our genuine feelings and desires. Asking with pure motives touches God's heart of compassion to help.

Being spontaneous when we pray also moves those mountains when we speak from the heart at the time we need comfort, emotional strength, and timely answers. Our prayers don't have to be eloquent or long to be heard. Simple prayers can make a big difference; no prayer is insignificant to him.

At times, when I'm too tired to pray or so upset I don't know what to say, I just sit quietly. I believe God sits there with me, even though I don't feel anything. It's during those times God can touch our emotions and heal our hurts in ways we aren't aware of.

Help! is the greatest prayer message we send to heaven. God hears us when we humble ourselves and ask for his help. I have constructed an acronym to remind us what happens when we cry for help.

H: Heartfelt prayers work wonders.

E: Expect God to move, no matter how long it takes.

L: Leave our worries to him.

P: Prayer Changes Things. Sometimes it changes our attitude and perspective, while other times it changes someone else's. It also can change circumstances and fulfill his plan.

Hope this helps you get going on your prayer life for a happier, healthier year.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is available to speak at your church or group, or coach you individually. She can be contacted at (847) 543-8413; P.O. Box 532, Grayslake, IL 60030; or Annetteebudzban@aol.com.