Talking to God

The word "prayer" comes from the Latin * oratio* , meaning discourse, word, speech; and from the verb *orare* , meaning to speak, to ask, to plead, to supplicate, to discourse in public; with roots in an Indo-European base that refers to "pronouncing a ritual formula" or "moving the mouth". Originally, it described a formal speech or discourse, but, under the influence of the Church, it specialized to the meaning of supplication to God, becoming synonymous with prayer, request, and worship.

In the dictionary, "prayer" is described as a supplication, a request addressed to God.

One of the most powerful tools available to us, freely available, and which draws us ever closer to God, is prayer... seeking to learn the Word, in one of the most widely read books in the world: the Bible. Jesus teaches us one of the most direct prayers and also the correct way to pray to God: "Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread..." (Matthew 6:9).

Three years ago, one day, I was driving my car, amidst my anxieties and difficulties, and I began to talk to God, asking Him to surround me, guide my path, and show me that everything would be alright. That's when the traffic light turned red, and I noticed, on the license plate of the car in front of me, in the combination of letters and numbers, the name DEU5 . That car continued ahead of me to my destination, surrounding me and guiding me, showing that God was with me. This past week, He confirmed His message: in another car, at another time, at another traffic light, DEU5 revealed Himself again. Even amidst the storms, He reminded me that He is with us.

Pray silently in your room: "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:6). This teaching shows us the importance of seeking intimacy with God in private, closing the door for a sincere and undistracted encounter, where the Father, who sees in secret, will reward this genuine communion, building trust and a deep relationship with Him.

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20). This means that Jesus promised His active and powerful presence in any place where there is an intention to pray, study the Word, or solve problems, showing that He is not limited to large crowds and that He is present where there is true fellowship.

While discussing this topic with my wife, "Talking to God," she reminded me of a special moment when my father was hospitalized years ago. I was distressed by the situation and, looking at a statue representing Jesus, I realized I needed to talk to God. So I began to open my heart, expressing my worries and fears about my father's health. I prayed. As soon as I finished, I sat on a bench in the hospital garden. A few minutes later, a young woman came over, talking to some people, and then approached me. She introduced herself and, discussing the situation, said, "May I pray with you?"

I answered yes, and at that very moment I remembered my prayers to God. The answer to the prayer was almost immediate: through that young woman, used by God, I received what I needed at that instant—the certainty that everything would be alright, because HE was there, listening and strengthening me, and that God's will is sovereign over our lives.

The lyrics of Roberto Carlos' song say:

"How much peace, how much light, God hears us, shows us the path that leads to Him, God is Father, God is light, God tells us that we reach Him by following Jesus"

Prayer is essential communication with God, a means of connection, worship, supplication, and gratitude, fundamental to the Christian life, guiding, strengthening, and granting peace. Jesus taught us to pray and prayed much, with faith and perseverance, as in the "Our Father," as did so many other faithful throughout the Scriptures. The Bible instructs us to pray "without ceasing" and "at all times in the Spirit," to align human will with God's and overcome temptations and anxieties.

The Bible contains various types of prayers (praise, gratitude, confession, supplication, intercession, etc.), with David and the prophets offering many, serving as a constant invitation to communicate with God.

What does the Bible show us about prayer?

• Many types: There are various ways to pray, such as praising (Psalm 8:1), giving thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18), confessing (1 John 1:9), asking for wisdom (James 1:5), and interceding (Romans 15:30).

• Pray without ceasing: (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

• Relieving anxiety: bringing peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

The Lord's Prayer is considered the most perfect, as Jesus teaches us what to ask for and how. Other powerful prayers focus on gratitude (Psalm 50), strength (Holy Spirit), protection (Psalm 91), and total surrender, adapted to the moment, such as prayers to open paths or ask for miracles.

Psalm 91 demonstrates absolute trust in divine protection, assuring that those who seek refuge in God will be safe from visible and invisible dangers. It remains one of the most widely read biblical texts for spiritual comfort in times of difficulty.

Why Psalm 23 is a prayer

Psalm 23 is a prayer acknowledging God's sovereignty: it declares His ability to restore the soul, guide in righteousness, and prepare a bountiful table (prosperity) amidst adversity.

It states that goodness and mercy will follow him, and that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, symbolizing protection and communion.

It serves as a guide for meditation and declarations of faith, transforming verses into petitions and affirmations of trust.

Praying Psalm 23 is to confirm that God, the Lord, is my shepherd in all areas of my life, and I shall not want.

In summary

The best prayer is the one that comes from the heart, expressing a true need and surrender to God—whether it's a request, a thank you, or a cry for strength—with a heart open to His will.

Let us pray for what we have already achieved, for who we are, for gratitude, for guidance, to seek and know more of God's Word and righteousness. The Lord Jesus said: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land” (Isaiah 1:19).