How to Pray in Desperate Times

Vulnerability and need tend to awaken sincerity in us. A sincere heart is all you need to enter the fruitful world of prayer. But when you pray for your needs, don't forget about all of your desires. Why not ask for everything when you have nothing. Be like a child asking for chocolate. When my three-year-old asks for chocolate, he does not stop asking until he gets it. This is not about persistence, it's about knowing exactly what you desire and pronouncing it to the world, to yourself, to God.

Create the perfect environment for prayer. Set aside some time exclusively for prayer. Give it the importance that your needs and desires deserve. Go somewhere that you can be alone and speak outloud comfortably. Plan the perfect outfit like you would if you were going to a cocktail party. But make it comfortable of course. Sit in a comfortable position and relax. Set your favorite beverage by your side as if you were going to hang out with a friend. Some hot chocolate or a glass of wine would be fun.

Once you relax, begin to speak outloud. Say how you are feeling. Laugh if you need to. Cry if you need to. But hold all negative comments or analysis. If you are angry, say you are angry. And this is the time to start praying. Say you want the anger to go. Cleaning out of all negativity is your first need. Once you are relaxed and relatively happy, begin your prayer.

First saying a prayer of thanksgiving. Gives thank for all that you do have. Give thanks for all answered prayers. Once you are filled with gratitude, go straight to desires. Go crazy. If you'e always wanted to live in a mansion, ask for a mansion. If you've always wanted to sing, ask for the gift. If you are looking for love, say it. Say all the wishes that are in your heart. Desires can be really clear. These are the ones that make us feel like children.

Next begin to pray for your needs. You'll find that you will begin to speak like an adult. You will be serious and know exactly what you need. This is that most important part of prayer. Once you have stated all your needs, you will more than likely be tempted to move away from peaceful prayer mode and think about how these needs are affecting your life. Resist this and instead begin to listen because you might be surprised with what comes.

Open your heart and mind because what you think your needs are may be different from what you think you need. It is easier to take this step when you know that what God wants for you is always greater than what you want for yourself. You may think that you need money to get your car repaired, but perhaps God wants to bless you with a new car. Be open to inspirations that will lead you to greater blessings. When we feel desperate we tend to ask for less. We are satisfied with whatever will put our worried minds at ease. Instead bring yourself to a peaceful state by calling out your desires again. Say you want a Ferrari if you want one even if it seems impossible. This will no doubt put a smile on your face again.

Take another drink of your beverage. Forget about your needs and listen. Perhaps you will find that your needs really are the needs that concern you. Perhaps some new ones will come up. Do not think about them or try to solve them. Pretend that you are taking them in your hands and lift them up as if you are handing them to God. As you hand them over, let go of them. Forget about them. Begin to name your desires again.

Once you are smiling, begin to give thanks for all that God is already doing for all the prayers that you have offered up and all the desires you have named. Stay in the spirit of thanksgiving as it will leave you in a quiet peace. Rest with it.

Then begin to say 'I trust'. Repeat it many times like a mantra. Feel trust throughout your body. Feel that God is like a loving parent who doesn't need to be reminded of your needs. Finish your beverage and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.