Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

What is prayer?  It is an act of communion with a deity. It is the act of drawing nearer into the presence of God and it is God's presence which comforts and gives peace of mind.  Prayer is how you connect with God, whatever the form (writing, art, music, dancing, nature walks, etc.).

Prayer has four main uses:

1. Petition:  Asking God to fulfill both spiritual and physical needs.  This is what most people think of when they think of prayer.
2. Contrition:  Confessing your sins to God and asking for his forgiveness.
3. Adoration:  Worshiping God for who He is.  This is an act of fully appreciating the fullness of God's character.
4. Thanksgiving:  Thanking God for provision.

Prayer doesn't even need words.  If you walk mindfully through the woods in silence, appreciating creation and communing with God, you are praying.  If you are reading God's Holy Word and meditating on it, you are praying.  Prayer is a conversation; Not just you talking, but also listening.  If ever you would just keep silent you might just hear God whispering to you.

What a joy it is to be in the presence of God and to know his peace!  Be mindful of him always and you will pray without ceasing.  It's like being with a lover all day and night;  Prayer is true bliss.