One of the tools we have been given is the gift of prayer. It is the means by which we can communicate to GOD! Isn't that amazing? We can at any time, any where share our thoughts, concerns, problems, and joys with Him. This privilege comes to us because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and the resulting reconciliation that we now have through faith with His Father.
My encouragement to each one of us is to take time to look afresh and anew to this wonderful Father/daughter relationship we have been given. One of the joys of Christianity is that we are now related to God! The definition of relationship is the state of being related or interrelated (sounds great, right?) The definition of relation is to have a connection by blood or marriage. The reason we have a relationship with Jesus is because of His shed blood. The awesome privilege of being related to the Creator of the Universe is almost beyond comprehension!
Most relationships go through changes over the years. Honeymooners turn into "old married couples" if they do not maintain open lines of communication. Author Gary Smalley has identified five different levels of communication in relationships. His research has shown that in order to develop intimacy in a relationship we need to use all the five levels. Most relationships begin and ultimately exist on the first three. I believe we can apply these levels to our relationship with our Father. I would encourage you to examine your prayer life in the light of these five different levels.
The first level he calls "clichés".
This level we simply exchange things like "How's it going'?" or "what's up?" Perhaps our relationship with the Lord falls into this "cliché" level when we routinely throw out the phrase "Praise the Lord". There are many "Christianese" clichés that float around various Christian circles that had their start with life and reality, but let's be careful that when we do say "Praise the Lord" that we are truly focusing on Him and bringing praises to His name. I think even a "God bless you" can become rote and meaningless.
The second level of communication is "facts".
One example of factual sharing is "Looks like rain today" or "Sure is hot out". Factual sharing with the Lord could simply be our bringing our supplication lists to the Lord. "Please bless Aunt Sue." "Uncle Joe has diabetes, please heal Him". These are important to the Lord and we are urged by scripture to bring our petitions to Him, but let's not stop there. Let's move on to the next level.
The third level of communication is "opinions".
"I THINK the Raiders are going to win the Super bowl"" or "Your mother is too interfering". We share our opinions with the Father as we talk with Him. We can share with the Father how awesome we think He is.
The fourth level of communication is "feelings".
"How do you feel about this" or "I love you". This is a wonderful level of sharing to the Lord. He loves it when we share our hearts and begin to "get real" with Him. David shared his heart in Psalm 142:

I cry out to the LORD with my voice; With my voice to the LORD
I make my supplication.
2 I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.

Have you been taking the time during your day to share your feelings with the Lord? To empty yourself of any frustrations? To be honest about the trials or difficulties you have been going through? This is an important part of any close "relationship". The ability to be honest in a caring, compassionate setting. He can handle it! He doesn't change his opinion of us if we communicate our "junk"-but He hears us with an open heart and is longing to help make adjustments where they are needed. David goes on and shares His heart:

3.When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
Then You knew my path.
Then You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk
They have secretly set a snare for me.
4 Look on my right hand and see,
For there is no one who acknowledges me;
Refuge has failed me;
No one cares for my soul.
5 I cried out to You, O LORD:
I said, "You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.
6 Attend to my cry,
For I am brought very low;
Deliver me from my persecutors,
For they are stronger than I.
7 Bring my soul out of prison,
That I may praise Your name;
The righteous shall surround me,
For You shall deal bountifully with me.

The final level is "needs".
"What do you need to feel better?" or "I really need a hug from you" are two examples. To share on this level indicates trust has grown and there has been a safe place built. I encourage you to share with your Father on this level. This type of communication forces us into a state of honesty and transparency. In order to share with the Lord what we need-it demands that we take the time to look into our life and see what is there or not there.
There is no one in our "natural" relationships that can read our minds. They can only respond to our sharing. This is one of the blessings about our Heavenly Father who knows us better than we know ourselves! He knows the truth and will reveal it to us as we wait on Him. As we seek to share the "needy" part of our life with Him He comes with His grace, wisdom and healing power to do even more than we can ask or think! This level encourages us to deal with any independence on our part-for we in actuality, do NEED Him in all areas of our lives.
Time constraints, fears, tiredness are just some of the things that can add to the temptation to live our life with the Lord with only the first three levels of communication-let's not let these things rob us of one of the greatest gifts we have been given a Real Relationship with our God. As we grow in our personal relationship with the Father-those we influence shall grow as well. Remember, let's keep Christianity a relationship not a religion!
Written by: Martha Rodman