"Let your prayer be completely simple. For both the tax collector and the prodigal son were reconciled to God by a single phrase."
-John of the Ladder (6th Century)
Prayer is the most basic human reply to our holy and loving Creator. It is nothing less than intimate communication with God. Jesus and the apostles devoted much time to prayer. Faithful people in the first century scheduled daily life around times of prayer rather than fitting in prayer around daily life.
We pray in order to hear from God. We draw near to the Father, praying in the name of the Son, and he responds. (John 16:23) The Apostle Paul tells us to "Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of requests." (Ephesians 6:18) There are many types and styles of prayer, but we suggest that a balanced prayer life consists of petition, intercession and contemplation.
Jesus learned to pray from people who really knew how. Every Jew, man, woman, child, slave or free, was expected to pray the Eighteen Benedictions daily at nine, noon and 
three. The apostles passed this tradition along, even to the Gentiles, also encouraging Christians to pray the Lord's Prayer three times daily.
According to John of the Ladder, writing in the 6th century, "Prayer is by nature a dialogue between man and God. It unites the soul with its Creator and reconciles the two. Its effect is to hold the world together." He goes on to write, "Let your prayer be completely simple. For both the tax collector and the prodigal son were reconciled to God by a single phrase."
Prayer is very simple. We talk to the Father and wait for his response. Using the prayer forms of petition, intercession and contemplation maintains balance in our conversations with God.
In petition, we ask God to meet our own personal needs. We make direct requests to the Father on our own behalf. We pray, "Give us the bread we need day-by-day." Also, "God have mercy on me, because I have sinned." And don't forget the simplest prayer, "Lord, help me because I am in need."
During intercession we ask God to intervene on behalf of a person or situation. Perhaps we might pray for a friend or family member. The Apostle Paul instructs us to pray for nations and leaders. We pray, "Lord, heal my spouse." And, "Lord, help my friend find a job." Jesus gives a wonderful example of intercession when he said, "I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail."
In contemplation we remain quiet in the presence of God. We listen intently for the still small voice of the Lord. The Greek word for contemplation literally means to behold. We behold God when we pray in quiet contemplation. Here we simply sit in stillness and silence while we let God use the time in whatever way he chooses. It is a discipline of being still, quieting the mind and experiencing God.
Why not try a prayer discipline? God is longing to talk with you. Don't let him down.
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