I like the phrase “I believe in the power of prayer.” I really like the phrase “I believe God answers prayer.” But I’ve been thinking about these phrases, and something still seems lacking. The more I pray, the more I see prayer as a means to an end. But the end is not the answer—the getting the thing I want. Prayer is the means to the end of knowing God. Interacting with him. Getting to know his heart. Surrendering. Aligning my heart with his heart. Prayer is the conversation that never ends with the One who knows and loves me the best. Prayer is powerful because it changes me. Prayer is powerful because it connects me to a powerful God who can transform my tightly held list of desires into open hands, ready to receive what HE knows I need and what He delights to give me. Prayer is the path to peace. And God knows how much this heart so prone to fear needs peace. So He made a way through Jesus, the reconciler, for 24/7 access into the throne room of Almighty God, my Abba Father. He is always ready with open arms to receive me and lavishly pour out His love and truth. And this is why I like the phrase, “I believe in the power of prayer.”