Pray about anything. ‘Don’t worry about anything, but in everything let God know your needs, stay grateful and hopeful, and God will send His peace to guard your mind and heart…’ (Philippians 4:6,7) No problem is too trivial - Jesus said He even knows how many hairs we have! No problem is too big for a Mind that created solar systems.

Jesus taught His disciples that in prayer we could:

• thank Him, and encourage ourselves by remembering how kind our Friend in High Places is;
• look forward to when He comes back;
• offer to co-operate with His plans;
• ask for whatever we need (‘daily bread’);
• ask Him to forgive us for mistakes;
• ask for help to forgive people who hurt us, rather than turning bitter; and
• ask for help to do the right thing.

(see ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ in Matthew 6:9-13)

Avoid ruts. Jesus said, ’When you pray, do not mindlessly repeat yourself. Some religions think God will listen if you keep on and on. But God knows what you need even before you ask Him!’ (Matthew 5:7-8)

Practise. If your mind wanders, don’t give up. Go straight back to praying and you’ll learn to focus. Write your prayers in a diary if that helps you concentrate - you can throw away the embarassing ones!

Be honest! Read some Psalms and you’ll find writers telling God exactly how they felt - forgotten, angry at God, ripped off, needy, faithless, doubtful and guilty, or thankful and delighted. Their attitude improves. Prayer is therapy!