Defining prayer isn't as easy as it seems.

Some see it as merely asking God for favours. There is, of course, much more to it than that.

According to Scripture, prayer is multi-faceted. It is a rich blend of harmonious thanksgiving, worship, confession and request.

At its most basic level, prayer is communication with our Creator.

Most of the prayers in the Bible consist of several—and often all—of the four elements mentioned above. However, it can also be a single cry for help in an emergency. It's certainly appropriate to spontaneously ask God for help in times of desperate need. We may use three simple words: “God help me.” There's no need to couch our words to Him, any more than when speaking to a good friend.

At other times, when we're more calm and reflective, we can take time to think of God’s graciousness, thanking Him for the good things He's given us. We may take a hymn book and gently sing a song of thanksgiving.

Worship generally follows thanksgiving. We realize that God is sovereign in all things and want to praise Him. We may thank Him for watching over us, for His wonderful creation, for hearing our prayers, and for a multitude of other reasons that declare His wonder and majesty.

Another important aspect of prayer is the confession of our sins, and taking time to ask God to forgive us for Jesus’ sake. Some seek to do this before anything else—in order to be right with God.

Although the Bible records examples of prayers, it doesn't specify a formula for how we should pray. All four elements don't have to be included in each prayer. In Luke 18:13 the tax collector utters a heartfelt prayer in a few words: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” (NIV)

Sometimes it's best to think about the prayer before offering it, or search for the topic in Scripture and use the Bible as a flashlight to give some light on the subject.

The point is that there need be no subject we should hesitate to bring before our Creator. There's no request too small for God’s attention.

The One to whom we pray notices the bird falling from the branch of a tree. He observes all things. Are you not worth much more than a mere bird?

Of course you are! You're very precious to the God who made you.

Seek Him in prayer for any and all of your needs. He loves to be gracious and give good things to those who ask. Just remember to ask with the right motives.

“You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures.” (James 4:2-3 NIV)