Is Prayer A 4-Letter Word?

A 4-letter word for Prayer?  How about h-a-r-d? l-o-n-g? a  bore? a drag? a HAVE-to?
Is prayer supposed to be that laborious? It is a struggle or a joy for you? Let’s think about that. How do YOU explain prayer to a non-believer, or what is their concept of it? I expect a common explanation from a non-believer might be:  “Talking to a non-existent spiritual being, who if He was present, couldn’t care less about me.  God is the good energy around us. It God was a person, He doesn’t even know I exist.” Suppose you believe that God is personal,  and that we can communicate with Him. I expect you’ve heard prayer described this way:

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How you know that you’re hearing God

I was visiting at my mom’s church last Sunday ( a traditional church with liturgical services). After the communion time, I had a few moments to journal as the pianist was playing. I was observing those attending and noticed they were older, probably less accepting of change.  I sensed they had a strong commitment to God and to lead a solid life – Devoted people with good character doing their best to all God wanted of them.  I am used to a different crowd in my church, so I was about to make some judgements…