"Lord, teach us to pray"

(Luke 11.1)
Prayer is a relationship with God. As with all relationships, it is a dialogue of speech and silence - interactive, like the internet. But unlike the internet, prayer takes time to develop. It's not instant - "click here" for prayer just doesn't work! Yet, we are all born with a deep yearning for relationship with God ("deep is calling on deep", as Psalm 42 says) and with the capacity to fulfil this yearning through God's gift. Deep down within each one of us lies a hidden well, waiting to spring up in conversation with the God who made us. How do we tap into this source of living water?

First, we need the help of the Holy Spirit - often symbolized as water - to remove any of the things which may be blocking the inner well. These are chiefly our doubts and fears: doubts as to whether anyone is listening to us; fears that we are not good enough to come into God's presence. The Holy Spirit helps us to come into God's presence just as we are and to know we are loved and listened to, because Jesus has won us an audience through his life, death and resurrection.

Down to practicalities
* Choose a quiet place where you can be alone. It can help to start with some words of Scripture like "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 45.11), or to have an icon, candle or a peaceful picture as a focus to still the mind.
* You don't have to kneel to pray. Choose a position which is comfortable but not so comfortable that you fall asleep! Try an upright chair or a prayer stool.
* Try to become aware of your breathing - this should slow down as you become more settled.
* If possible, stick to the same time(s) each day - mornings and evenings are often best, or whenever you can manage. The length of time is probably less important than the regularity: 10-15 minutes is enough to start.
* As with any relationship, it takes time to be comfortable with silence. Don't be afraid to use words. Speak to God as a friend. Voice your needs. Leave time to listen too.
* Some people find the acronym ACTS helpful:

A- Adoration. Put yourself in the presence of God. Consider God's greatness, majesty and incredible delicacy.
C - Contrition. Awareness of God's qualities makes us realize our own failings. Tell God you are sorry.
T - Thanksgiving. We are sure of forgiveness when we say sorry. Thank God for this and for every blessing.
S - Supplication. We can legitimately bring before God the needs of others and ask for what we need ourselves.

It can happen that spontaneous prayer or a peaceful, silent resting in God's presence will flow out of this basic structure. Don't be afraid to follow where the Spirit leads...