Pray Like A Man (Or Woman)!

As I've grown closer to God, I've discovered the difference between true, faith-driven, heartfelt prayer and fluffy, froo-froo religious babble.  In the former, you are honestly opening yourself up to God and allowing Him to do His will in your life.  In the latter, you are just mindlessly reciting a vague and empty monologue so that you can put a check on your "Fred the Pharisee To-Do List", pat yourself on the back, and go to sleep and dream about what you really care about.  You know, things like members of the opposite sex, money, cars, clothing, etc.  Which kind of prayer do you think God answers?  The first one!  Duh!  However, this is not for the faint of heart.  It requires honestly looking at your heart and your true motives for what you are praying about.  It requires leaving the outcome in God's hands and relinquishing control.  It requires putting others ahead of you and your list of wants that you think you can't live without (but know deep down in your heart that you can).  In other words, it's not for sissies.  However, if you are a Christian who is tired of having a spiritual life as lively as a college student at an 8:00 a.m. lecture (zzzzzzzzzzzz), then man up (or woman up, if you're a lady), and pray like you mean it!