The best way to learn how to pray is by listening to people who know how. It's more caught than taught. Mature pray-ers have certain attitudes in the way they approach God. They are obviously confident He hears them and that their prayers are making a diference. There is an intimacy and warmth in the way they converse with Him and a profound trust that He is good and loving and is there listening to every word. They seem to enjoy what they are doing and are actually refreshed by it. And it's usually something they've built into their lives in a disciplined way. Often there's a set time of day and a simple structure they'll follow, yet within that structure there's room for much spontaneity. They feel free to talk to Him about whatever or whoever is on their heart. And mixed into this conversation is a lot of listening as well. God talks to them just as they talk to Him. So answers may be received even while needs are being voiced.

Today, in this portion of Paul's letter to the Romans, he gives us a glimpse into his prayer life. We get to listen to a man with a mature prayer life tell us about a matter for which he has been praying a long time without growing discouraged. Let's listen and learn.