My dad would always say, “Thank you, Lord, for letting us come into your presence.” And it left a lasting impression on me.

Prayer is definitely a privilege, not a duty. It’s our time to communicate and listen. No matter how or when or where we pray, God has promised to hear our prayers.

The Bible (1 John 5:14) promises that “... if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” I know it to be true.

God’s people pray in many ways. The Bible’s Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the evening hour. I’ve been there too.

Some kneel down, and some fall on their faces. Some sit silently and listen to the Lord. Some raise a loud voice.

The key is to listen for his response. That, too, is part of two-way communication. Sometimes, he wants us to think for a while before he responds.

The Lord constantly provides times, opportunities and places where we can pray. I think of the times of being broken down in the field and asking God to give me patience and to not let me panic, as there was still enough time left in the day to order parts so we could be up and running the next day.

God is on duty 24 hours a day. All we have to do is take the time to talk to him.

Thank you, Lord, for letting us come into your presence. What a friend we have in Jesus — all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

Norman writes from Woodstock, Conn. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International.