'Do as I say, not as I do' isn't exactly a quality pep-talk. Sadly, a survey revealed that, of 1000 pastors, half admitted that they can go through long periods of time without taking time out to pray. Some preached persuasive sermons about prayer, yet it wasn't a feature in their own life.

We shouldn't look to the religious people in the Bible for the most perfect way to be or how to relate with God. They are human beings with human failings. We need to look at Jesus. What did He do? Jesus woke up before dawn and spent hours in prayer. He even prayed all night. Did it show? Of course it did! Look at the miracles He performed, the lives He touched! It will show for you too if you make it your simple routine to start and end each day with God.

You'll start to find yourself praying throughout the day as things come to you. Talking to Him will come to be simply second nature. Most importantly you'll want to do it, rather than feel pressured to. How would you feel if your boyfriend or girlfriend said they feel 'obliged' to spend time with you. No one wants that. Neither does God. Wait what? Is this God-thing, like, a relationship? Joyce Meyer wrote: 'I realise that prayer is a great privilege, not a duty. I no longer approach God in fear, wondering if He will really hear me and send an answer to my prayers. I now approach Him boldly, as His Word teaches me to do, and with great expectation.'