In many circles, prayer is some kind of empty meditation or positive thoughts or wishful thinking. It’s akin to wishing upon a star or just hoping for the best. Often, it’s us bartering with God, saying, “I promise I’ll do this if you just give me that.” But prayer is not a bargaining chip, nor a last-ditch effort for change, nor a cold peaceful meditation where we just empty our minds. In prayer, we fill our minds with the truth of the personal nature of God. It is an active way we take part in warring against sin in our lives and entrusting ourselves to God who is near to us.