Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are three traditional practices of Lent. They are meant to help us turn away from self-defeating habits and open ourselves to God so he can help us be the people we were created to become. So, why do we pray?

Thinking of prayer as a genuine relationship, or friendship, with God may be help us understand prayer better. Why do we spend time with friends? As I thought about this, I realized that I treasure time spent with good friends. If I have not had good conversations with dear friends, life seems to be out of sorts. When I spend time with good friends, I feel more whole and alive. If you want to know God, and if you want to know yourself, pray. Talk to God. There are many kinds of prayer (adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving), but in the end, prayer is simply conversation with God. This is especially true during Lent.