1. He wants humility: That's a tough one. We can be so proud of our accomplishments, our inventions, our lifestyles - you name it. I'm afraid humility isn't one of our strengths as a nation or individually.
2. He wants to talk with us: God wants to engage in the dialogue of prayer. About the only prayer I knew growing up was one of those stock prayers recited over meals. Now that I'm older, I know what God longs for is an ongoing conversation with us. He cares about the details of our lives. He invites us to bring to Him our fears, pain, sadness, confession, joy, hopes, dreams - you name it, He's waiting for us to talk with Him about it.
3. He wants us to seek His face: I've read that the word "seek" carries with it the sense of pursuing God with a "burning desire." With passion. With gusto. At some points in life that is not as easy, is it? Ever wonder why not? Maybe a good place to start is to ask Him that question: Why am I not passionate about seeking Your face at this time in my life?
4. God wants us to experience the freedom and joy that comes through confession and turning from our sin: It's one thing to say, "I'm sorry God for my sinful choices" and another thing to do something about it, namely, turning from our sin and embracing what's right.
Prayer is a critical practice for any Christian, but it's also something that, since we do so often, we run the risk of taking too lightly. How often have we ended a conversation with a friend or loved one by assuring them, "I'll pray for you" but the failing to do so? Or how frequently have we been the one asking for prayer ourselves, but not thinking too deeply about the significance of the request?
Habits and routines can be good—but they can also cause us to get into an easy rut and maybe forget just how awesome a privilege it is to be in communion and conversation with the Creator of the universe.