I have a number of friends who are afraid to pray. They’re afraid of what God might call them to do, and rightfully so.

In prayer, we experience God’s love. In our response, we humbly return that love. And, if we have ears to hear, God always pushes us to go deeper. He says, “I love you, Jurell. Now, these are your brothers and sisters—go and love them as I love you.”

Jesus’ life shows us that prayer always extends to our neighbor; it pushes us to notice the divine spark in all of God’s children, to show love without reservation. It is this love that bears much fruit for the Kingdom.