Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. James 5:16 (AMPC)
Prayer is communion with God; there we agree with Him saying the same thing as He does, it therefore must happen and flow from the heart.
God looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For [the LORD does] not [see] as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
God listens to the heart. God speaks to the heart. He responds to and answers the heart.
The forces of life are from the heart – Proverbs 4:23, so even true prayer which is a mighty force comes from the heart.
Hannah was a barren woman whose heart’s desire and cry was for a child. So she prayed to the Lord. Here’s a perfect example of heartfelt prayer
1 Samuel 1:12-15 (AMPC) And as she continued praying before the Lord, Eli noticed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk.
Eli said to her, How long will you be intoxicated? Put wine away from you. But Hannah answered, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I was pouring out my soul before the Lord.
Heartfelt prayer is not even heard by those so close to us. Only God who sees and hears the heart can clearly hear it loud and clear.
Heartfelt prayer is honest and sincere communication with God. Talk to Him as to an intimate and trusted friend. No pretense, no hiding. Don’t impress people. Don’t persuade God, He’s already fully persuaded of you as His cared for one who has His undivided attention.
Like Hannah just pour out your innermost longings and concerns to God well knowing He’s not only able but willing to take care of it all.