Developing the Practice of Prayer

  The Power of Daily Prayer

Incorporating prayer into your daily life is a wonderful way to build an intimate relationship with your heavenly Father.  In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to relax and connect with yourself and God can feel overwhelming. But with these helpful tips, you’ll discover how to make prayer an effortless and rewarding part of your day, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.  Prayer will help you to reduce stress no matter how busy your schedule may be.  Even a few minutes of prayer each day can have a profound effect on your overall well-being.

Let’s begin with a simple definition.  What is prayer?  Prayer means having a conversation with God.  It’s more than talking to God.  It’s also hearing God speak to you.  Prayer can be silent or verbal, but it includes both speaking and listening.

There’s no set format to prayer.  You can talk to God any time, anywhere, in any position!  God gives us tremendous freedom in speaking with Him.  You don’t need to use fancy words or phrases, nor do you need to speak in Elizabethan English with “thee” and “thy” and “thou”.  Just speak to God as you would speak to a friend.

Some churches teach memorized prayers that are repeated over and over.  However, Jesus gave a warning about this in Matthew 6:7, “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do.  For they think they will be heard for their many words” (NKJV).  Other Bible translations use the phrase “do not heap up empty phrases” (ESV), or “do not keep on babbling” (NIV).  Prayer is not mindlessly repeating, but rather actively engaging in conversation.  Written prayers can be used for inspiration or a springboard for more in-depth conversation with God.  But repeating memorized prayers isn’t really a conversation, is it?  Remember, the goal is to communicate with God and have God communicate with you.

  A Place For Prayer

Creating a dedicated space for prayer in your home can help you establish a routine and make it easier to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Find a quiet and peaceful area where you can sit comfortably without distractions. It could be a corner of your bedroom, a spare room, the kitchen table, or even a cozy spot in your living room.

Decorate this space with items that inspire you. You could place a comfortable cushion or chair to sit on, a small table for your Bible and journal, and perhaps a candle or some plants or artwork that brings you joy. Consider using soft lighting or natural light to create a calming atmosphere.

Having a designated space for prayer sends a powerful signal to your mind that this is a sacred time for you and God. It helps you mentally transition into a state of stillness and focus, making it easier to let go of any external distractions.

Remember, your prayer space doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. What matters most is that it feels inviting and peaceful to you. Take some time to set it up in a way that resonates with your taste and style.

Of course it’s not essential to pray in a specific spot.  Having a “prayer place” is just a way to step back from the busyness of life and quiet your thoughts so you can hear from God and speak to Him without interruptions.  This can help you establish a daily habit of spending time in prayer.

Some people even make their car a prayer space.  I was a teacher for 44 years, and every day I had a 25 minute commute to school.  That drive often became a time of prayer and worship for me.  My car became my cathedral! 

  When Should I Pray?

If you’re a morning person, consider setting your alarm a few minutes earlier to create space for prayer before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. This can help you set a positive tone for the rest of the day and approach your tasks with a clear mind.

On the other hand, if you find it difficult to wake up early, you can try praying in the evening before bedtime. This can help you wind down and release any tension or stress from the day, making it easier to relax and fall asleep.

The actual time isn’t important.  Choose a time when you are mentally alert and least likely to be interrupted or distracted.  Experiment with different times of the day to see what works best for you. The key is to select a time when you’re most likely to be consistent and committed to your practice.

When starting a prayer habit, it’s important to start small and gradually increase the duration of your sessions. Trying to pray for long periods right from the beginning can be overwhelming and discouraging, especially if you’re not used to sitting still for extended periods.

Begin with just a few minutes of prayer each day, such as 5 or 10 minutes. You might set a timer to help you stay focused and avoid constantly checking the clock. As you become more comfortable with this routine, gradually increase the duration by a few minutes each week.

Remember, the quality of your prayer time is more important than the quantity.  Over time, you’ll naturally find it easier to sit and focus in prayer for longer periods.

Prayer doesn’t have to be limited to sitting in a quiet room. You can speak with God throughout your everyday activities, transforming them into opportunities for prayer.

For example, you can pray before meals, thanking God for His provision.  You can pray in the shower, thanking God for the blessing of hot and abundant water.  You can tell God how thankful you are for a home as you do your housework.  You’ll be amazed at how many things you can thank God for as you go through your day!

You can also incorporate prayer into your daily commute, as I did.  Observe the scenery around you and praise God for His beautiful creation. Instead of getting caught up in the stress and chaos of traffic, use this time as an opportunity to calm your mind in preparation for the day ahead.

Another way to integrate prayer into your daily activities is by incorporating short moments of stillness throughout the day. Take a mental break to reflect on God’s goodness, or to pray for a specific person or problem that’s been on your mind.  These brief moments will help you to develop an awareness of God’s continual presence in your life.

By finding ways to incorporate prayer into your daily activities, you’ll be able to experience its benefits throughout the day.

Challenges To Prayer

Establishing a habit of prayer can come with its fair share of challenges. It’s essential to acknowledge these obstacles and find strategies to overcome them.

One common challenge is finding the motivation to spend time in prayer, especially when you’re feeling tired or stressed. In these moments, remind yourself of the love God has for you and His desire to communicate intimately with you.  Remember the way prayer helps you feel close to Him, and use that as motivation to keep going.

Another challenge is dealing with a busy schedule. If you find it difficult to make time for prayer, consider incorporating it into your existing routine. For example, you can pray right after waking up, during your lunch break, or before going to bed. By integrating prayer into your daily routine, it becomes a natural and effortless part of your day. It may also help to remember the old adage, “If you’re too busy to pray, you’re too busy!”

Distractions can also hinder your prayers. If you’re constantly interrupted by external noises or thoughts, try using earplugs or playing soothing instrumental music to create a more peaceful environment. You can also use visualization techniques to imagine yourself in a serene setting, away from any distractions (God gave you an imagination for a reason, you know!)  Remember that Satan seeks to distract us when we try to connect with God, so decide you’re not going to give him the satisfaction.

Prayer can also be combined with other activities. For example, journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and transformation. As part of your prayer time, grab a journal and pen and spend a few minutes writing down your thoughts, insights, and feelings. God can use prayer and journaling as part of a healing process, to bring clarity out of confusion.

Consistency is key when it comes to prayer.  Just like any habit or skill, regular practice is necessary to experience the full benefits of conversing with your heavenly Father.  But staying consistent can be a challenge, especially when life gets too busy or unexpected events arise.  There may be times when you will need to adapt your prayer routine.

Don’t allow the enemy to throw guilt on you if you miss a day.  Remember that prayer is a privilege, not an obligation.  Be kind to yourself and don’t beat yourself up.  God always delights in hearing from His children!

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Related Posts:

“Getting Into God’s Word” https://www.livingthetransformedlife.com/getting-into-god’s-word

“Be Thankful– It’s Good For You!” https://www.livingthetransformedlife.com/be-thankful-it’s-good-for-you