Prayer is like oxygen to the spirit and without it a believer’s relationship with God will suffocate.
Though most believers would agree with this, still many find themselves stuck when it comes to prayer. Often times it seems boring, dry, or you simply just don’t know where to start.
While the idea of talking to God may be intimidating the truth is that it is easy if you follow these simple steps:
Why Pray
Many believers don’t pray because they do not see the value in it.
However, as you look through the Bible, you will find so many examples of what prayer can do. Here are three reasons to develop a prayer life.
- The Bible is Filled with People Who Prayed
The Bible is filled with men and women who did extraordinary things for God and all of them had a great value for prayer.
In the Old Testament you will find Daniel, Elijah, Esther, and Joshua, who gave themselves to a life of prayer.
Throughout the book of Acts, you see the early church gathering to pray. Paul and the apostles give numerous exhortations to pray throughout their letters.
Then there is the best example, Jesus Himself, who continually found a way to spend time in prayer.
As you see these incredible people, and there are plenty more to mention, there is no doubt that you will begin to be inspired to pray like they did.
- Prayer Connects Us to God
Relationships are built on solid communication, and your relationship with God is no different.
As you spend time in prayer, you will find yourself more connected to God than ever. God is a Father who loves His children. The good news today is that He is a God that wants to talk to you.
When you begin to see that He enjoys it when you pray, your heart will come alive all-the-more to give yourself to a life of prayer. Jesus said, “Come to me…” (Matt. 11:28). Jesus wants to talk to you!
- Prayer Changes Things
One of the best ways to be encouraged in your prayer life is to see that prayer truly works!
Though you may not see immediate results, over time you will find that consistently praying over your family and circumstances can really bring forth change.
One of the primary exhortations of Scripture is to remember. One way to encourage yourself in this area is to look back on your life and remember the times that God has done something for you.
If you are having trouble remembering, or maybe you are a new Christian, you can read the Bible and see the many times where God delivered and blessed His people. James promises that the prayer of the righteous is “powerful and effective” (James 5:16, NIV).
You can be encouraged to pray more by seeing that prayer works!
How to Pray
You have now seen why you should pray, but some may still be wondering — how?
Prayer is really quite simple; anyone can do it.
By being intentional and committed, and applying a few practical steps, you can develop a consistent prayer life. Here are three simple steps to develop a prayer life.
- Schedule a Time to Pray
Prayer will not just happen; you must make it a priority.
One of the best ways to prioritize prayer is to put it on your calendar. Having a set time to pray will help you stay consistent. Try to set a time where you can be somewhat undistracted and where you can spend time alone, if possible.
Jesus made a habit of prayer, so much so that the disciples caught on to His schedule.
Luke recorded that Jesus went “as usual” to pray on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39).
Daniel is another great example as he scheduled prayer three times during his day (Daniel 6:10).
You will be far more consistent in prayer if you put it on your schedule.
- Start a Prayer List
Everyone has experienced the moment where you go to spend time in prayer and after five minutes you have nothing else to say.
It is normal to get stuck or distracted while trying to pray.
One of the best ways to get past this is to start a prayer list to help you in your prayer time.
You can list family members you want to pray for, situations you need God to intervene in, or you can find areas in yourself that you want to pray for (Example: pray that you would be more patient, kind, gentle, etc.).
Having a prayer list can help you stay more consistent and help you through those awkward times where you don’t know what to say.
- Pray with Other People
One last way to develop a prayer life is to start praying with other people.
Find others in your family, church, or community and set a time to gather and pray with one another. This can help provide accountability and encouragement.
Proverbs says that iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17) and gathering to pray with others is one of the best ways to “sharpen” your prayer life.
You have now seen why you should pray and you have been given the tools to start.
While there are many other resources, tools, and tips to help with your prayer life, the only way to grow in this area is to pray.
It’s really that simple.
Your call to action is to sit down this week and find a way to put these steps into practice. Look at your schedule and find a time, make a list, and invite a friend.
You can do it!
