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7 Ways to Devote Yourself to a Routine of Prayer
- Katie J. Trent Crosswalk Contributing Writer
- Updated Dec 14, 2021
I remember how uncomfortable I was with the concept of prayer early on in my Christian faith. It felt awkward to pray aloud in front of others. I wasn't sure what to say. Was there a right or wrong way to pray? When I listened to people, it seemed like some went on and on. Others spoke very formally in their prayers, with a lot of "thou's" and "oh my little children." Then some essentially gossiped in their prayers (oh God, help Susy who did this, that, and the other). And, of course, you had the people who prayed over a meal with a generic and repetitive prayer more out of habit than anything else. Or the "get out of jail free card," you know, the "unspoken" prayer request. I wondered, is this what God wants? Is that what prayer is?
The Right Way to Pray
Fast forward 14 years of walking with God and leading in ministry, and I look at prayer much differently. I now realize that prayer connects my heart with God's heart through His Son Jesus Christ. Prayer is how we strengthen our relationship with God—and it's not only an important part of my faith but one of the most essential.
Prayer requires discipline and consistency, and there is no right or wrong way to pray. My prayer life changed when I stopped trying to imitate those around me and simply began a conversation with my Heavenly Father. I realized I could come to God completely myself—being fully transparent and vulnerable. I have laughed with God, cried with God, questioned God, rejoiced with God, mourned with God, and everything in-between.
I never considered myself a "prayer warrior," a term I often heard in church. To be honest, I don't particularly like prayer meetings. I tend to use quick and direct prayers. I don't have the focus to pray for hours at a time, but thankfully, I realized that's not what God asked of me.
Conversation and Connection
I love my husband. I've known him only slightly longer than I've known God. I love to talk with him, and we check in with each other throughout the day. Whether a quick text or lengthy conversation, it helps us remain connected and grow in our relationship. He's my best friend, and I enjoy hearing his voice and what's going on with him. God feels the same way. He loves us and desires an intimate relationship with us. That requires consistent communication.
"I don't often spend more than half an hour in prayer at one time, but I never go more than a half an hour without praying." – Smith Wigglesworth
I love this quote by Smith Wigglesworth and have modeled my own prayer life after this concept. I may not pray for long periods, but I consistently communicate with God throughout the day. Sometimes it's a quick thank you for a blessing in my life or asking for guidance in a situation. Often, I scroll through social media and say lots of little prayers for all of the hurting people and their difficult situations. Other times I spend a bit longer in prayer as I'm reading my Bible in the morning or seeking direction about something. Regardless of what's going on, I have cultivated a habit of regularly praying to God throughout the day. Praying continually is an essential habit for us to cultivate. "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-8 NLT)
Here are seven tips to help you devote yourself to a routine of prayer:
1. Make a list.
It's easier to remember to pray when you have a visual of things and people to pray for. The old saying, out of sight, out of mind, is true with our prayer life. When we have a list somewhere like the fridge, we will see it throughout the day, making it easier to remember to pray.
2. Set timers on your phone.
It can be helpful as you develop a routine of prayer to set timers on your phone to go off throughout the day. Then you can take just a few minutes each time to pray. It doesn't matter how many you set, so do what works with your schedule, and start with at least a couple. Give the timer a unique ringtone, so you know that's what it's for.
3. Take a few minutes at every meal.
Whether it's to pray over your food, to focus on thanksgiving, or just to pray about your day, a great way to cultivate a routine of prayer is to do it alongside your meals. Since you know you will eat at least a couple of times each day, you are guaranteed to pray daily with this tip.
4. Pray before you get out of bed each morning and before you go to sleep each night.
Have you ever woken up on the wrong side of the bed? Developing a routine of praying before your feet hit the floor can help you start your day off right. Following that up with prayer before you go to sleep helps you end your day in the best possible way. Praying before bed can also fill you with peace, quiet anxious thoughts, and help you to sleep more soundly.
5. Talk with God anytime you drive.
We spend much of our lives driving, so developing a habit of praying as we drive creates many opportunities to pray (and helps keep the road rage down a bit).
6. Create an accountability group.
If you've got a friend or five, create an accountability group. It can be as simple as making a group text message thread and sharing prayer requests and praise reports. Ask how you can pray for one another and check in with whether you've taken time to pray today. There is nothing more powerful than a group of praying friends united in heart and mind.
7. Keep a journal.
Take a few minutes each day to journal your thoughts and talk with God. You can utilize this space to track what you're praying about and celebrate the prayers God has already answered. Meditating on the prayers God has answered for you already ignites faith even in the most difficult season. It reminds us of God's faithfulness and fills us with hope for whatever we're facing that day. The journal can also serve as a treasured keepsake for loved ones for generations to come. "Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced." (Psalm 105:5 NIV)
Regardless of which methods you use, I encourage you to intentionally strengthen your prayer life. I would also remind you that prayer is meant to be a two-way conversation. If we spend all our time speaking, we miss the opportunity to hear what God has to say. Be sure to take time to listen as you pray and spend time each day quiet before the Lord.
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12 ESV
Photo credit: ©Milada Vigerova/Unsplash
This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for Anxiety
Prayer for Strength
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