Hopefully these blog posts have encouraged you to pray. We’ve talked about categories of prayer and along the way we’ve found some methods for praying and keeping track of prayer requests. I am also finding so many good resources on learning about prayer. The texting group I’ve been keeping up on with the young women in my church seems to be encouraging as well. But personally, I’m still struggling with setting aside consistent time to actually pray. I know what to pray for and I have lists and resources, but some days I still forget! Here are some tips for actually praying.
Set a daily time length goal. Seems obvious, but just like eating healthy or working out or learning a new skill, if you want to improve, set a goal for each day. It could be as simple as five minutes right after your Bible reading or ten minutes on your lunch break. Find something that works for you and then stick with it even when you don’t feel like praying. It’s amazing how often praying can turn your reluctant attitude into peace and joy.
Pick a specific time of day. This doesn’t really work for me because my job schedule hours vary from day to day, but maybe you have a steady schedule that would allow you to pray at the same time each day. It could be 5 minutes on your commute to work or 10 minutes before you go to bed. This can really help you remember to pray.
Leave yourself reminders. Remember that phones have alarm clocks, notifications! If you are on You Version’s “The Bible App”, you can even set a reminder there. If you’re using your phone for reminders and you are concerned about getting interrupted in your prayer time, just put your phone on airplane mode for focused prayer time. If you’re old school, consider leaving yourself Post-it notes in the car or bathroom to remind you to pray. Switch them out every so often to keep the reminder fresh.
Pray while doing other things. Yes, we want to set aside focused uninterrupted prayer time, but sometimes your only moment to pray is while getting ready for the day. I often pray while doing the dishes or weeding. I do have to choose to pray instead of listening to music or something else, but it’s worth it. Also, remember to pray while you’re reading your Bible.*
Pray with others. Find an accountability partner who will ask you how your prayer time was this week or text you a reminder each day. This can be really positive peer pressure that gets us out of deep slumps.
Pray even when it’s not perfect. Sometimes you won’t have enough time. Sometimes you won’t have your requests right in front of you. Sometimes you will get interrupted. That’s OK. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing”. “Without ceasing” doesn’t mean you always carry on a conversation, but that you don’t give up praying. If you miss a day or you didn’t make your goal, don’t cease! Start fresh the next day.
If you still think you are too busy to pray, then you are too busy with the wrong things. Start with cutting out leisure time then readjust other areas of your life if needed. If Jesus found time to pray in His busy schedule of travel, teaching, miracle-working, and disciple making, then you too can find a little time out of your busy day to pray to your heavenly Father.
*Great resources explaining how to pray through Scripture:
ARTICLE: https://biblicalspirituality.org/why-you-should-be-praying-the-psalms/
VIDEO WITH SAME INFO- https://equip.sbts.edu/video/can-improve-prayer-life/
And when you pray,
you must not be like the hypocrites.
For they love to stand
and pray in the synagogues
and at the street corners,
that they may be seen by others.
Truly, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you pray,
go into your room and shut the door
and pray to your Father who is in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret
will reward you.
-Matthew 6:5-6
Perpetual Felicities 