In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, finding moments to stop and pray can be difficult. When we do find time, we may not always 'hear' from God, which can dishearten us and make us less likely to seek this quiet time with God.
I am here to share with you practical ways to strengthen your prayer life, find time and enjoy communion with God.
1. Set Aside Dedicated Time
Humans are creatures of habit. If we always wait to be motivated to pray, we will have few times where we will act upon this motivation. Psychology shows us that rather than waiting for motivation to strike, we do much better with allocating a specific time each day for prayer. Consistency helps establish a habit and instead of depending on motivation, discipline and reinforcement patterns kick in to help us stick to daily prayer with God. (Think about brushing your teeth, you don't have to consciously motivate yourself to brush your teeth everyday, instead you do it as part of your daily habit of getting ready in the morning or before bed)
2. Create a Sacred Space
Designate a quiet place where you can pray without distractions. This could be a corner in your room, a garden, or a peaceful spot in nature. Place images or verses around this space to look at and help yourself get into the mindspace ready for prayer.
Everytime you see and sit in this space, you will trigger thoughts of prayer, and are more likely to pray more often and for longer.
3. Don't Treat God Like a Vending Machine
A common trap we fall into as Christians is only praying to God to ask for things. We treat God like a blessing vending machine- put a prayer in and get a blessing out!
God wants us to have a relationship with Him. We wouldn't treat our friends like we sometimes treat God - only talking to them and seeking their company when we want something from them.
Instead, spend time praying worship to God, thanking Him for saving us and loving us despite our flaws, for the blessings and provisions He has already given us.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New International Version):
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
James 4:3 (New International Version):
"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
4. Listen in Silence, Sit in His Presence
Prayer is not just about speaking; it's also about listening. Take moments of silence to just sit and be present with God. A common thing I hear people say is that they can't feel God's presence. In Hebrew, the term for Holy Spirit is "רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ" (Ruach HaKodesh). The word "רוּחַ" (Ruach) means "spirit" or "wind". Jesus talks about how the Holy Spirit is like the wind around us - we cannot see it but it is always there, working (John 3:18).
5. Pray the Scriptures
If you're lost for what to pray, open up scripture and read. The psalms, the letters of Paul, and the prophetic books are all great places to start when you are uncertain of what to pray for. Allow the words, messages and intentions to fill your mind. Allow God to breathe revelation into the scripture to help convict you of what to change or do in response to these words.
Reading the scripture and understanding how the Voice of God sounds will help you hear His voice when He speaks to you in your quiet time. John 10:27 says " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me". Learn the Voice of God through the written word, and learn to recognise Him when He speaks to you.
6. Pray with Others
Joining others in prayer can be a source of strength and community. Calling up a friend and asking them to pray for you, and for you to pray for them in return, will help to strengthen your spiritual discernment, your servitude towards others, and encourage your spirit. Often we reach a block when praying because our own thoughts and emotions can cloud what God is trying to speak through our Spirit. Having someone external pray over you can help you to receive more clarity.
7. Keep a Prayer Journal
Maintain a prayer journal to record your prayers, thoughts, and experiences. I love reading back through old journals to see the prayers that God has answered, and the prayers that are still being worked on.
In my journals I use different annotations to show myself what words I wrote down from myself, and what words I felt God speak over me. This helps me when I'm reading over it later to see what was something I prayed for out of my own flesh, and what is a promise from God. This is something we can easily fall into -- not every prayer we pray is in God's will for us, but every Word He speaks over us is true. Separating these two will help you stay in alignment with God's will for your life, and not get carried down the path of your own fleshly desires.
May these ways help you to have a more fruitful prayer time with the Lord. We offer 1:1 christian coaching for individuals who want to improve their prayer life, and take the next step towards their faith goals. Book your appointment today and lets work together to help you achieve all that God has placed on your heart!