At some point in your Christian walk, you will realize your need for prayer. It is not a question of if, but when. While the suggestion here is to start working on your prayer life right now, it is more realistic to expect that a change in your prayer life will be predicated on a life changing event. But consider that if you make improving your prayer life a priority, that in and of itself, is a life changing event.
One of the stumbling blocks that have been placed in the path of many seeking a more intimate prayer life is the way in which we engage in public prayer. While not denying the value and power of public prayer, the stylized, formulized, and ritualized way in which it is presented can be intimidating to the novice. One of the thoughts it engenders is that if you don't pray like people like to do in public, then you are not praying. You don't talk to other people like that, so why should you talk to God like that? Assuming you have made the commitment to improve your personal prayer life, how do you go about it? There is no single answer that will work for everyone. What is presented below is a simple process for improving your prayer life. It is not the only way, and will not work for everyone. But hopefully you will come away with some new ideas on how to proceed. Count your blessings. That is, make a list of everything you have in your life that you do not need to survive. Next, make a second list of your faults and your sins. Be honest about it. If there is one paramount principle for prayer, it is honesty with yourself and God. Finally, make a list of items you are concerned about and wish to pray for. Again, use a discerning eye. Are all the items you listed things that you should be praying about? For example, most people would love to win the lottery, but is this an appropriate prayer item? If you find you need a car, do you pray for the top of the line luxury car, or do you pray for a reliable car in general? How you maintain these lists is a personal choice. You can choose to write them down, put them on a computer, or keep them in your head. The important part is that you are thinking about and considering these subjects. You should also select a passage from the Bible that is pertinent to your life situation, to consider. There are many daily devotional resources available. They usually have titles that reflect their content. You don't necessarily need to go day by day. Rather thumb through one till you find something that fits your needs and life situation. In the morning during breakfast find the devotional passage that seems appropriate. Read it, and the verses associated with it. Most are only a few paragraphs long. As you travel to work, talk to God, vocalizing within your mind, as you would to a respected advisor. Review your blessings and give thanks to God for them. Next, review your faults, and ask Gods to help you overcome them. Then discuss application of the verses and devotional you read earlier with God and ask for insight. Review your prayer requests and ask what Gods will is for them. Finally, remind yourself of the price that Jesus paid for your salvation, and acknowledge him as your savior and intercessor with God. Then repeat on your way home. There are no formal words, no ceremony, and no rituals. As it should be, it is yourself and God. Adapting the above example to your daily life, you should expect to see results. However, do not expect specific results. When you do recognize results, you will most likely be surprised by the form they take. It might be a better feeling about your life and the world around you, or a sudden epiphany or insight into something you have been praying about, or some other blessing. You will find your prayer life and your relationship with God improving daily.
Last update : Saturday, 15 September 2007
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