Praying…
As church going, Bible believing Christians, we know that prayer is vital to our faith. But, I wonder sometimes if we have lost sight of how powerful prayer can be. We give it lip service all the time, saying, “Oh, I’ll pray for you” whenever someone is in the midst of trials. And some of us really do, but many of us lift up a quick prayer and go on with our day (maybe I’m just talking about myself here!) I don’t know why prayer seems so hard sometimes, because I have experienced what a sweet pleasure it can (and should) be.
There are the ladies who have notebooks full of prayer requests and they faithfully pray through those lists daily. There are those few who show up the monthly church prayer meeting and there are the dedicated ones on the prayer chain. But, for many of us, the demands of life can crowd out prayer time.
Even in my quiet moments set aside each morning, thoughts of to-do lists and my agenda for the day can overtake any true meditation. Some days, it just feels like I’m trying to wake up and check this off my list.
So, how do we regain our passion for prayer? I am trying a few different things to remind me of the amazing gift we’ve been given.
First, I’m praying out loud. It’s harder to get distracted that way! I’m also praying through the Scriptures. I read a verse and then rephrase it in my own words and use it spur on praise and intercession. It helps my prayers to stay focused.
Second, I’m praying more often. I’m reminding myself to pray in the morning, at noon and in the evening. And, I’m not just praying through a list, but taking these times to talk with Jesus, to share with Him the burdens of my day and to thank Him for the gifts He so graciously gives.
Third, I’m praying with others. There is an unmistakable power found in corporate prayer. When we pray over each other, we bless one another. When we agree with each other in prayer, our communion with Christ and each other grows.
And most importantly, I’m reminded that prayer isn’t something that I should have on my to do list, but time to spend with my savior. If that means I need more time so I can set aside the cares of the world before I can see Him clearly, then I will give it more time. It is the most important thing I can do each day!
Amen, pray without ceasing.
Very true, Heather. On some days I am doing well on my prayers (even write them out), but other days I just have the quickly said and go on.
Thank you for the reminder to pray on a more regular basis and don’t just ‘check-it-off’ the to-do-list.
Hi Heather, this is my first visit to your blog and I will be back! Prayer is so powerful… it opens us up to a different world that I don’t think we will ever fully understand! God is so big! Thanks for the encouragement! -Blessings, Amy
Wonderful look at prayer. Makes me think about how often I talk to my kids every day….must grieve Gods heart when we His children dont put more into our conversation with Him other than to just check it off of our list. Lord help me.