Prayer Resources
Our church recently had a Renewal Conference where we focused on prayer for 20 days. We studied the Lord’s prayer and were encouraged to listen to a short podcast daily on a breakdown of the Lord’s prayer. I also read Reset: 20 Ways to a Consistent Prayer Life. It was a very focused time and beneficial.
I don’t know about you but this past year with COVID-19 things have shifted for us. The weight of everything is more than we can handle. Brent and I are spending more time together and we’ve started praying once a week together. We’re not perfect but we try and it’s making a huge difference. So many people around us (including us) are in need of encouragement and prayer. Prayer is a weapon. Prayer is effective. Prayer matters.
If you are wanting to dive into a deeper prayer life or this is your first time to tackle prayer, either way, I want to set you up with some resources and tips that hopefully will be helpful. First, I’ve found it helpful to read what the Bible has to say about prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer
“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.
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For if you forgive others their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
but if you do not forgive others their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:5-15 (ESV)
How to Pray (Practically)
First, find a time and location to start. Being alone would be best, if possible. The less distractions the better.
Remember that prayer is a conversation between you and God. You have a direct line to God, no need to go through anyone else.
You can speak your prayers to God, write them down, or think them in your head.
Your position and location don’t matter. You can sit, stand, kneel, bow your head whatever you’d like. God can hear your prayers no matter where you are.
Grab an old notebook and a Bible. You don’t need much to get started. Sit quietly and listen, tell God your concerns, he wants to hear your heart.
You’ll find lots of good information in the resources below.
Resources on Prayer
If you’re new to prayer, this is a great beginners guide.
The ACTS prayer model is helpful if you’re looking for a simple guide:
- Adoration – Praise God for who He is. Some of the names and attributes of God.
- Confession – Confess your sins to God.
- Thanksgiving – Give thanks to God for what he has done and is currently doing.
- Supplication – Bring your requests to God, those of your own and of others.
Free podcast teaching on the Lord’s Prayer (20 days) from our church.
Reset: 20 Ways to a Consistent Prayer Life by Bob Sorge
Get a journal to record your findings, thoughts, and prayers. You could go fancy, plain, or just use an old notebook. I started out using a 3×5 notecard.
How to Connect with God as a Busy Parent
Encouragement for You
I know so many things can pull at our attention. I know it’s easy to go through a whole day and not pray. I know from personal experience the benefit of prayer. I know somedays it’s very difficult to sit and have a focused time with God but I know it’s possible. Today is a new day. Start small. It’s doesn’t need to be perfect just show up and see what God does. I still believe in the saying, “Your discipline will become your delight.”
Remember God is always available, He loves you. A quick little prayer of just a few words throughout the day reminds us that we are not alone, God is with us.
“True prayer is a way of life, not just for use in cases of emergency. Make it a habit, and when the need arises you will be in practice.”
– Billy Graham
What is something that helps you in your prayer life?
You may also like You are Loved or Money, Tears, and Hope.
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