“I’ll pray for you.” “Thoughts & prayers.” “Prayers & blessings.” “Sending prayers your way!” We’ve all seen these phrases on cards, commented on Facebook and Instagram posts, and heard them from other well-meaning individuals. And we’ve probably used these these phrases without much thought. While these phrases support and comfort others during tough times, do we follow through on our our promise to pray? Why would we promise something so powerful that we hardly ever actually put into practice? Christ followers are called to be good for their word.
“Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.” Deuteronomy 23:21
Why is pursuing a deep, intimate relationship with God is so difficult for us? God wants to know us and He wants us to lift our thoughts, concerns, worries, praises, ideas, etc… everything to Him. Prayer is powerful and crucial for deeper unity with God. Prayer is how we build a relationship with God. It’s how we let God in and learn to submit to His Will. I am no expert and am often guilty of slacking in in my prayer life, but here are a few practical suggestions on how to seek deeper intimacy and relationship to God.
1. Be Consistent
Develop a set morning routine that involves reading the Bible, prayer, and journaling. Wake up early enough before first commitment (I have to wake up 1.5 hours before walking out the door to get ready and not be rushed) so that you can create quiet time. Devote a consistent block of time each morning, maybe start with just 10 minutes a day until the habit has developed, then you can increase the amount of time as you feel led by the Spirit. Check out our Finding Freedom series for more practical ideas on how to establish a morning routine.
2. Limit distractions
Use a real, hard copy Bible for quiet time, and put your phone on silent and leave it in the other room! I am guilty of allowing distractions to seep in during my quiet time. I sometimes use the Bible app on my phone, which is great for on the go, but at home I subconsciously will allow text messages and social media apps to distract me. Before I realize it, I’ve been sucked into a technological black hole for an hour, I’m running late, and I still haven’t done my quiet time. God is rightly a jealous god and when we let little distractions like this interrupt our time with Him, it shows God that we are idolizing worldly things instead of prioritizing our relationship with Him. Check out this blog post for more information about hearing God’s voice amidst the noise.
3. follow a Prayer format
Jesus showed his disciples how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:4-15). This is a great starting point if you are in need of guidance. The word has so much information and guidance and we should always start by seeking what God has to say about the matter. (Side note: we highly recommend a Whole-Bible reading plan. Check out this one that The Gospel Coalition recommends!) Try starting out with digging into the Lord’s Prayer and other examples of Jesus’ prayers from scripture before diving into more personal prayer using one of the formats below.
Sample Prayer Methods:
- Eric Liddell’s Prayer Method– we summarize as Submit, Thanks, Reconcile, Pray, Word, One Thing
- FRATSS- Forgiveness, Repentance, Admiration, Thanksgiving, Submission, Supplication
- ACTS- Admiration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication
- SOAP- Summary, Observation, Application, Prayer (specifically for methodical Bible studies)
- PART- Praise, Admit, Request, Thank
These methods offer great guidance for sparking conversation with God and can help to guide our time in the Word as well. Find a style that you enjoy too- journaling, prayer lists, prayer jars- anything that you can use to reflect on and see how God has answered those prayers or changed your heart on a topic. Continue to persist in your prayers until you have found they are answered and rejoice when God has been faithful!
4. pray out loud
Many of us are terrified to pray out loud, even with our spouses or fellow community group. It is intimidating for us to speak what is truly on our hearts, but when we reveal our souls and struggles to others, God hears. Our spouses and friends can help to hold us accountable to our prayers when we are open and honest, so we shouldn’t be reluctant to share with them. Additionally, when we are gathered, especially in prayer, the Holy Spirit is alive within us (Matthew 18:20). Pray with your spouse this week before dinner or pray with a friend in the moment, instead of promising, “I’ll pray for you.” If you are involved in a community group or Bible study, devote some time during your regular meetings to prayer and don’t be afraid to volunteer to pray for the group!
5. Trust in His Plans
God can give us 3 responses to our prayers: “Yes”, “No”, or “Not Now”. If God does tell you no, don’t be discouraged. God has perfect timing and perfect plans. We can trust in His plans to change our paths and our hearts. Ultimately, ask that God’s Will be done. Wait, watch, & listen for God to answer your prayers in His way and His timing.
Give me eyes that I might see the work You are doing in my life and give me ears that I may hear your voice above the noise of this world, Father. May Your Will be done in my life today and everyday.
What other tips do you have for building a better prayer life? Please comment below or send us your suggestions!
