MAKING PRAYER A FOUNDATION
Daily prayer is a great reminder that I am not in control – and God is. Making prayer a regular habit brings me the hope and peace that I need as I go through each day. In this blog I share with you a few methods I have consistently used over the years that have allowed me to incorporate prayer into my day.
KEEPING A PRAYER JOURNAL
Journaling is a significantly important part of my life. I have all kinds of journals, but my prayer journal is my most important one. It reminds me about how God has answered prayers (for myself and others) and is a good marker for where I am in my prayer life. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to look back and see how prayers I’ve made have been answered and God’s hand has been upon my family. Without my journal I feel like I’m almost ‘cheating’ God by not remembering a season He has brought me through. I encourage you to begin to note down your prayers and thoughts in a journal, over time you will be amazed to look and see what God has done.
ASKING FOR PRAYER
Kathy and I have consistently taken an open approach to sharing with friends and family major challenges we are going through and asking for prayer support as we walk through it. Doing this is not easy, as it requires us to be open and vulnerable; but we have been blessed time and time again as we’ve seen countless prayers answered.
I believe however, if I’m going to ask for prayer then I’ve also got to be willing to pray for others. It is a joy to pray for others and connect with close friends and family this way when they are going through a challenging season in life.
COMMUNICATING YOUR PRAYER SUPPORT
From time to time, I find an opportunity to communicate with individuals whom I’m praying for. Doing this serves a variety of purposes – a) they know I’m praying for them, b) it edifies them, and c) I get the chance to remind them of God’s protection and provision. I’m encouraged and they’re encouraged, every time I do this.
USING TECHNOLOGY TO PRAY
I use an app called Prayer Prompter to remind me to pray. It allows me to group and categorize prayer requests, and then reminds me daily to pray. I keep this app on the first page of my phone, and I like the fact the reminder stays in red until I open the app. I’m sure there are several other apps that offer prayer prompts; simply find one that suits your needs. It’s a blessing when you’re able to move someone off your list because God has answered a prayer they had.
PRAYING WITH YOUR SPOUSE
Kathy and I don’t have a regular prayer life together. We both pray individually daily – and I wish we were able to make praying together a habit. However, the times that we do, it’s an amazing blessing to both of us. Praying with your spouse is definitely worth leaning into and making part of your routine.
PRAYING AS A FAMILY
From when they were young, Kathy and I have shared with our children some of the plans and projects we are focusing on. We believe it’s important to include them and commit them to God as a family. It’s been encouraging to see how God has answered many of the prayers we have shared, and it has collectively built our faith.
PRAYER TEAMS/ PRAYER SUPPORT GROUPS
I maintain a variety of groups in my contact list that I use for prayer support. The groups range in size from five all the way up to over 200. The prayer request and its significance determine which group I reach out to. With the Internet and emails, it becomes extremely easy. In addition, you can provide detailed clarity on your requests and can communicate easily and joyfully as prayers are answered. It’s a great way to connect and drive your relationships deeper.
PRAYING IN MY CAR
Praying in my car is something that works well for me, just being alone in the car seems to be an easy time for me to pray, talk with God and watch the road at the same time.
PRAYER AT MEALTIMES
As a family, we are committed to pray at every meal, and we make no exception when we’re out in a public restaurant. We hold hands around the table and give God thanks. It’s been a powerful testimony and often we have had servers and other people come up and tell us they were encouraged to see us pray.
ACTION STEPS
These are some key methods I have used to make prayer a part of my day. Indeed, there are many other methods that one can use throughout their day. Please take the time incorporate ways that you can continuously be conversing with God throughout your day. As you spend more time in His presence, your faith will be strengthened, and you will develop a richer relationship with Him.
Please share any questions or additional thoughts on prayer – in the comments section. I would love to hear from you.
