Here are 7 points which I have devised which I feel can help aid in developing a flourishing prayer life. I will like to start off by saying prayer is NOT at all easy. I probably should have mentioned it in the first post. I was someone who used to really DETEST prayer. I remember one time when I was younger my dad said “ok let’s share the grace” I accidently said yes out loud. I would always sigh under my breath when I heard the words “time for prayer”. But now I totally love prayer, couldn’t go a day without it, although there are still days were it is a struggle, but it’s now become a way of life for me. I would also like to note that these points are not in any way compulsory for you to follow, they are more like guidelines.
1. Make a date with God
Set a time aside for God EVERY DAY. This is helpful because you know that when it gets to let’s say 6pm its time for your phone to be off, and it’s time for you to prepare to get into the presence of God. Once we discipline ourselves to meet with God every day we gradually form a great habit, which then becomes a way of life. Life can be very busy and emergencies can come up, but I’m sure there is a little moment in the 24 hours which God gives us, just to say God I thank you. Speaking with God on a regular basis helps strengthen our relationship.
2. Find a quiet place
I say this because there are so many distractions around us in this day and age. Being in a quiet place just helps limit the number of distractions we may face. I fully understand that it can be extremely hard to do so, especially if you have a big family, kids or a new born, but God will surely bless you for all the effort you make. The definition of a quiet place could mean completely different things to two different people i.e. some people can revise with music, whilst others don’t like to hear any noise at all. The point I’m trying to get across is that you know what works best for you. You should choose an environment that will help minimise all distractions and help maximise the authentic time you spend with God!
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer
The Holy Spirit is our helper and our guide (John 14:26), so why not ask the Holy Spirit to help you to pray and teach you how to pray. The bible even says that when we do not know what to say during prayer that the Spirit intercedes on our behalf through groans (Romans 8:26). The Spirit provides us with strength, energy and fuel for prayer, the Spirit helps us to live an abundant Christian life.
4. Prepare your body, mind and spirit
There are so many disturbances which we can face, and life can seem like a total mind battle. When the mind is distracted by the cares and worries of life, it is hard to concentrate on God. I personally believe that the point of prayer is to focus on God, and God alone, giving Him your undivided attention. I usually tell my body “Ok its prayer time, and body you are going to submit to the Spirit of God, so you better behave”. I then go onto tell my mind “Mind don’t worry about the cares of life”. I also take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, just as it says in 2 Corinthians 10:5. Finally I tell my spirit to “relax in God, trust in Him, and take complete and total authority over the flesh”. For we all know the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak Matthew 26:41.
5. Use the scripture
My personal favourite has to be reading the word of God, over the years as I have spent time reading and meditating on God’s word, I noticed a positive change in my prayer life. Once you have the scripture in your heart you can speak the promises of God into existence in your life. You can also use scripture to come against every lie of Satan. For example you can pray along the lines of ‘For God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind’ which is taken from 2 Timothy 1:7. Scripture helps us build a platform for effective prayer as we end up praying for God’s hearts desires which are written in His word. Reading the scripture helps inspire your prayer life!
6. Take Notes
Keep a record of what God drops in your heart for you to pray for. I know this can be particularly tedious for one to do, especially when in your zone (in the holy of holies). I usually find it hard to take notes during my prayer time, but I occasionally jot a few things down before or after prayer time. You can also pray for God to give you the spirit of remembrance, so that you have a record of what God tells you. Also if you’re half way through your day and God just ministers to you, keep record. It’s so nice to look back and see the number of prayers God has answered.
7. Talk to God like a friend and like a father.
Just try and picture Him right there in the room, tell Him how your day went, what you struggled with, and never forget to offer Him thanks and praise. Prayer involves you pouring out your heart to your heavenly Father, it’s about being transparent with Him. Sometimes we can overcomplicate prayer and think we have to use fancy words or pray like Pastor John or Deaconess Mary. It’s really about coming to God as you are, like when you talk to a friend or loved one. I’m sure you speak as freely as you choose when with loved ones and you may have your own personal jokes and phrases which you use. That’s how it should be with God. Sometimes I just find myself sitting on my bed and literally saying “God what’s up, what is on your mind today”. Lastly remember that nothing is too small to pray about, God delights in every detail of our life (Psalm 37:23).
GOD BLESS.
