Though it’s a vital discipline in the life of a follower of Jesus, sometimes prayer can also feel like one of the most challenging disciplines. It’s something we don’t always understand or know how to do. It’s both beautiful and mysterious. Where do we begin, and is there a right or wrong way to pray? Even if we do have a growing prayer life, sometimes we simply need fresh ideas to help us connect even more deeply in our conversations with the Lord.
Today I want to share a few ideas for how to spend your prayer time. My hope is these ideas give you the confidence to simply try talking to God more consistently or in a more honest way in the days to come.
First, what exactly is prayer? Simply put, prayer is talking and listening to God. I include the “listening” part because I think that’s something we might not emphasize much when we talk about prayer. Think of a conversation with a friend. If one person talked the whole time and never stopped to listen, the relationship might not grow as deeply, right? The same truth applies to prayer. God wants to hear from us. He wants to listen to our joys, sorrows, and requests. He knows what we need before we utter a word, but there is purpose in our confessing and sharing what’s on our hearts with Him. He also has much to teach us in the stillness and the listening we do as we talk with Him.
One of the most helpful ways to think about prayer is to think of it as a practice. It’s not something we should expect to be experts in the first time we try talking to God. Prayer is a spiritual discipline we practice over and over again. There are always ways to grow and learn in prayer.
So, what are some ideas for how to spend your prayer time?
Make it personal.
The amazing thing about prayer is there are no rules or “right” ways to pray. That means you can pray in the way you feel most comfortable or connect best with the Lord.
Do you enjoy writing or reflecting on what’s going on in your mind and heart through words? Consider journaling your prayers. One of the benefits of journaling is you have a record of what you’ve shared with God, and you can look back at what He has done and what He has taught you over time.
Are you more of an auditory learner or an external processor? Try speaking your prayers out loud to the Lord. Sometimes when we hear our own voices process out loud what’s on our hearts, the Lord uses it to help us discover more about ourselves and our circumstances. Speaking our prayers out loud can be an effective and meaningful way to communicate with God.
Change it up from time to time.
When you pray, you don’t have to pray the exact same way every time. It’s OK to incorporate variety into your prayer life. The most important thing is consistency and coming to God with a genuine heart.
Here are a few ideas to try:
- Write one prayer request on an index card. Then, write another on a different card. Create a small stack of the things you’re praying about and carry them with you in your purse or keep them on your desk at work. Pick them up from time to time, pausing to pray over a card or two each time you see them.
- On sticky notes, write down the names or initials of people you’re praying for—one on each note. Stick them to a wall you see often, your bathroom mirror, or your refrigerator. Whenever you see the notes, pick a name to pray for and spend a few minutes talking to God about that person and what he or she needs.
- Go for a prayer walk. It’s as simple as it sounds; a prayer walk means you pray as you walk. If you’re walking in your neighborhood, pray for each family as you pass their house. If you’re going for a quick walk around the office building, pray for each person in the cubicle or office you pass by. When you’re out shopping, pray for the people in your home you’re shopping for or the community where you are spending your time and money.
Connect prayer with other activities.
Sometimes we pressure ourselves into believing prayer can only happen when we’re perfectly quiet in a room with worship music playing in the background or while we’re kneeling before the Lord in a posture of humility. Those are wonderful ways to pray, and it’s good for us to talk to God in that way. But it’s also OK to talk to the Lord while we’re cooking dinner, walking the dog, brushing our teeth, or cleaning the living room.
What if every time you make your coffee in the morning, you spend a few minutes praying for your day? The daily habit of making and drinking your coffee will help you remember to begin the day with a posture of prayer. Could you spend the time you’re sitting in the car line waiting to pick up your kids in prayer? That regular occurrence of waiting can be redeemed by spending some time praying for your kids, their friends, and their teachers. Think of things you do every day or most days and consider how you can incorporate prayer into those activities.
I hope you feel encouraged and inspired to simply pray. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, and it doesn’t have to be for hours. The Lord is with you all the time; prayer is one way we can connect with Him throughout our days and remember His faithful presence in our midst.
Tessa Morrell is a production editor for Lifeway Women. She is passionate about serving in her church and studying Scripture with others. She also enjoys visiting local coffee shops, browsing in antique stores, and creating jewelry and art.
