Creating a Practice of Prayer

I want to pray but I don’t know where to start.

If you are asking this question, it is necessary to know why prayer is important. In the New Testament, Jesus was a model for having a passionate and consistent prayer life. He prayed to the Father for help in trouble, to overcome temptations, for major decisions, for others, and a variety of other ways. Prayer is important because Jesus modeled it and Scripture affirms it. (Luke 5:16, Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46)

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” - 1 Colossians 4:2

“Prayer is awe, intimacy, struggle—yet the way to reality. There is nothing more important, or harder, or richer, or more life-altering. There is absolutely nothing so great as prayer.” - Timothy Keller

Before beginning to create a practice of prayer we must evaluate our conception of prayer. Prayer does not look the same to everyone, and often comparing our prayer life others can be a hindrance. Prayer is not folded hands, on your knees beside your bed repeating alms as we are informed by Hollywood.

Whether it is sitting down with a cup of coffee and prayer journaling, praying aloud with a group of people, or quick inner prayers at your desk, there are many forms of prayer, so there is no formula to create a perfect, passionate prayer life. This is something I have learned while reading numerous books on prayer and searching Scripture. The Lord has been patiently teaching me that prayer is not perfect, and not always passionate, sometimes it is mundane. (Yes, you read that right.)

How should we begin to pray?

It starts by creating a practice of prayer. Goal setting and creating a routine I have found is the best place to start. By setting a goal that is specific, practical, achievable, and measurable (SPAM) ensures that you will be more likely to stick to it. For example, I am going to pray aloud for 5 minutes at 7 a.m. at my breakfast table. That is a goal that is specific, practical, achievable and measurable. Once you are able to achieve that starting goal, you can build on it.

What should we pray?

Will you pray aloud any thoughts that come into your mind? Will you journal? Will you use notecards? The Bible gives us a model in Matthew 6:5-15, however there are numerous ways to create a prayer life. Choosing the form of prayer does not matter as much as just spending dedicated alone time in the presence of the Father.

“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.’”

Consistency is the key to a practice of prayer. Making it a part of my daily routine ensures I don’t miss prayer, and it has made it become a habit. However, I daily ask God to evaluate my heart motives behind my times of prayer, to ensure I am praying because I have a personal relationship with the Father, not because I am going through the motions. Remember to give yourself grace, your prayer life does not have to look like everyone else’s. For me, prayer does not come easy, but it is always so beneficial, as it not only connects me to a loving Father who wants to hear from me but it allows me to unburden my worries and anxieties to Him.

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us” - 1 John 5:14

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Philippians 4:6-7

“Prayer is asking God to incarnate, to get dirty in your life. Yes, the eternal God scrubs floors. For sure we know he washes feet. So take Jesus at his word. Ask him. Tell him what you want. Get dirty. Write out your prayer requests; don't mindlessly drift through life on the American narcotic of busyness. If you try to seize the day, the day will eventually break you. Seize the corner of his garment and don't let go until he blesses you. He will reshape the day.” - Paul E. Miller

Here are some books on prayer that I highly recommend:

Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting Word

Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God