5 Practical Tips to Pray More Consistently:Part 1
The end/beginning of the year is always a time where I like to fast and seek the face of God for direction and insight concerning the upcoming year. However, I find that one of the hardest parts is usually praying consistently and intentionally. I’m still a work in progress but God has taught me A LOT about how to show up for our intimate conversations over the past few years so I’d like to share some practical tips I use to pray. Remember its not about the length of time it’s about developing a heart that is shaped in the presence of God.
1. Set a schedule with reminders
This one is very basic but please let us not deceive ourselves by pretending we’re just so saved that we will remember to pray in the midst of a busy schedule or the distractions of life. If you really want to pray, it has to become a priority so schedule it out and set an alarm on your phone to remind you. It seems simple enough but it’s really a game changer. Particularly when I’m in a time of fasting and I want to pray more. During a time when I’m denying myself to seek the face of God, the reminders help keep me on track. I hate getting to the end of a busy day and realizing that I haven’t eaten (or got on social media, or had any meat, etc.), but I also haven’t prayed. We are trying to draw closer to God not punish ourselves so consistent, intentional prayer is absolutely essential. I personally like to schedule time to pray in the early morning, mid-day, and night during a fast so I’m meeting with God at mealtimes. But in my regular routine I find scheduling quality time with God when I wake up and before I go to bed has done wonders for my prayer life.
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit for help
Sometimes prayer can feel daunting, especially if you haven’t done it in a while or you’re working on being more consistent during a time of fasting. The truth is PRAYER IS HARD, but the Holy Spirit can help guide you and direct you on how to pray and what to pray for. Yes prayer is just talking to God but then I get sleepy, distracted, bored, and restless. Sometimes the thought of going into prayer with all this pressure of hearing something from God about specific decisions you have to make can feel daunting. Sometimes I just feel so overwhelmed by all I have to do and everything I need to pray about that I put it off for as long as I can. However scripture tells us that God is able to search our heart and help us to pray based on what’s really at the root of the issue and the will of God for our lives. Like a conversation with an old friend that you trust to be safe place for sharing what’s on your heart, the Holy Spirit guides the conversation based on what he knows about you
Romans 8:26-27
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[l] in harmony with God’s own will.
3. Start with the word
Often times the best way to begin in prayer is by hearing from God and one of the most clear ways that he speaks is through the bible. I stay on Google searching for scriptures that are going to address whatever issue is on my heart (I’m not about to pretend to be a bible scholar). Whether it’s direction about a decision, feelings of shame, clarity about next steps, or just wanting to grow in my faith, I can usually find a scripture to read and meditate on. God then uses that to begin ministering to my heart and showing me how to pray based on his word. And then its simple because I don’t have to find the words, they are right there on the page and God can begin to bring them to life as it relates to whatever I’m going through. Ya’ll ever prayed the Psalms?? Baby Psalm 32, 91, 51, 139??? My man David was in his feelings and I am too so praying from those scriptures really hits different.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
4. Play worship instrumentals
We are human so we can’t separate our spirit, mind, and soul. Our emotions therefore play a part in the process of prayer. They shouldn’t lead us but they are there so clearly God wants to use them. Worship music is a great tool to stir up our affections for God. Sometimes a song can put into words things that we just don’t have the language for. However people (I am people) sometimes use worship music as an excuse not to share their own words and thoughts with God. I find that Worship music with lyrics is great to start a time of prayer, but the worship instrumentals are really where it’s at. Some simple chords can really help shift your mood when you’re carrying all the stress from the day into the place of prayer. There aren’t any lyrics to interrupt your thoughts but it sets an atmosphere of worship by signaling to your brain that it is time to talk with God. Find a playlist I love to use in prayer here!
Colossians 3: 16
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
5. Pray while walking or driving
There is something about praying while moving that really helps us to focus in the place of prayer. I think its because part of our body is occupied with something semi-automatic so our spirit and mind can just focus more closely on Jesus. I’m not sure but I do know it works! One way I create time to pray on busy days is to pray in the car. Praying in traffic?! A game changer. I mean the time is going to pass anyways, so you might as well spend it talking to Jesus. Walking has a similar effect but I find that I can be more focused and in-tune with the spirit when I’m actually out on a walk breathing in fresh air and looking at God’s creation. Some of my most beautiful and intimate times of prayer have been on long walks with my heavenly father.
Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[a
I hope you found these tips practical and helpful as you look to practice the discipline of prayer and that you try some of them out in your own faith journey. Definitely let me know if you do and stay tuned for part 2!