A Consistent Prayer Life: A Beginner's Guide

Prayer is about the relationship between you and God. It’s an open conversation about what’s going on in your life. Of course, God knows but He wants you to tell Him all about it. Your feelings are important to Him.

Philippians 4:6 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Most requests have some element of anxiety about them. Why carry that? In the verse above, we are told to take our anxiety to the Lord. Be sure to thank Him for everything.

Begin Simply

Prayer does not have to be long. It does need to contain your thoughts and needs.

Try 5-10 minutes at a time
Find a quiet place.
A time when you can be alone

The letters ACTS is a good way to remember what to include in your prayer.

A- Adoration (Praise)
C-Confession of sin
T- Thanks
S-Supplication or petition for others or yourself

Start in a Manner Comfortable to You

Set a time: Are you a morning person or night owl? Fit the time that is best for you and your day.
Use reminders: Especially at first you may need a reminder. Connecting this to a routine you have already established can help you stay on track.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV “pray continually,”

Sounds impossible? It’s not only about directly accessing the Father but being in a state of fellowship with Him. Listening to Him throughout your day as He helps you walk with Him.

Use Helpful Tools

Prayer Journal: This is a great tool to keep track of your prayer list, requests and thoughts. It can help you stay on track.
Prayer list: Just a notebook or sheet of paper with names of people you want to pray for to keep you focused on your requests.
A Bible: You can read scripture as a prayer. The Lord may bring to mind a verse you need to read.

Below is an example of Psalm you can use as a prayer:

Psalm 63:1-8 NIV “You, God, are my God,
    earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
    my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
    where there is no water.

I have seen you in the sanctuary
    and beheld your power and your glory.Because your love is better than life,
    my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you;
    I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
    your right hand upholds me.“

You can read the Lord’s Prayer here: Matthew 6:9-13 NIV

Be Persistent

Remember:

It’s normal to miss a day and have times when we feel distracted.
A short prayer is better than none at all.

Galatians 6:9 NIV “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Like anything we do for the Lord, we need to stick to the goal. There are always things to interfere with what we are doing but if we hang on, we can achieve what God wants us to do.

God Wants You to Succeed

Prayer is about building a relationship with God that He wants.
No matter the length or wording, God wants and loves your prayers.
He is patient, kind and faithful.

Psalms 16:8 NIV “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.“

You can read all of this Psalm here: Psalm 16

The Lord is always there for you, to help and love you.

Conclusion

As a child of God, you will learn more about prayer by doing it. The Holy Spirit will help guide your heart which will in turn guide your words.

Here is a sample prayer to begin:

Our Wonderful Father in Heaven,

Thank you for this time I can spend with you. I want to become closer to you and walk in your way. If there is any sin, (name the sin) I confess it now. Help me to become more consistent in my prayer time and make it a part of my daily life. Teach me to trust you in everything.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

I’m sure you will do a better job.

Try to commit this week to a routine that is good for you. Go to the Lord and open your heart.