Prayer is Power.
Take a look at just a few of the verses in the Bible that speak to the power of prayer:
“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.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
James 1:5
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day… praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:12-18
“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
James 5:16b
In these verses alone, we see that prayer produces peace, stops Satan’s schemes and powers toward our loved ones, and is the channel through which God is moved to shape lives.
WHEN WE PRAY, ETERNITY-IMPACTING POWER IS UNLEASHED!
Yes, prayer is power. Still, even knowing this, we struggle.
A COMMON PROBLEM
One of our biggest struggles when it comes to prayer is TIME.
No matter our life season – college student, newly married, young mom, mom of teens, employed full-time outside the home, at-home mom, empty-nester, retired – we are all busy. And often, we allow our busyness to keep us from prayer.
If you ever find yourself as I have…
…Rising in the morning with heart and mind set on spending some precious time in prayer that day, only to think as your head hits the pillow that night, “I forgot to pray!”
I invite you to consider these practical suggestions for overcoming the TIME struggle.
4 STRATEGIES
Make Prayer a Priority
No, don’t simply declare it in your mind. Move yourself to action.
Schedule your prayer time by writing it on your calendar or setting an alarm on your phone. Those who are married know that there are times when in order to keep your marriage relationship strong, healthy, and vibrant, you’ve needed to schedule date nights or weekends away.
How much more important is our relationship with our Heavenly Father?
Examine Your Life
Know when to best schedule your prayers by first taking the time to examine your life.
Grab a journal or create a document on your mobile device and spend a few days paying attention. How are your days being spent? To get the best picture, track your daily activity for a few days or even for a couple of weeks.
Then sit down with your list, a clear head, and some good judgment to determine the best time of day for scheduling your prayers.
Hint: If you are a mom with children in school, the best time for scheduling your prayers is probably not 7:00 AM while you are trying to get the children ready and out the door for school!
Pray as You Live
A healthy prayer life does absolutely require that we pull away from the activity of life to engage in times of concentrated, scheduled prayer.
However, to fulfill the Bible’s command to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), we must sprinkle moments of brief, spontaneous prayer into each day.
After you have scheduled your on-your-knees, war-room prayers, use your same list to look for places where you can engage in prayer as you live your life.
- Standing in line at the grocery story
- Sitting in the pick-up line at school
- Doing the laundry
- Cooking dinner
- Having your morning coffee
Discover a Way of Praying that Connects with Your Unique God-Wiring
It is a fact that we tend to make time for the things we enjoy.
What is it that you enjoy? How did the Creator of the universe wire you?
Are you a naturalist? Do sunsets and mountain vistas draw your soul to God? If so, pray as you walk through the park or sit by a stream.
Sensate? Do you feel closest to God through your senses? Pull up an instrumental playlist or bake some cookies while you pray.
Ascetic? Drawn to solitude and simplicity? Find a quiet spot away from noise and distraction to pray.
Whatever it is, use your wiring to discover ways to pray.
PRAYER IS POWER! Which strategy will you employ this week for unleashing the power?
We all know prayer is power. It is, in fact, crucial. However if we are honest, but of us have to admit to struggling in our prayer life. Whether it is finding the time or knowing what to pray, we get roadblocked.
Praying with Purpose is a practical resource for helping each of us become more intentional in our life of prayer.
Features:
- Practical ideas for getting past the busyness and to the act of prayer.
- A selection of methods for praying that connect to an individual’s unique God-wiring.
- Prayer guides FILLED with ideas for what to pray.
17 comments
When You Don’t Know What to Pray: 5 Simple Strategies - Deborah Haddix
[…] last week’s post, we discussed the tremendous power of prayer, along with one of the major prayer obstacles we face […]
Angela Johnson
Deborah, you definitely hit the nail on the head. Time is our biggest excuse for a poor prayer life. These are some great ideas to include prayer in our day. I especially enjoyed, praying in a way that connects you with your unique God-wiring. Very interesting to think about. I am pinning this to my Prayer Life board.
Lauren Sparks
I’ve recently been revamping my prayer life after a stale season and really appreciate these tips. laurensparks.net
Melissa McLaughlin
I need this reminder again and again! Prayer is power. Our personal connection to God, the Source of life and eternal life. What could be more important? Praying He helps me place Him first through my prayers.
danellsteffengmailcom
I like the idea of scheduling a time for prayer like scheduling a date night!
Patsy Burnette
Thanks for stoping by and linking up at InstaEncouragements Deborah! I believe this is the first time I’ve visited your blog. Nice work! Followed and liked on FB, Twitter, Pinterest and Insta. I love the post on prayer! Pinned and shared. Prayer is one of the greatest weapons we have in our Christian tool belt, yet it is so terribly under utilized! Thanks for the four great points here to remind us of the importance of a consistent prayer life.
Beth
These are great and creative ideas for getting us moving on our prayers, Deborah! Thank you for sharing and inspiring us! I’ve pinned to my prayer board.
Jana Carlson
It’s amazing how we resist prayer and find excuses for neglecting to pray when the results of prayer are so positive. I have never regretted spending time in prayer. Ever. So why is it so hard to discipline myself to prioritize it? I appreciate the practical tips you’ve shared in this post, Deborah! Thanks for the encouragement and the reminders of what happens when we pray!
Theresa Boedeker
Love you ideas about praying and baking, or listening to music, etc. There are so many ways to connect with our father. And they will not all look alike.
Lauren Sparks
Prayer is power. Amen. Visiting you from the heart encouragement link up. laurensparks.net
Laurie
Deborah, you are so right – prayer is power. We know that God wants a conversation with us and I feel better when I pray. Why, then is it so difficult to make time for prayer sometimes. I love your suggestions. “Pray as you live” is especially powerful. Thank you!
Deborah
Patsy, Thank you for stopping by and for sharing the post. I so appreciate your kindness and your words of encouragement. I’m following InstaEncouragements as well.
Deborah
Beth, Thank you for your words of encouragement and for pinning the post. I appreciate you!
Deborah
Jana, Your words are so true. Regardless of my experience with and knowledge of prayer, I find it so hard to discipline myself to prioritize it. So thankful for sisters who understand the struggle and are willing to encourage and help. Thank you for stopping by today.
Deborah
Theresa, Don’t you just love all the variety in God’s beautiful creation? So very glad for this gift He has given to us!
Deborah
Thank you for visiting, Lauren. I love meeting friends and neighbors from Heart Encouragement!
Deborah
Laurie,
Thank you for taking time to offer these encouraging words. I pray each day finds you “praying as you live.”