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Prayer
is a very important part of our Christian life. So, why
do many Christians find it so hard to pray? Maybe it's
because we have the wrong attitude about prayer. Prayer
does not have to be "hard work" where we must
remember to pray for everything and everybody in one setting.
Prayer does not have to take place at a specific time
or last for a set amount of time. Prayer is simply talking
to God. We can all do it anytime, anywhere, and as often
as needed.
If you feel like your prayer life could use
a little refreshing try these tips to rejuvenate your
time with God.
Change
the location.
If you've made your prayer time a ritual that takes place at
a certain place each day, try switching it up a bit. Remember,
we have a relationship with God, not a ritual with God. Although
there's nothing wrong with having a specific place where you
like to pray at a set time (this helps us develop discipline
initially), a routine can become boring and lifeless if we let
it. Try praying while you go for a walk or even in a different
room. It really doesn't matter what you decide to do differently,
the principal is just to break up the monotony.
Change your method.
Some people like to pray silently with their eyes closed.
Others like to pace back and forth while they make confessions
from the Word of God out loud. Whatever you normally do is
fine. But, trying something outside of your comfort zone may
energize your prayers. Try communicating with God in a brand
new way. How about writing him a letter or sending him an
email (I'm not sure what His email address is, it's probably
something like jesus@heaven.com; God knows what you are writing
anyway, so he'll get it even without you sending it). Imagine
when you pray that Jesus will come to your house just like
any friend would to comfort you when you are having trouble
and give you good advice. The point is to relate to God as
if He is really present and listening to you, because He is.
Change your expectations.
God hears us immediately when we start praying. Sometimes
we may not feel like He has heard us because we do not have
an emotional experience, like crying or overwhelming feelings
of joy. So, we may pray longer and harder trying to obtain
that emotional high. But, just because we don't always "feel"
God, that doesn't mean He isn't listening. Just like in any
relationship, there will be highs, lows, and plateaus. Think
about it. Every time you interact with your spouse, friend
or brother you aren't in tears or leaping with excitement.
The same is true in your relationship with God. Sometimes
when we pray God will just be communicating instructions or
a simple word of encouragement. Just know that He cares and
is faithful to answer our prayers.
Be honest.
Don't try to fool God when you are praying. This will affect
your intimacy with God and hinder your prayers from being
answered. If you are harboring unforgiveness in your heart
towards someone, tell God about it and ask Him to help you
forgive that person. If you have done something that you know
is sin, confess your wrongdoing and ask God to forgive you.
Once you have cleared your conscience with God, you can speak
with Him confidently knowing that you are in right standing
with Him. Remember . . .
"The
eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears
are open to their prayers." (1 Peter 3:12, New Living
Translation)
Today's
Life Key: Prayer is an expression
of relationship with God, not a ritual with God.
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