Are you wanting to go deeper in prayer this year?
Having a prayer life doesn’t just “happen.”
It takes choices. It takes faith. It takes abiding in Yeshua (Jesus).
Our busy schedules try to stifle it. Distractions hinder it. Sometimes even when we’ve set aside time to sit in God’s presence, our minds start drifting in other directions, and minutes later we realize that we’ve hardly even said a word to Him or listened to what He’s trying to show us.
I’ve been there. There are times when I feel my prayer life struggling, and times when it feels so alive. The good news is that every day we have a choice, and every year is a new start.
Here are some ideas to encourage your prayer life this year:
Listen to Music
Most worship songs are prayer put to music. When we praise God, it welcomes His presence into our everyday lives. Scrubbing baseboards, cooking dinner, or driving to town can become times of worship, so turn that music up.
Keep a Prayer Journal
Keeping a prayer journal can help you stay focused while praying. When I write a prayer to my heavenly Father, it’s often more reverent, thoughtful, and focused than when I say it. Plus, if you’re crazy about starting journals (like I am), this is yet another excuse to get a cute notebook (T.J. Maxx, y’all).
(For more inspiration, see our post: Keeping a Prayer Journal.)
Capture the “in-between moments”
So often the minutes of free time in our days are twiddled away, but they can be wonderful opportunities to take a break and rest in God’s presence. Do you have a few minutes to spare because you’re ready to leave the house early? (Confession: that doesn’t happen with me.) Do you have ten minutes of free time while the cookies are baking, or a minute before your toddler calls for you again? Each of these minutes are gifts from the Father.
Find a Prayer Partner
Prayer doesn’t have to be a lonely thing. Perhaps there’s a prayer group you could join, or maybe you have a friend who would like to commit to a regular time of prayer together (whether in person or on the phone). Can’t think of a prayer partner? Pray for one. If it’s God’s desire, He’ll bring along someone who will join you in prayer. Not only will this bring accountability and focus to your prayer life, it can strengthen a friendship in a special way as you seek His face together. Which leads us to…
Pray with Friends
After a chat on the phone or an afternoon spent with friends, prayer is a great way to close your time spent together. Also, if something comes up in your conversation that needs prayer, volunteer to pray right on the spot. It’s amazing the comfort and strength we can receive from God in those times. It might seem awkward at first, but I’ve found that it means a lot to friends.
Set Reminders
Set a reminder on your phone to pray at a certain time of the day, or place sticky notes around your home. Also, when you think of someone, pray for them. This is a great way to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Use Prayer Guides
Not only will prayer guides give you inspiration, they can also help you stay committed to daily prayer. What are you wanting to pray more about? There are quite a few prayer guides online that might be just what you were looking for. (You can also check out our “Resources & Reviews” page for a collection of prayer guides and inspiration.)
What are some more ways to focus on prayer this year?
Very good!
Thank you, Reya!
God bless! ~ Joy
Thanks so much for sharing this very encouraging post!
I can’t believe I didn’t realize there are prayer guides! That sounds like a wonderful tool for the Holy Spirit to prompt us to pray in certain areas.
I was blessed to have a prayer partner very early on when I was saved. It built a wonderful discipline for prayer.
I love your insight into “in-between” times. Instead of scrolling on Facebook during those times, use it to pray.
Wonderful post!
Dear Karen, I’m so glad that this post could be a blessing to you! It was delightful to hear about your prayer partner! Our God provides. 🙂
Many blessings ~ Joy
Beautiful sisters…what a lovely post – and on a topic that is precious to my heart…prayer. And what a wonderful way to strengthen your friendship!
It was during one of my darkest times in life that I depended upon worship songs for my prayers. Thank you for sharing on Grace and Truth last week. I have chosen to feature your post on this week’s link-up. Be sure to stop by my site to get your “I was featured” button to put in your post!
Miss Aimee, thank you so much for your thoughtful and encouraging comment, and also for sharing your own personal testimony of how worship songs have been your prayers. It’s always a blessing to hear when a post has been an encouragement to others. Thank you so much! To God be the glory.
Many Blessings ~ Joy
Finding this post has anerewsd my prayers