Practiced Prayer
If someone were to ask you, what have you been praying for? Would you have an answer? This question sort of stopped me in my tracks the other day. See, it’s easy to get stuck in the “same-ole-same-ole” routine in all areas of our lives – including our walks with the Lord.
Now, I’m not referring to praying just to get things from God, but maybe it’s better to say what have you been praying about? We have a truly remarkable opportunity at our finger tips every day – we can talk to the living God.
Prayer is not some note you tie to a bird and cross your fingers, hoping it gets to the right person. No, it’s as real of a conversation as talking face-to-face with a friend.
“So we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And if we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know He will give us what we ask for” (1 John 5:14-15). Jesus tells us, “If you ask Me anything in My Name, I will do it” (John 14:14).
These are the words of Jesus. Are you living your life as though this were true? I have to admit, I don’t always. But I’m trying a new practice I want to share with you. I’m going to choose to believe it.
Practice makes perfect, and beginning the habit of prayer is where you and I must start. Every weekday morning I start my day with a little bit of quiet time outside. I have a journal, my Bible, breakfast, and coffee with me. I’m a man of routine.
The last few weeks I’ve been writing out Monday through Friday at the bottom of a page and by each weekday putting down something specific that I want to spend a few moments intentionally praying for or about.
This could be anything. I’ve prayed for my calling, my friends, family, things that I want – the first five things that come to mind is what I’m writing down. There are two reasons I’m enjoying this practice. First, it’s helping me pray more and pray with a point. Secondly, I’ll be able to look back weeks and months from now and see how the Lord has shown up over those requests down the road.
I remember a friend asking me once, after I’d concluded a long rant about not being where I’d like to be, “have you been praying about that?” I’d certainly been thinking about it a bunch, I’d been bothered by it, frustrated, but I forgot to pray and bring it to the Lord. I’d been neglecting the most powerful tool in my toolbox – turning it over to God.
Is there anything that comes to mind that you’d like to begin bringing to the Lord? This isn’t meant to be a Christmas list, although wants and needs can certainly be included. Is there a family member you’re feeling led to intercede for, or a relationship that needs to be prayerfully considered, maybe it is something your heart is deeply desiring?
Try this for a week. Write down the first five things that come to mind. Spend Monday on the first, Tuesday on the second, and so on. Let’s practice prayer in the Name of Jesus together, invite God into the midst of our realities, and see how He works – you just might be surprised at the ways He shows up.
