The discipline of prayer is one that can be challenging for many. For years, prayer was a difficult practice for me, mainly because it felt so formal. Yet, over the years, I have explored various ways to communicate with the Lord that have truly grown my faith and brought me closer to the heart of Jesus.
The discipline of prayer is one that can be challenging for many. For years, prayer was a difficult practice for me, mainly because it felt so formal. Yet, over the years, I have explored various ways to communicate with the Lord that have truly grown my faith and brought me closer to the heart of Jesus.
We see directions for how to pray throughout Scripture, and instructions on the purpose and practice of prayer for spiritual growth. Yet within these contexts, the motivation is ultimately to be in the presence of God—to commune with Him by sharing our hearts and humbly submitting to His sovereignty.
Psalm 16 is a powerful passage that encapsulates the purpose of prayer and challenges its readers to take refuge in the Lord as our chosen portion, beautiful inheritance, and greatest good. David reminds himself in this song that seeking other things produces sorrow, but in setting the Lord always before us, we shall not be shaken. He ends the psalm with a declaration of joy found in his time spent in the presence of his King saying,
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is the fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
We can experience this fullness of joy found in the presence of God as we seek to value prayer as a place of refuge and restoration. Here are a few creative ways I have come to practice prayer and experience the Lord’s presence.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/jjneff
1. Visual Prayer
This can look many different ways, but I love to journal, and sometime writing out prayers can be a personal way of connecting with the Lord. By using different colored pens and dating my prayers, I can look back at a rainbow of communication each month and reflect on God’s faithfulness in each situation. Journaling prayers also allows us to review our patterns of communication in prayer and reflect on the growth of our relationship in past seasons. By visually engaging in prayer in our time with Jesus, we engage our brains in multiple ways that allow us to experience prayer in a whole new way!
2. Experiential Prayer
Although there are many ways to engage in experiential prayer, such as using movement to signify surrender or confession, one new way I have begun to invite Jesus into everyday moments is by using a form of guided imagery (GI). For some, this may be challenging at first, but with practice, it is a powerful way to experience God's presence.
The concept of guided imagery is to create a mental picture of a safe space in which God is present and with you. Most scripts will encourage you to find a quiet and comfortable position and begin with a focus on the breath. This practice will look different for each of us, but it allows us to access the experience of “closeness” with God. For me, it often included the image of a space where God is holding me in His arms. Overall, this practice can strengthen our experience of God’s physical presence and also provide benefits of physical relaxation.
3. Silent Prayer
Ever feel like you don’t know what to say when you begin time with God? Sometimes the depth of emotions can leave us without words. This is why Romans 8 reminds us that,
“... the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (v.26-27)
I have found that seeking refuge in God’s presence can look different from day-to-day. Just like any relationship, there are times when talking is not necessary, and simply being in another’s presence is all we need. Recently, I found that when strong emotions of anxiety or grief are present, I can simply be still and sit with God. Not asking for Him to “take it away” but simply inviting Him into it with me (Isaiah 43:2). This type of prayer can be practiced in complete silence or with music, as the prayer or petition, inviting God into our hearts, hurts, and healing process.
4. Collective Prayer
This is one practice that I feel many find challenging due to the level of vulnerability expressed in corporate prayer. In my experience, I have found it to be so incredibly powerful the more I practice it. Recently, a dear friend texted me and asked to pray with her over the phone. I loved this invitation and through it, I was so sweetly reminded of the fellowship of the Spirit. Collective prayer initiates the sharpening of iron through our connection and confession with fellow believers. Finding a prayer partner committed to praying for us and with us, helps us in prioritizing prayer and engages us in cultivating meaningful fellowship within the body of Christ.
As scripture tells us, prayer is a practice that is to be done without seizing. There are no magic words, perfect formulas, or stipulations to communicating with God, it is simply to be with Him and invite Him into our hearts and lives. Let us keep learning to be near Him and experience as David did, the fullness of joy in the peace of God’s presence.
Carley Marcouillier is a northerner by heart southerner by choice, and currently calls Virginia her home. After completing her Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, Carley began to develop a passion for integrating the principles of counseling practice with the foundation of Christian theology. In addition to her clinical work, Carley is passionate about discussing topics of faith, theology, psychology, and everything in between on her social media platforms www.carleymarcouillier.com, Instagram, and Facebook.
Carley Marcouillier: A northerner by heart southerner by choice, Carley currently calls Virginia her home. After completing her Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, Carley began to develop a passion for integrating the principles of counseling practice with the foundation of Christian theology. In addition to her clinical work, Carley is passionate about discussing topics of faith, theology, psychology, and everything in between on her social media platforms www.carleymarcouillier.com, Instagram, and Facebook
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This article is part of our prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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