Prayer is one of the essential parts of our spiritual growth, and yet most Christians struggle to pray regularly. Often we are unsure of what to pray for, how to pray, or even to whom we are praying.
I struggled for many years with how to pray. The only example I had was what I heard others pray. One is my husband. He prayed with such passion–I wanted that for myself. I found myself imitating his prayers until I felt comfortable with my own. Just like a child imitates a parent, I was an infant believer imitating someone who was more spiritually mature than I was.
It took time to cultivate a prayer life that was truly my own and not an imitation of someone else. It took understanding that I was not throwing words out into empty space but that my prayers were falling on the ears of my Heavenly Father. I needed to learn the posture of my heart mattered and that there was nothing that I couldn’t lay before God.
Prayer isn’t throwing words out into empty space; prayer falls on the ears of your Heavenly Father.
There is often so much to pray for and so many questions that arise in our daily prayer life.
Who do I pray for?
How often do I pray?
Should I close my eyes?
The questions could go on and on. The one thing we need to focus on, however, is whether or not we have a regular habit of prayer. Once we have a consistent habit, those questions will not be so overwhelming because we are focused on pouring our hearts out to God.
Beyond the basic questions, there is one that always comes to mind: How do I grow stronger in my prayer life?
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1. Write down Your Prayers in a Journal
This may seem like such a simple step, but there is beauty in putting pen to paper. For some, they find their words flow more freely on paper, but more than that, it is evidence of the work that God is doing in your life. It allows you to go back and see what God has done in your life. How He has been faithful, answered prayers, or maybe even moved you in a new direction.
When our family was in a time of a significant ministry transition, I wrote out my prayers as I always do. I was able to go back months later and see how God was putting all of the pieces together that I could not see in the midst of transition. I was so encouraged by the faithfulness of God, and it will be a documented reminder to my children when they are older.
2. Praying Scripture
Another way to grow stronger in your prayer life is to pray Scripture. When we read God’s word, it changes us, it points us to God and His character, and in turn, teaches us about ourselves and who God intends for us to be.
We can pray Scripture over specific areas of our lives.
If we are anxious, we can pray Matthew 6:25-34:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
When we need wisdom, we can pray James 1:5:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
When we are facing difficulties, we can pray Psalm 91:1-2:
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
When we are angry, we can pray James 1:19-20:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
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3. Ask Others to Join You in Prayer
Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law Christ.” We are not meant to walk through this life carrying burdens on our own and never asking for help, or sharing what is happening in our hearts. This doesn’t mean we share every problem we have on the newsfeed of Facebook. It does mean sharing our needs with those who love us and will genuinely pray.
Often we keep what we are going through to ourselves in order to protect our situations, but there is power in asking others to petition God with us. Asking a trusted friend to join you in prayer helps us grow in our understanding of the power of prayer.
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4. Practice Immediate Prayer
We can grow in our prayer lives by practicing immediate prayer. Often we will wait till a later time to pray for someone who asks, or even in our own needs. We should get into the habit of praying immediately. Whether you are in church or a grocery store parking lot, when the need for prayer arises, don’t wait until a later time.
Even in our best intentions, if we do not immediately pray, we often forget to do it or remember too late.
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5. Keep Prayer Lists
I keep a small notebook in my prayer journal where I keep a list of names I am praying for daily. I also keep monthly lists with specific requests and needs. Whether it is a family grieving, someone facing surgery, politicians, or even a financial need, I will write it down in my prayer notebook.
The goal of using this is to help you remember all the things that are on your mind to pray for. I keep it handy and take it with me if I know I will have some extra time to pray. Maybe you have a few minutes in the carpool line picking up kiddos, or while you wait in the doctor’s office.
Our prayer lives are our direct line to God. It is something we should value highly and seek to grow stronger in day by day. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “pray without ceasing.” Meaning never stop. Make it a part of your life, every moment of your day.
Michelle Rabon is a wife and homeschooling mom of three who feels called to help women thrive in their walk with Jesus every day. In 2012, she started Displaying Grace, a ministry that is focused on helping women engage with God’s Word. Michelle has also served in women’s ministry for the past five years seeking to equip women in the local church through Bible study. When she is not writing or teaching, she enjoys reading, being close to the ocean, and drinking a lot of coffee.
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Originally published Thursday, 27 February 2020.
