There isn’t a cookie cutter formula when it comes to prayer. Some sit or kneel, and others stand or walk. Many speak out loud, while others whisper quietly. Some pray with friends, while others choose to pray by themselves.
No matter how we choose to pray, prayer is essential for a follower of Jesus.
Just as a relationship with your best friend would soon turn sour if you stopped speaking, so too will our relationship with God. Prayer invites us into constant communication with God so our relationship with him can flourish.
But, if we’re honest, there are times in our relationships with God where prayer can feel flat, rote, or downright lifeless.
Here are 5 ways to jumpstart your prayer life this week:
1. Write them down.
Instead of speaking your prayers aloud or in your mind, choose to record your prayers in written form each day this week. Pick up a notebook or journal and write down your words of thanks, requests, and adoration to God. You can even begin recording your prayers on those blank pages at the back of your Bible—it’s worked for me.
2. Snap a photo.
Start a collection of pictures of things, ideas, and people you need to be reminded to pray for. Each time you scroll through the photos on your phone, in a scrapbook, or on the refrigerator speak words of blessing and prayer over them.
3. Memorize and meditate.
Choose a passage from the Bible such as The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) or Psalm 23, and pray the passage for five minutes each day this week. Ask God to help focus your heart and mind as you pray. Focus on each word as you speak them to God.
4. Only Use Three.
Limit the length of your prayers each day this week. Instead of using long-winded prayers, consider limiting your prayers to 3-words. Rather than thank God for this amazing day, simplify the prayer to, “Thanks for today.” As you distill your prayers to their simplest form, reflect on what you’re really saying to God and how much you are trusting God.
This practice is explored indepth in Wonderstruck book and Bible Study.
5. Study the Prayers of Jesus.
Whether your prayer life is vibrant and active or struggling and inactive, I’d like to challenge you to prayerfully consider and reflect on the prayers of Jesus. There’s something about the red words that breathe life into my tired heart and ignite my prayer life once again.
As a special gift for you, when you subscribe to MargaretFeinberg.com, you’ll receive a PDF download of the Prayers of Jesus. Click here to subscribe.
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Gather. As we gather for the final Summer Bible Study discussion, let’s talk about these question (leave your answers as a comment):
What sacred echoes have you recognized in your own life during the last couple of months?
I like the idea of getting a photo of the ones you pray for and putting them in a scrapbook or on the fridge to remember to pray for them when you see their face. Writing down the prayers requested by a friend or family member has been good for me as I have a binder I put it in and if answered prayer, I can record the date and later see how the Lord has been so faithful to listen to the needs of His children. Great ideas offered and I pray that your article will touch many with the need to pray often and deeply for the needs of others.
So thrilled this resonated with you, Kathy!
check out the Instapray app <3
Thanks, Kelly!
Thank you so very much your bible study has been such an on going blessing for me. Just yesterday as I was studying Prayers of Jesus. I was drawn to Matt 11:29. It was one of those WOW moments. It’s one of those text I have heard so many times I just kind of glaze over it. But yesterday it was a scared echo. It was just for me at the perfect time. Thank you, Margaret.
I am so thrilled you have enjoyed The Sacred Echo, Kathy!
Hi! I use the free app Instapray to pray! The app allows now to post photo prayers! Its amazing! Apparently they have processed over 10.000.000 prayers already! God is Love!