It is so easy to neglect prayer. One reason is because praying is such a private experience. Another reason is because we tend to be easily distracted during our times of prayer. Sometimes we have difficulty connecting with an invisible God. Prayer requires faith. Prayer requires patience and discipline. In fact, prayer is hard work.
Jesus nurtured His relationship with our Heavenly Father through the consistent discipline of prayer. Jesus modeled the value of staying connected to the One who created us. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave some practical steps to developing a meaningful prayer life.
“‘But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’” Matt 6:6 (NIV)
Not “if” we pray, but “when” we pray, we are to embrace an intentional plan. Let me give you a concise action plan that you can plug into your daily routine.
Carve out a daily time and private place to pray.
- Why carve out? Because if you don’t make time to pray, you won’t pray.
- Why a daily time? Because Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 (NIV)
- Why a private place? Because your environment will enhance or inhibit your daily time of prayer.
Action Step 1: Set an appointment to meet with God.
Action Step 2: Secure a place that ensures privacy.
Action Step 3: Start praying through Scripture. (Example: Pray through Matthew chapter six.)
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care