It’s safe to say we could all pray more and we should always strive to get better at it. We all go through periods of time when it can feel impossible to pray. Have you ever worked out for a couple of weeks or more and your body started to crave it? But then something happened and you got out of the routine of doing it and working out seemed like a painful chore? Prayer is the same way.
If you have ever had a strong prayer life before, then you probably have experienced this at some point. Here are two prayer strategies that will change your life. They have changed mine for the better and I know they can change yours as well.
I had always prayed a bit in my head before bed, but it didn’t last long usually and I would fall asleep. I thought that was good enough and I know many people do the same thing. This is not how God wants us to pray. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” Phillippians 4:6-7. This sure sounds like we need to pray pretty often. Don’t get overwhelmed by that verse, though. Your prayer life will evolve over time.
God doesn’t expect any of us to be perfect Christians, but you have to take the first step and give God more of your time. It will amaze you how He will change your life. Most people who have had a strong relationship with God or still do agree that when they slack on prayer their clarity on life begins to get foggy. My relationships with the people around me are not as good. And I stress a lot more when my personal relationship with the creator isn’t as strong.
You may feel like you have a million and one things to do and praying will only put you behind. But here’s something I have learned about that. The more you pray, the more you will get done in your life. It’s crazy how that works, but it’s so true. It’s past time to pray once you start to feel overwhelmed. God will give you the peace and direction you need.
1. Change Your Self Talk
My Pastor preached about something really awesome one day and it has changed the way I pray ever since. Do you talk in your head to yourself? You might just be thinking about what you need to do later or replaying something that has happened to you. Try directing that self-talk to God. Involve him in your day and after a while, you will find you are talking to God most of your day! It’s so simple. I couldn’t believe I had never tried it before.
This is why having a good Pastor in your life is very important. They help you see things that you didn’t before. I want to be as close to God as possible and learning from someone that’s been saved for a long time is so much better than trying to just figure it out on my own.
I also don’t do formal prayers, I like to talk to God like he is my best friend because that is exactly who he is to me. Formal prayers can get very repetitive. We wouldn’t want someone who we love to mindlessly repeat themselves every day to us, so why would God? Now, I’m not saying that formal prayers are bad. But they are when that’s all that you’re doing.
2. Give Thanks, Ask For Forgiveness And Specific Requests
So I had done the previous strategy for about a year and it worked great for me and then I saw the movie War Room. If you haven’t seen it, you should. It is awesome and helps you understand why you need to develop a more precise prayer strategy. I realized I wanted more of God and this was the way to do it.
Below is my specific strategy. I try not to rush, but sometimes I can’t help it. I make sure I involve it in my day, though. Usually, I pray from about 30 minutes and sometimes even an hour at night. This is not a chore for me unless I get out of the habit, which tends to happen from time to time (no one’s perfect right?? ). Talking to God gives me peace that I cannot get by conversing with anyone else.
I speak out loud, which I never used to do. Daniel prayed out loud, so I believe if he found favor with God it would be wise to learn from him. “Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God” Daniel 6:11. If he wasn’t praying out loud, the men wouldn’t have been able to tell if he was praying to King Darius or to God which gave them grounds to have him thrown into the lion’s den for breaking the King’s decree.
First
I pray for everything I am thankful for and ask for forgiveness for any sins I committed that day. There is no reason to pray for forgiveness for past sins once baptized in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38). Your past sins are washed away (Acts 22:16).
Second
I pray for what I want. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. This could include things such as more confidence, God’s will in your life, a job or a better job, a closer relationship with God, to read your Bible more, to heal your body, to become a better parent or friend, or gifts of the spirit. I have noticed since my relationship with God has strengthened, I don’t pray for materialistic things very often. God can change us in ways we never thought possible.
Third
I pray for people who I know aren’t saved. And if anyone has something going wrong that I know of in his or her life I pray for that too. It’s not always easy to pray for our enemies, but God wants us too. I don’t know how many times my enemies have popped into my mind while I was praying, but I tried to act like they didn’t! I won’t act like I’m perfect, some days I still do that (I’m working on it). But I do pray for them pretty often, so I like to think of that as a major improvement. Don’t worry so much about how much better you could be, but embrace where you are now and keep improving day by day.
My list is very long, so I have everyone’s name written down in my prayer journal. I don’t usually go over these names because that would take a while every night, but it’s nice being able to cross off names. It really helps build our faith. I also write down all of these steps so I make sure not to skip one.
Lastly
I pray for the people who I know are saved. Like my Pastor and his family, my family and friends, and for everyone in my church. I pray for God’s will in their lives when I don’t know what else to pray for them.
God is in control of everything anyway and some people use this as a crutch to not pray, but prayer is for our benefit. When he answers our prayers and moves in our lives, it strengthens our faith in Him.
There are many ways you can pray, but this is what God has revealed to me to do and it works. It is a great start for anyone. It is so much easier for me to pray consistently since I started doing both prayer strategies. My prayer life will continue to evolve and so will yours. How else can we become the person God wants us to become if we continue to do life our own way? His path is better than anything we could ever dream. I’ll choose that any day. This world ain’t got nothing on God. I mean seriously, have you taken a look outside lately? No thanks!
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Do you think you will try these prayer strategies out? What other prayer strategies do you use? Leave a comment below.
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I have prayer time first thing in the morning It sets the tone for my day. Then last thing at night.
The power of prayer is truly awesome. I know personally that when I put it off, my day isn’t as purposeful and fulfilling. Having set prayer times can make it so much easier to stay consistent. ?
Yes, I will keep these steps of prayer written in a prayer book. Also like the list of names idea.
One step I have included in my prayers is taking extra time to sit in His presence and listen for His voice or scripture.
Hello, Sheila. I like that step. It’s very important to not just talk to God, but to listen as well. Thanks for sharing! God bless.
This is exactly how I prayed for the last 9months and I feel God working in my life and my family. With in the first 4 months we all repented, and were baptized in Jesus name and received the Holy Ghost! With evidence of speaking in new tounges ! I never knew any of this was possible I wasn’t raised this way. But there’s so much power in surrendering your self to God!
Hello, Geneva. Praise God! That’s so awesome to hear! Yea, I was raised in church (on and off) but not an apostolic one. My mother has been going for the last 10 and finally got me to come a couple of years ago. I haven’t looked back. There’s nothing like feeling the power of the Holy Ghost ? God bless you and your family!
I really like the first one. I’m not sure I had thought of it quite that way. I do much of the 2nd one, as you said, not perfectly, but I keep working on it. I also like to pray in a journal. I seem to connect well with God when I do. Thanks for encouraging us all to be more consistent in prayer. I’m visiting today from Growing in Grace Thursday linkup. Blessings!
Hello, Donna. I’m glad you liked it. The first one is really awesome and so easy to do. I’ve never prayed in a journal before. I like writing so I think I will give it a try. Great idea :). Thanks for stopping by!
I love the tip to change your self talk! In elementary school, my self talk was just naturally to God. (There’s nothing like the devotion a child can have to Christ!) I’ve craved to have that back for so long, but it never occurred to me that I could just make it happen. Thank you so much!
Hey, Morgan. That’s very sweet that you had such a close relationship with God as a child. I want the same for my little girl… It’s nice to hear God used me to remind you ?
I was meant to read this. Came up as a notification. Putting off praying all the time. What you are saying is so true. Life, priorities and self happiness all changes when prayer is put first. Thank you
Hey, Maria. It’s so easy to forget, yet so simple to do. It’s a daily journey for all of us. I’m glad this was beneficial to you ?
Thank you! Just the right timing for me. I pray often but including God in all my thinking and self talk is the key I’ve been looking for. I also shared with my daughter who prays often. She too, will benefit. I saved your whole article so I can read daily to help me make this a habit.
God bless you!
Mary. Mother of 5. Grandmother of 10 School teacher.
Hello, Mary! God’s timing is always perfect ? I’m glad you both found this article useful. Great idea to form a better habit. God bless you too!
Thank you, I have been trying to do all of the above, especially, self talk, with prayers and such thru out my day. My biggie is being forever grateful, and trying to have patience, or should say more of it.
Hello, Juanita. Being grateful and staying patient can be so hard! I’ve really been struggling to be patient lately. It’s a journey that’s for sure. Best wishes to you!
I talk to Him all day! When I don’t which is easy to do, I find myself being unChrist like! Getting upset in grocery store lines, driving, getting frustrated over unimportant things, etc. Asking for His Will and guidance and clarity is so much easier ☺️
At breakfast I watch TBN, then I listen to Rick Warren Daily Devotion and read his email devotion. Giving thanks for everything helps me understand how much He does for me.
After watching War Room I thought about fixing a prayer closet but then my one bedroom apt is one large prayer room! Sitting in my living room looking outside at the weather allows me to invision Him, cooking in the kitchen thanking for my energy to cook, laying on my bed tired and running through the day asking forgiveness of my short coming, praying for my family & friens. Sometimes I pray just like that! Family and friends and their needs, He knows them better than I. Like Jessica says, Gods timing is always perfect ??❤️??
Hello, Ivetta. I can agree completely. That’s much easier! It’s also easy to get out of the habit and things can go downhill fast if we aren’t careful. Thanks for your ideas on the things you pray about. Those are some great things we should all do to get closer to God. ?
I am really glad I read this. Putting prayer into everyday self talk is a wonderful idea. I have anxiety and panic attacks so I do alot of self talk and alot of praying. I still have hope God will free me of this one day. Thank you and God Bless You!
Hi, Tawnia. I also used to struggle with anxiety and panic attacks. Medication didn’t help much so I pleaded with God to take it away from me. It took a while, but God healed me. He will heal you too in His perfect timing. There is a season for everything and it’s ultimately for our good (even if it doesn’t feel like it). I will be praying for you ? God bless!
Love the idea of talking to God instead of self-talk. Also War Room had a huge impact on my prayer life as did the book “Fervent” by Priscilla Shirer. I highly recommend that book. It’s a fast read & a forever reference. Thank you sharing your strategies Jessica!
Hey, Jeri. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve never heard of that book, but will certainly check it out ?
Great suggestions! I especially like your tip to change your self-talk. That’s huge. Changing my focus changes everything else. Thanks so much for this! Pinning to refer back later. Blessings to you!
Hello, Deb! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Best wishes ?
Thank you for sharing this message. I hadn’t ever put into practice a true prayer plan. I often pray silently in my head, and often become distracted easily. I will certainly try to talk with God (out loud) and envision Him here before me, rather than imagining him in a distant space where I plea for him to turn to hear my prayers.
God bless you!
Janice
Hello, Janice. That’s great that you’re going to start doing that. I ALWAYS get distracted when I pray in my head. It’s much easier to focus speaking aloud. Best wishes.
Was searching thru pinterest today and came upon this, I read it k owing I need help at times with prayer. When I started out reading this I thought this is me exactly , I will pray solid for a wk and then not pray for awhile or I’ll wake up and start to pray and fall asleep and then feel bad doing so. I am diffently going to try your suggestions..Thank you.
Hi, Kim. It’s certainly easily to slack in our prayer lives. I hope they help you as much as they help me. Sometimes I have to reread this to remind myself ? God bless!
This is an excellent way to pray for needs. Thank you for the post.
I was on a plane one time and I remember there was alot of turbulance.. There happen to be a pastor next to me on the plane and we prayed together becuase we were scared. After it was over, and we were fine….she looked at me and said, “Now we need to thank God since we are safe” and we prayed again…ever since then as part of my prayers I am sure to thank God first…..then I ask him for help, needs and prayers.
Hey, Steph. That’s very wise. Many people (I’ve done it myself) only turn to Him in times of need and once He helps them, they turn their backs like it was all coincidence. That was great the pastor was there with you. Having a good pastor close by is always a great thing. God bless!
Hello Jessica,
Thank you for having the courage in sharing you’re story.
For wanting to help others.
You’re Generosity to all who read and respond shows your one of God’s true Soldiers “Angles”.
With all the negative/hatred, ……….we are on living on a battlefield (earth).
With anything / all support that is offered. I am so Greatful- Helps me to wake up & realize this is not a dream, it’s not a nightmare, it’s how we are living current face to live….
So with encouragement such as what you wrote and are willing to do to support others I commend you.
God Bless
Hi, Shelly. Thank you for your sweet words ? Comments like yours let me know I’m doing what God wants me to do. Times get tough, but our lives are always in His hands. God bless you too.
A BIG GOD BLESS YOU … JESSICA
God bless you too, Dinesh!
Jesse thank you for making me think.. I will be more conscious of when I pray how I pray and for what I pray. Thank You From A Friend In Christ, Connie.
Hello, Connie. I’m so glad you found this helpful. God bless!
Hi. Thanks for the ideas. I will now use self-talk more effectively. I also incorporate specific scriptures into my prayers. When I engage in Bible study, I copy verses that are relevant to situations and use them in my prayers, especially when I am in bed at night and feel tired to pray, I go to my journal and read my prayers. I usually feel revived and ready for a good night’s sleep.
Hello Ionie! I love your idea of incorporating scriptures into your prayers. I have never tried that before, but I will for sure. Thanks for sharing ?
Very powerful write up! I love the way supported almost everything you said with scriptures. This will definitely enhance my prayer life.
Thanks for sharing and God bless you!
If you feel led, pray for me to get my blog to go from the current 1mph to 100mph. 😊🥴🙏🏻