MAKE IT A PRIORITY
It isn’t too late! It is always the right time to make prayer a priority. Many people become discouraged because they make resolutions at the beginning of the year that include ways to enhance their prayer lives. Then they find that a few months or weeks into the year they have reverted back to old patterns or no pattern at all. Prayer becomes a response to crisis rather than a part of an on-going relationship with Jesus.Don’t be discouraged. Every attempt is an indication of desire and the Lord is pleased with our desire to be with Him. Every attempt moves us closer to consistency and deeper fellowship with our Lord. There are several practices that some have found helpful.
- Establish a place – a place that is quiet where you are not likely to be interrupted – a place where you can keep your Bible, perhaps a journal, prayer lists, and devotional material – a place that is comfortable.
- Establish a time – for some, early morning is best – before the rest of the family gets out of bed. For others, late night is best – after everyone is in bed. It is like an appointment with God. He will be there.
- Establish a rhythm – some time in worship (for some this might mean having worship music playing softly in the background – for others it might be reading hymns from a hymnal) – some time in thanksgiving, reflecting on what He has done – some time allowing Him to search your heart followed by confession – some time bringing your needs to him – and then some time interceding on behalf of others.
- Establish a pace – don’t rush. You may feel that you are in a hurry but God isn’t. He is delighted when you linger in His presence. This time is more about connecting with Him than it is about getting stuff from Him. Learn to enjoy His presence.
This last part may be the most difficult. We live in a fast-paced, full-scheduled world. To many waiting quietly in the presence of the Lord seems like a waste of time and yet it will likely be the most important time spent in the day.