Prayer has always been a challenge for many, myself included. The times when I’ve felt spiritually dry have often coincided with a weak prayer life. Over time, I’ve come to realize that neglecting prayer isn’t just a symptom of spiritual drought; it’s often the cause. I was overlooking the very practice that could refresh my soul and lead me out of the spiritual wilderness.
We often talk about the importance of prayer, but many of us struggle with the "how." Even the disciples, who walked with Jesus, had to ask Him to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1). They saw something profound in His intimate conversations with the Father, and they longed for the same connection. In my journey, I’ve found seven specific actions that have helped me strengthen my prayer life and might help you too.
1. Set Prayer Apart
One of the first steps to a robust prayer life is to make it a priority. The more we pray, the more we’ll want to pray. But for this to happen, we need to weave prayer into the rhythm of our daily lives. Whether it’s setting an alarm, leaving yourself notes, or scheduling it into your day planner, you need to build the habit. Prayer is a discipline that requires perseverance, and it’s worth the effort. We need to recognize that prayer is the greatest act of our day and fight for it, not just when we’re in need, but consistently. How we prepare and train for this spiritual discipline matters deeply.
2. Learn to Withdraw
In our fast-paced, noisy world, finding time and space for solitude can be difficult, but it’s essential for focused prayer. Disconnect from distractions—put away your phone, turn off the computer, and step away from the constant noise of modern life. Create a space where you can be alone with God, whether it’s your car during a lunch break, a quiet corner in your home, or even just the quiet of your heart. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 4:42; 5:16; 22:41), and we should follow His example. Even in the busiest times, make solitude a priority.
3. Adopt a Posture of Prayer
Your physical posture can influence your spiritual focus. Whether you kneel, stand, close your eyes, or look to the heavens, aligning your body with the act of prayer can help align your heart and mind. Praying aloud, even softly, can keep your thoughts from wandering and help you stay engaged in the conversation with God. As C.S. Lewis once said, "The body ought to pray as well as the soul. Body and soul are both better for it."
4. Pray Scripture
Praying through Scripture is a powerful way to deepen your prayer life. There’s great joy in speaking God’s own words back to Him. The Bible is full of promises and truths that can form the foundation of your prayers. For example:
- “Show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18).
- “Turn my eyes from worthless things” (Psalm 119:37).
- “Show me a sign of your goodness” (Psalm 86:17).
- “Let no sin rule over me” (Psalm 119:133).
- “You are my Lord; apart from you, I have no good thing” (Psalm 16:2).
These verses can become the vocabulary of your prayers, guiding you as you seek God’s presence and will.
5. Pray Fervently
Prayer should be an active, dynamic encounter with God. When we truly connect with Him, we can’t help but be transformed, even if just a little, by the time we say “Amen.” Struggling in prayer, wrestling with our thoughts, and allowing the Spirit to move within us are all part of this process. While answers to prayer are a blessing, the act of praying itself is meant to be a blessing. Even when prayer feels dry and difficult, it’s important to persevere, knowing that prayer is not only the fruit of spiritual life but also the means of attaining it.
6. Pray Specifically
General prayers have their place, but they should not replace the need for specific prayers. Being vague can dilute the power of prayer. Instead, focus on praising God for specific attributes, confessing particular sins, and asking for particular needs. We can pray boldly and specifically because of our status in Christ, while also submitting humbly to God’s will. This balance of boldness and humility is a powerful approach to prayer.
7. Pray for and with Others
Prayer is a communal practice that binds us together as the family of God. When we pray for others, we share in their struggles and joys, and we grow in love and concern for one another. Corporate prayer strengthens the unity of the church and deepens our relationships with one another. There’s something profoundly beautiful about coming before our Heavenly Father in unity, lifting up the same petitions out of love and care for each other.
Prayers Like Arrows
Prayer isn’t a formula, nor does it “work” only if done perfectly. However, it should never be careless. Careless prayers are like arrows that fall short, barely leaving the bow. But when our prayers are offered with care, strength, and fervor, they soar toward heaven, reaching the throne of God (Revelation 8:4). Bishop Joseph Hall beautifully summarized this in 1808:
- “It is not the arithmetic of our prayers—how many they be;
- nor the rhetoric of our prayers—how eloquent they be;
- nor their geometry—how long they be;
- nor their music—how sweet their voice may be;
- nor their logic—how argumentative they be;
- nor yet their method—how orderly they be;
- nor even their divinity—how good their doctrine may be, which God cares for;
- but it is the fervency of spirit which availeth much.”
God delights in making us skilled archers in the discipline of prayer. When our prayers are like arrows—fervent, strong, and purposeful—they can change lives, bring healing, impact nations, alter history, unite the church, and above all, display God’s glory.
.jfif)
