Constructing New Prayer Habits this Easter
By Meg Bucher
“Pray continuously.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Breathless, a lump creeping up into my throat, I swung the glass door open and tore into the quiet sanctuary. The smell of holy water and wafers enveloped me as I hurried to write a name in the book of prayer requests. The kneeler creaked and then thunked into place as I assumed the position. Head resting on polished wood, warm tears finding a safe place to stream out …I prayed.
How are we supposed to pray?
I grew up in a denomination where prayers were memorized. My grandmother’s voice still rings in my ears alongside the memory of her hands gripping the beads on her rosary. Prayer was something I learned to do in every circumstance, on every occasion. As I grew into my relationship with Jesus, I realized He spoke the words I obediently prayed from memory:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”Matthew 6:9-13 NIV
Scripture is rich with instructions on how to pray to God. There are many acronyms, shortcuts, and neat memory tricks. But in my experience, understanding what Jesus said about how to pray is the most important guide. Prayer can start by acknowledging who God is and taking a moment to praise Him. Then, prayerfully thanking Him for what He’s done and whom He is followed by confession of our sins and releasing our worries into His arms. Finally, we pray for help, blessing, and healing. Prayer is for protection from evil and a life that brings glory to God.
How do we make our prayers to God personal?
“Pray continuously,” follows Paul’s prose to the Thessalonians which says, “Be joyful always.” The key to remembering the joy we have in Jesus is to pray all of the time. Prayer is meant to become a part of our conversation with the Lord throughout our days. As we learn Scripture and the Holy Spirit grows us through the process of sanctification, we begin to understand the all-day, everyday accessibility of God through prayer. The Lord is able to hear us and help us throughout our days. He wants us to involve Him, so we may live each day to the full. Understanding the Bible, why we pray, and how to pray is important. But involving Him in our inner monologue is, too. We were created in His image. He gets us. He made us, heart-to-head. Living life in conversation with Him is the way to personal prayer.
Intersecting Faith and Life
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Praying the word is powerful. Scripture assures us God is in the process of answering our prayers before we are finished praying. He hurries through the heavens to our aid. He hears us. He knows us. He provides for us. Prayer is powerful. When we take the time to read the Word daily and apply it to our lives, the Holy Spirit will often bring those verses back to us when we are praying. Nothing is coincidental about God. He is purposeful in all He does, in every way in which He communicates with us. In all the ways He provides for us, and loves us. The way He created us, knitting us carefully in our mother’s womb …with the specific purpose to execute on this earth …to bring glory …to Him.
In our everyday lives, we cannot control every thought which enters our minds. But we should be aware of them, flicking out the ones meant to distract us from focusing on living a full life to the glory of God.
Further Reading:
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Related Resource: How Habit Stacking Will Help You Discipline Your Mind, Body, & Spirit
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