Prayer Monday #1: Introduction to Prayer

ONLY PRAY ON MONDAYS?

No. Do not only pray on Mondays. Monday is when we look at the theme of prayer and when we give prayer extra attention. 

We are to eventually learn to pray without ceasing (stopping, halting, pausing, etc.). But until you are able to do so, pray daily and pray several items a day. 

WHAT IS PRAYER?

SIMPLEST DEFINITION: Prayer is both talking to God and listening to him. (The latter mentioned is most important.)

The more loyal to him we become, the more listening we will do. However, at first and when you begin to intentionally pray, you might pray 75% of the time and listen 25%. In time, intentionally move to more and more listening. Nevertheless, with that being said, if you have a lot to talk to God about--and it's NEW, then talk away. He welcomes it. He would rather you babble than never talk to him at all. But, if you are repeating yourself over and over, listen more. This is a general rule of thumb.

HOW DO WE PRAY?

First of all, we need to remember that we are not talking with a buddy. Although, God can be your friend. We are talking to God, the Father, the Author and Finisher of our faith, the Amen, the I AM, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, Jehovah, Abba, Father, Lord. He is holy, holy, holy. He is perfect. He knows all.  He is all powerful. Do not ever forget who you approach. 

In other words, show him respect and give him the respect he deserves. At ALL times.

Whenever you start your prayer, acknowledge who he is. Call him one of your favorite names. then, pause. Remember he is GOD. He is above all. He is holy, holy, holy. Then, move into your prayer--whatever style of prayer you are doing. 

TIP: I highly recommend journaling before, after, and sometimes during your longest prayer sessions of the day. If you are limited on time, journal at the end and make sure to at least write a summary of what God said to you. If you have more time, write what you said to God. 

HOW CAN I PRAY SEVERAL TIMES A DAY?

Whenever you wake in the middle of the night and/or toss and turn, pray.

When your alarm goes off in the morning, rather than grumbling, pray. I highly recommend hitting snooze at least once so you can devote the first 10 minutes or more of your day to prayer--before your feet even hit the ground running. Make him your priority. 

When you are going to sleep, pray.

When driving, turn off that radio and pray. Pray at stop lights.

Pray when on hold.

Pray when standing in a line.

Pray during your breaks at work--rather than getting caught up in gossip. 

When on errands, pray. 

When exercising, get rid of the music or the TV and pray. 

Every time you take a bite of food or a drink, pray. 

Find cues to remind you to pray. For instance, when you drink and eat, whenever you look at a clock, etc. 

Tip: At some point in your day, do at least one longer session of prayer.

PRAYER MONDAYS

We will look at the different types of prayer on Mondays, by the way.

WHAT TO TRY TODAY:

Pray your prayer requests for yourself, your family, your friends, the nation, your church, you state, your city, etc.

These are the ones you want to make sure you write down. Write every single one of them. Then, make sure to journal about when they were answered (time and date) and how. 

YOUR TURN

Give the prayer request prayer a try at this time (or whenever it's most convenient today). 

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal FaithFind my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction