Though Scripture contains many written prayers, like those found in the book of Psalms, and many teachings on how to pray, like the parables and sermons in Jesus’s ministry, this reading plan focuses on the prayers offered to God in the narratives of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a narrative that includes a prayer from an individual or group. Their prayers vary in length, type, posture, purpose, and God’s response. The secondary passages explore how the rest of Scripture speaks to the themes demonstrated in the main reading.
While each account is different, every prayer recorded in Scripture teaches us about the unchanging God who invites us to speak to and hear from Him. These prayers model for us what it can look like to be in conversation with God. As you read, notice the posture and emotions present each day.
Reading Scripture together is the centerpiece of what we do at She Reads Truth. As we spend time as a community reading Prayers in Scripture together, we encourage you to start by reading the daily Scripture on your own. Then join us here to engage and encourage one another as we respond to what we’ve read in the comments.
What is your relationship with prayer—has it been a struggle, something that comes naturally, or something you’ve learned?
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274 thoughts on "The God Who Guides"
It’s always been easy but I am not consistent and I need to become more consistent with thoughtful prayer
I think I’m still working on my prayer and getting comfortable with it. I want to be more consistent.
Prayer is important to me cause I love when God blesses others and I love talking to God so prayer comes naturally to me and I love it
Prayer comes naturally because when I pray everything that I’ve been feeling and thinking just flows out. I think what doesn’t come as naturally and what I’m working on is praising Jesus in my prayers, because I tend to make my prayers all about me when I should be recognizing and rejoicing in the power of the Lord first.
Prayer is something that I struggle with, now prayer itself but setting apart the intentional time with the Lord.
I know that prayer is the most important aspect of my Christian walk, but I must say it doesn’t come easy for me. I’m unsure of how to pray, of what time of the day I should pray, and it’s just so hard for me to get into a serious routine of praying. I know it’s the trick of the enemy as well. I’m determined to overcome my fear of developing a stern and focused prayer life.
I know prayer is important, but I have always felt that it needed to be an extremely reverent moment with head bowed eyes closed. However, I am learning that while reverent prayers are important, daily conversations with God are also important and should be had as well.
I’m the opposite, I’ll talk to God more in my head than on my knees. I’m finding an equal balance to both.
I come from a family of believers so I was taught early on the importance of prayer. I incorporate prayer into my daily life, however, with the hustle and bustle of life, I sometimes find myself rushing through my prayers and I have to stop and reel myself back in. Although I pray daily and most times throughout the day, I sometimes wonder if God is hearing my prayers. I try to not always go into prayer with a list of wants but also have a moment of thanks as well as worship.
It’s great to know that I can pray anywhere , anytime in my heart. Sometimes I feel I don’t have the time to fully focus on prayer and it feels bad
Prayer is never consistent for me. I’m thankful to know that God listens to all my types of prayers and there are so many ways to pray!
I come from a family who prays a lot. I used to think I had to pray a certain way or for a certain length of time to really “pray through” for God to hear me. But as I’ve grown and looked at prayers in the Bible I see that each person is different and each prayer is different. What matters is the attitude of the heart
I would say prayer is a struggle when I allow flesh to enter in and not focus on God. Growing up, my mom would always say? “But did you pray?” It was annoying then to be real but as an adult it’s my become second nature.
Prayer is a struggle. More because my mind wonders and I struggle to do more than ask for things for me and to worship in prayer.
Prayer is a struggle for me nowadays.. my husband isn’t a believer and we have a small toddler who doesn’t understand yet. I take our child to church but it’s hard to pray at home when no one prays with me. But I guess it’s also a test of faith and trust
Prayer has never been something that has been natural for me. I am one who struggles naturally with prayer or praying in front of others. I sometimes find myself worrying if my prayer is “right” or “too long or too short”. I need to not worry about this. Praying to God should be just like talking to a friend. God is here for me whenever and wherever I need him. He should be the first person that I turn to when I am struggling or worried or anxious. He should also be the first person I turn to when I am thankful and happy about something. God wants us to come to Him and pray to Him for the good, bad, and all things in between. I need to work more on prayer and reminding myself how important it is to prayer to God all the time.
Prayer is definitely an ongoing struggle for me. I didn’t grow up in a household that prayed and as a new believer I don’t feel as though I have many teachers around me to look to for examples. I struggle to stay focused, to relax, to not sound like a list of requests, and to stay consistent. I want to make prayer an ongoing habit, but I always feel awkward. I would love to just spend time in the presence of God without questioning what I need to say.
Prayer has been something that has come with ease in seasons. Some moments in time i find that I forget to pray & some moments everytime i turn around i’m talking to God.
but i struggle most with understanding prayer is a silent conversation, & i get more lost in not being able to physically see and hear his response but knowing that it’s coming with time.
Since prayer is simply talking to God, it’s something I’ve done for many years. But I’m not good at sitting and praying—I’d like to do that more.
Prayer comes naturally to me. I know it’s one of my spiritual gifts. If ever I get to a point where I feel stuck – I know I’m under spiritual attack.
Prayer has never been something that comes naturally to me. I come from a strong Christian family but I can’t remember ever seeing someone in my family pray (other than blessing the food). When the thought of praying comes to mind now, I get extremely emotional. I don’t know what to say. Then i remember that sometimes I don’t have to say anything. God knows my heart and He knows my mind. He knows exactly what I’m going through therefore He knows exactly what I need. Often times if I am too overwhelmed I just sit and weep. Internally praying to God to lead me in the right direction. In HIS direction.
I feel that too! I hold the conversation in my head with God all day. Talking to Him and being still to hear His response. I sometimes feel guilty bc I feel like I should prioritize time alone to really spend time with Him so that is my actual struggle.
Prayer is a struggle for me but it is something im working on it becoming something that I do naturally.
Mmh, I feel that , I also struggle in staying focused in prayer as well
Prayer now has become more of like natural thing for me ; like I now pray in my head throughout my day.
But that is because I found out that prayer is more like talking to God, having a conversation with Him. It’s still struggle but I would say that I did have to learn how to pray.
It has been a struggle to stay engaged at times and to also not sound like a list of requests. I want to be able to just be in the presence of God and enjoy my time with Him.
My relationship with prayer has been much improved recently with the start of work for me. It’s given more more intentional time with God and I’m grateful for the intimacy I can have in my quiet mornings.
Prayer is a struggle but also comes natural. Every night I pray and it eases my mind. I have conversations with god through out the day.
I think there have been periods when my prayer life was strong and then at times when it was nearly nonexistent. I want to get to the point where it’s conversational, not rote and obligated.
Prayer has been a struggle for me lately. I always have the urge to pray and I know I should, but it’s like something keeps me from doing it. I’m learning to push myself to talk to God even if it’s only me saying Lord help me.
It’s definitely been but something i’m learning more about and how to do.
Something that used to be so easy but has become harder
Prayer used to be something I struggled with. But in time I learned just to have a conversation with God. That made it so much easier for me to not have to follow a script. I can just tell him how I’m feeling and what’s making me worry. And then in the end feel his comfort.
Waiting on the Lord, as He said, all His Promises are yes and amen! Because of so many trials from the enemy, I believe He will get us through from Glory to Glory! Praise! Hallelujah!
Something that comes naturally
i’ve had to learned the difference of my posture with prayer. I used to see it as concrete and only allowed at certain times. now I see prayer as a conversation with God. it can happen at any time of the day as long as i’m intentional and focused.
I think this is something I’m still learning. I was taught growing up, but I grew away from practicing as much. Sometimes routine can be hard.
Prayer for me is something I do multiple times a day. It comes easy for me. Sometimes, it is hard for me to sit down and take all the distractions out of me head and just be with the Lord but praying is something I have always practiced.
prayer has always been something I struggle with. Sometimes its easy to get into the routine of life and prayer is usually what gets forgotten quickly. I feel like I only turn to prayer when life is hard, so I need to remember to pray and thank him in the good moments
I can trust that prayer can get me through the hard times
we should pray during good times, bad times, hardships, and times when life is great
Prayer is a struggle for me – making it a priority. But I know I need a strong prayer life, and I want one.
It is something I struggle with. I have found that prayer for me is easiest after listening to uplifting gospel music. It relaxes me and allows me to engage in meaningful prayer.
Prayer for me, is something that I’ve found easy and difficult at times. Knowing that I can praying anywhere any time and He hears me, is comforting. Knowing that when my words fail, He still knows my heart and Christ intercedes on my behalf.
❤️
I’ve gone through periods of struggling with prayer, times when I feel like God isn’t answering my prayers or at least not answering the way I want him to. Which of course isn’t the point of prayer, it’s not rubbing a genies bottle just to get our wishes granted, so I don’t expect God to say yes to everything. But sometimes it hurts when he says no. I also struggle sometimes with wondering what prayer actually does. God already knows my heart, he knows what I need and what I want, he knows what I’m worried about, so do I really need to tell him what he already knows. And if I DIDN’T pray for something, would God actually let something bad happen, for example, if I didn’t pray for safe travels for a loved one, would God let something happen to them just because I didn’t pray for it? I have to remind myself that it’s about my relationship with God. He wants me to come to him in prayer even if he already knows everything. And no, I don’t hold the fate of the world in my hands with my prayers but prayer allows me to reach out to the one who does hold the world in his hands.
Prayer has been pretty inconsistent for me. When I was a kid it came very naturally. As an adult it’s been much more difficult; I naturally want to do it the “right” way which becomes a huge distraction.
Prayer has been a struggle. I am never consistent. I don’t know the “right way” to pray. And when I do, I never sit with it and listen to a reply.
Prayer has never come naturally to me. I wouldn’t say I struggle anymore but I definitely am still learning
There are so many people that say the prayer is just having a conversation with God. I feel like it’s very hard for me and I struggle with my prayer life, sometimes I feel like I’m just not doing it right I don’t have the right words to say.
I sometimes forget to pray, but it has been something that sorta became naturally to me. ❤️
My mind seems to wander sometimes and it is hard for me to focus on my conversation with God. That is why I am in this study. But I also know that any Bible study will draw me closer to Him and the closer I am to Him, the better my prayer life will be. I just have to LISTEN more and talk less!
Prayer has been something I have learned. I used to pray repeated prayer, not heart felt, thinking that it was a way for me seeking requests only from God. I realized recently how God wanted me to come to him through prayer. I learned to pray Lament prayers in times of suffering which has opened my heart and mind to how I seek and speak to God
It varies sometimes depending on how close I’m to him or how far I feel I have gone from him.
That is something I am trying to work on because I always want to pour my heart out to him, but I’m worried it won’t come out the way I intend for it to.
Yes, I can totally relate to this.
I am someone that has always loved hearing other people pray. I always have wished I could pray effortlessly and just let things fall out, but I have found praying to be something that is difficult. I’ve pushed myself this year to say prayers and just use that time to let it out regardless if I stutter, or don’t make sense. I’ve talked to God about helping me pray and understand what is in my mind and heart. It’s something I am working on and pray one day, I can pray beautifully the way I want to pray!
Everyone says that prayer is just like a conversation with your friends, and I know God knows everything already but sometimes I am scared to say the wrong thing.
I love praying but sometimes it’s hard to think of what to say! Talking to God about my life or what’s going on that day, I can do and do often, which could be considered prayers. But I also like to set aside time during my day to read prayers given to me through devotionals and the Bible app!
My relationship with prayer has become easier, because my relationship with God has gotten stronger. I honestly don’t know how to survive without being able to talk to my Father. I go to him about everything! The good and the bad!
Internal prayer comes easily to me now, albeit it is something I have learned over time. Rather than using it as a time to pray for something I desire, I tend to pray for open eyes to see and be receptive to Gods plan. I pray for the meditation of peace and rest in Gods greater will. External prayer with groups is more challenging for me, for some reason.
Why don’t we ‘cast lots’ any longer?
I struggle to invite God into my personal.
It has been a struggle. I do try to do quick prayer throughout the day but, I feel like those do not count because I am not still and not focus on God. Basically multitasking.
Amen what a good reminder
I think my prayer life is most influenced by scripture. I am able to pray better when I’m reading the word of the Lord.
Prayer is a struggle. My thoughts are so loud sometimes they drown out the voice of God. The voice of the Holy Spirit, pointing me to Jesus, but my flesh points me to worry.
Hi Meredith! God bless you!!! Praying 4 u from Miami!!! I agree. I have always been good at finding the “right things to say” with a distanced heart. The past year, God hasn’t let me play that game anymore. He is teaching me to put my heart on the line and make myself vulnerable. It’s so scary to be vulnerable, but gosh, it’s been so worth it. There’s nothing better than having intimate moments with our Lord!
I was stressing about a tricky dynamic with a beloved relative yesterday. Then I remembered God! I prayed and He assuaged the stress replacing it with confidence in the One Direction for all good things…phew!
I love how you say prayer is like a gift to the person you prayed for, it was beautifully said. I will keep that in mind to help me be for encouraged to pray for others more.
Yes 100%! I always say yes but then forget unless I stop then and there to pray for someone. It’s a conscious effort and I’m thinking of it as a gift to that person. A loving gift to speak to the Lord on their behalf ❤️
CHELSEA CLIFTON— Me too. It is odd looking back, how very formulaic my prayers were. And at times I felt so guilty if my prayers didn’t have a thanksgiving and I went straight to a request. I’ve now learned that our prayers are conversations with God.
ASHLEY SCHMID— I love the working on stopping to pray when is requested rather than just saying I’ll pray for you. For me, I have the best intentions to pray for the person… later, but then I forget. So I’ve been making more effort to pray in the moment that I see a prayer request or if I feel it in my heart to pray.
Prayer is an interesting topic for me because somedays comes naturally throughout the day, and other times I struggle with what to say. On those days when I struggle, I just start talking to God, as if in a simple conversation, and I think that praise and thankfulness follows. But I do love those days when prayers comes from deep within and I feel connected to it.
I’m learning to make prayer more of a personal conversation with God
I never really understood the power behind Prayer and being in communication with God. To an extent did I know how to pray and praise God in it and for others. God has always put in my heart to Pray, Pray Pray. So learning how to Pray, in humility, submission, and in Spirit to Praise God for all and trust Him. To pray for my needs but also for the needs of others. My God is patient, loving, and merciful. My Spirit craves to learn about more Him, to Love Him and submit to Him.
Prayer was taught to me at a young age, but it wasn’t until I was much older that I realized prayer is not just “God is great, God is good” or “Thank you God for this day”. I definitely still need to grow and not be afraid to pray to God because I have seen prayers answered. Sometimes I think we are afraid to pray because we may not like the answer, even if it is God’s answer. This year I am working on stopping to pray when it is requested from someone rather than just saying I’ll pray for you.
I’ve always felt insecure in my prayer life, that it didn’t feel natural and when it did it felt like I wasn’t doing it right. I want to pray with confidence and naturally, I want the intimacy a prayer life can bring, a closeness to the Lord
My prayer life has really been struggling lately, so my current prayer is that I can get back into it so it becomes natural.
Prayer has always been the hardest of the 3 pillars of my faith for me. Studying the Word, and worship come more easily but prayer – which is what draws us closer to God – seems so much harder. Probably because it’s what draws us closer to God!
Through most of my life, prayer has always been a natural response for me. I love being in direct communication with God and it is the most intimate and personal way I can connect with God. But sometimes I know that my heart posture is not right, so I love reading these stories directly from the bible and seeing how they pray with such faith and assurance.
It sounds silly but prayer was taught to me to be a formula almost. Like say thank you , submit your request, and hope for the best. Over time I really started talking to God like if he was standing next to me. I’ve been really lacking in my prayer life and would like to get back into it
For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Praying is a struggle for me because I feel like I annoy God when I know now that is not the case. I feel like he doesn’t hear me that’s why my prayers aren’t answered. I know now I am not annoying him, he loves when I come to him, in his divine timing and if he sees fit he will answer my prayers just not in my timing.
My relationship with prayer has changed overtime. In the beginning of my faith journey I didn’t think my thoughts were worthy of God. Now I understand that prayer is part of building that personal relationship with him. It’s still a journey but it gets better and better. One of the ways I can tell that my prayer life is healthy is how quickly I am to show gratitude to God outside of prayer, even for the smallest blessings in my life.
I struggle with prayer. I want it to feel a certain way to me often forgetting that what God really wants is for me to just show up. Prayer doesn’t have to be a certain way, but I find it hard as it feels sacred.
Prayer was so natural to me. I prayed and talked to God daily. Now that I rebuilding my relationship with Him, I find it difficult to pray. Mostly because I feel guilty for straying away from Him. I am following this plan not only to rebuild my relationship with God but to learn how to pray to Him again
My relationship with prayer used to come so naturally for me. It still does but I’ve been struggling lately. Distraction and tiredness has taken so much of my time but I know that those are just tactics of the enemy to keep me separate from God.
Prayer is sometimes a struggle for me I want to pour my heart out to God but also feel like I don’t have the right words
I used to struggle to pray. When I was deep into my alcoholism, I never talked to God. I didn’t know He was there. When I got sober 11 years ago, I started to pray. It wasn’t hard for me to pray, I was in desperation. But it did take me time to really talk to God, to build a relationship with Him. I’d wouldn’t pray daily, and if I did it never felt like I was really connected, but I only learned that recently as my relationship with God is strong. I can hear Him, feel Him and have a trust I didn’t have.
Prayer has been a struggle for me! I know I can go to God for anything but I feel so awkward like I’m doing it all WRONG.
I am currently struggling with it, I wake up and more distracted and dreading praying because I want it to just be over with, despite me feeling really lost, sad and angry. I know this is the work of the devil
It’s been a struggle at times but I’m learning to make a daily habit
As I begin my transition to faith I’m willing to learn how to talk to God and ask him to show me how to pray to help me articulate the words I’m feeling inside of my heart into prayers so I can build a closer bond with God
starting a prayer journal had really helped me i feel like when i talk to God he doesn’t expect me to be proper, i feel like i am just talking to one of my best friends or a Father.
Hmm I pray throughout the day, and I pray every night while in bed, but I think that it is not as thought out or intentionally worded as I would like. It’s kind of like a mind mash of things I want to pray about plus intrusive thoughts like did I get all the things I needed from the store today and I get lost in it and I feel like it can be repetitive, jumbled or like self talk.
I agree, at times I am not sure what to say.
Hello?
This is a test ❤️
Prayer can be a real struggle for me and I am hoping to really become a prayer warrior.
Prayer that comes from your heart can never be wrong.
I’ve always struggled with prayer. When I dedicate the time, I struggle with focus. I’ve found it easier to approach prayer as a conversation with God but still find myself wondering off in various thoughts. As others have said, God knows my thoughts. But the Bible tells us to submit our requests to him. It’s definitely something I need to work on.
Prayer is relatively new to me and I’m still figuring out how to do it properly. Sometimes I write them down, sometimes I say them in my head, and sometimes I say them out loud. I want to start a daily prayer journal.
Being raised in a baptist church, prayer was a huge staple in our teaching. I don’t remember being shown the “correct” way to pray, but more of a ‘Just do it’ kind of command. But, personally I am only now growing my understanding on how to really pray and have that relationship with God. It’s one thing to have people tell you, This is how you pray, and another to feel that connection with God yourself. I’m so excited that I have started this study.
Being raised in a baptist church, prayer was a huge staple in our teaching. I don’t remember being shown the “correct” way to pray, but more of a “just do it kind of But, personally I am only now growing my understanding on how to really pray and have that relationship with God. It’s one thing to have people tell you, This is how you pray, and another to feel that connection with God yourself. I’m so excited that I have started this study.
I struggle with this daily. I talk to God everyday but don’t believe I am doing it right. I know that God knows my mind, so even if I am not saying, he knows it
I struggle with praying for long to intercede in the spirit. I’m thankful that prayer is my Avenue but yet in moments where I should pray more, I choose to find a solution myself. But today’s scripture (Ephesians 6:10-20) showed me that prayer is my weapon against all that is happening around me everyday. The Lord has revealed this powerful weapon to me. Do I make use of this to protect myself and others I’m praying for?
Prayer has in most of my life come natural! I will say though there have been certain subjects that have been harder to pray about or be completely transparent in prayer I’m certain seasons of my life. I can honestly say that my prayer life has gone to a deeper and gotten more intentional every year in some way. This current season I am in has probably been what of the better prayer seasons of my life. It’s so important
I was taught how to pray in a formula. To just kind of ask and then hope for the best. What I’m realizing is that God asks us to come boldly and with confidence in him and to actually believe in him.
I struggle to do daily. I know god knows my heart though and the words I can not speak out loud he still hears.
I think most people struggle with prayer. Personally, I feel God has already done so much in my life, I feel selfish to ask for help, but I also know he wants us to, so I have to override these feelings. I’m sure with practice it will get easier.
Prayer is something that I was taught to do in general. I had to make prayer apart of my daily routine. I struggle with treating prayer like a chore sometimes,but I am working in that.
I love prayer, so thankful for it.
Prayer has always been a struggle for me. Not knowing how to approach God and use His word to guide me
I struggle with daily prayer.. always struggle to gather my thoughts and be intentional with my time
I struggle with daily prayer.. always struggle to come up with
I struggle if the Lord sees or hears me sometimes when I’m not receiving the answer I want or feel I need. After reading today, the Lord knows who we are and what we need when we need it. This was what I needed to hear today when I come to Him in Prather, he knows my heart.
I’m sorry – I don’t know why this posted again.
Dear Kristin, I have had several friends that are Catholic or grew up Catholic and have truly come to know Christ personally and now consider themselves Protestant. It is so hard for them to take off these habits of praying to any one except God. Exodus 20:3-5a tells us that “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God….” Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In Matthew 22, “And he said to them, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’. This is the great and first Commandment.”
I encourage you to bring this question to the foot of the cross. Look up how Jesus is guides us to pray and look how others pray throughout the Bible. The richness of a personal relationship with the Savior is tainted when we pray to something/someone other than Him. If your husband is where the struggle lies: pray for him. Pray that God reveal to him the correct direction, that his heart be softened to the Lord and harder to the idea of praying to Saints.
Here is a resource that speaks directly to this: https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-saints-Mary.html
Dear Kristin, I have had several friends that are Catholic or grew up Catholic and have truly come to know Christ personally and now consider themselves Protestant. It is so hard for them to take off these habits of praying to any one except God. Exodus 20:3-5a tells us that “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God….” Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In Matthew 22, “And he said to them, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’. This is the great and first Commandment.”
I encourage you to bring this question to the foot of the cross. Look up how Jesus is guides us to pray and look how others pray throughout the Bible. The richness of a personal relationship with the Savior is tainted when we pray to something/someone other than Him. If your husband is where the struggle lies: pray for him. Pray that God reveal to him the correct direction, that his heart be softened to the Lord and harder to the idea of praying to Saints.
Dear Kristin, I have had several friends that are Catholic or grew up Catholic and have truly come to know Christ personally and now consider themselves Protestant. It is so hard for them to take off these habits of praying to any one except God. Exodus 20:3-5a tells us that “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God….” Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In Matthew 22, “And he said to them, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’. This is the great and first Commandment.”
I struggle daily with prayer. I grew up listening to my grandma pray and I always feel like mine isn’t good enough because she had such a way of praying with conviction.
Thankful for prayer. Our chance to connect with God.
Amen
I was just thinking about Catholicism with this last verse— I had never seen anything in the Bible where it says “making supplication to the saints” my husband grew up catholic and though we go to a Protestant church we often practice some other catholic traditions. I had never understood the prayers to the saints— can you expound on what you feel about that now that you are Protestant?
Prayer has always been a huge struggle for me. I resented the way we prayed as a family when I was growing up. I felt like there was no meaning in it. Just the same repeated phrases. My prayer life is becoming healthier and more enjoyable and less intimidating. I want to be better at it and more intentional with it. Right now my prayers tend to follow this model: worship, thankfulness, requests.
I think my prayers are something I’ve had to learn how to do naturally, if that makes any sense! I want to speak to God as if he’s an old friend who I can bring anything to, but sometimes I do want the structure of thanking God for who he is and what he’s done before I even bring my requests to him. Here lately it’s something I’ve had to remind myself to keep praying.
i have slowly become more comfortable with my prayer life and i think it is something that is getting better
Prayer is so hard for me, bringing up so many feelings, none of them positive. I worry that I’m saying it all wrong, that I’ve forgotten something, that my words aren’t elegant, poetic or polished as they should be. I feel nervous and put on the spot when asked to pray in front of others – the popcorn style of prayer at the end of bible study makes me want to run and hide. I think more about prayer when I’m struggling or hurting which then makes me feel guilty that I don’t pray more often with gratitude or worship. Or I feel that the random chatter in my head at God doesn’t really count as prayer unless I write it down (which I usually forget to do) and force my thoughts into full sentences that follow the structure of some acronym like PRAY or SOAP or ACTS. I’m starting to learn breath prayers and have started to learn the beauty of reading liturgies. I’m learning to pray with more freedom and less fear but it is still not yet a conversational habit.
I find it such a joy that WE get to pray. We don’t need anyone else to tell God what we are thinking, we can tell him. And man have I seen God bless as I take time to stay vulnerable and surrendered. It has changed my life as a mom and wife!
My relationship with prayer is quite dry. I will usually only pray when things are going wrong. I really want to grow my prayer life in this next season, as I feel like it’s the next part of what’s missing with my walk with the Lord.
I grew up Catholic and prayer was so formal. Now even though I’ve been reborn in Jesus Christ, I too often I stop myself from praying because I don’t feel like I’m in a place or circumstance that feels reverent enough to pray. I love what someone wrote above that God just wants to spend time with his daughter. That fact will help me next time I feel that way and know the where and when I pray doesn’t matter to my Father in Heaven. I can talk to Him while wearing no bra or while cleaning the litter boxe
I totally understand. Too often I think I’m not being reverent enough
Prayer and many aspects of my Christian life have been a struggle lately. I am a teacher and I’ve been overwhelmed all year in my work
My relationship with prayer has been very rocky. I’m relearning what it means to have a PERSONAL prayer life and redefining what prayer looks like in my life. I was always taught that I should be praying a certain way at a certain time in a certain position. But, this week’s podcast has really challenged me on what my outlook of prayer should be and how I can improve it. I’ve even restarted my prayer journal and have been loving my times with God throughout the day, even without the journal.
Thank you Cheryl! ❤️
I mostly pray very informally and often wondered if I was “doing it right”. Now though, I understand that God is just so happy to spend time with his daughter, he doesn’t need it or require it to be perfect or follow a formula, especially if that keeps her from coming to him. He wants me just as I am, and to open up however I can.
Thank you @Erin Carpenter!!❤️
The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer
Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
The Battle Plan for Prayer by Stephen and Alex Kindreck
Girls with Swords by Lisa Bevere
The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer
Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
The Battle Plan for Prayer by Stephen and Alex Kindreck
The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer
Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer
@Katie W, The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer, Fervent by Priscilla Shirer, The Battle Plan for Prayer by Steven and Alex Kindreck, and Girls with Swords by Lisa Bevere. I’d recommend The Armor of God first. It and Fervent kind of lay the ground work. :)
Wow the amount of comments today is amazing! I am uncomfortable praying out loud with others. I feel so much comfort praying when I’m alone. I used to pray when I was out walking and then started walking with a friend. I remember a BSF leader saying that we get up and walk into the kitchen and don’t greet Jesus. He is right there in your room. I have tried to remember that. To greet Him. I’m also trying to put my prayers and studies first. I have found that to be more difficult since my husband retired.
my relationship with prayer has become something that comes naturally. i went through a pregnancy and i give nothing but glory to God for getting me through it. Throughout my nine months, i talked to God about any & everything and he surely answered in due time.
Mostly pray and praise in my head off and on all day.
My relationship with prayer is definitely a combination of all of those – a struggle, learned, and natural. I always go in cycles where I pray every night before bed and then stop or do it every once in a while. I used to fall asleep while praying because it helped calm me so much. Why do I stop? I have no idea.
It has been a struggle with me. But I feel that it could be the enemy trying to discourage me. The enemy does not want me to pray. That makes me even more wanting to pray and get over this feeling of discouragement. God is good, and I know that this feeling will pass, I need to have faith, and keep pushing on.
My prayer life isn’t as deep and rich as I want it to be. I find it hard to get into a routine where I create enough space to really face God in that way. I’ve got two boys, 3 & 7, and I’m in the middle of a divorce, so even though I feel like I need that prayer time more than ever, I have less time than ever. Even getting up before them is a challenge as they are up sometimes at 5am!!! (Like this morning.) But I think this study came around at the perfect time because prayer is definitely something I’m feeling convicted about. On Monday, a friend who I met at my previous church suggested we become prayer partners again, so I definitely don’t think that’s a coincidence! Thankful for God’s grace and consistent nudging.
@katie W I don’t have a study per say but I do love the Whoa That’s Good Podcast by Sadie Robertson Huff. I feel like all episodes have relation of how to become closer to God and a lot of that is prayer life.
I loved reading everyones responses on prayer. SO many times I found myself saying: Me TOO! to soo many of your comments. My prayer life goes up and down.
I am similar to you, Tina- I do not like to pray out loud. With talking with God, He’s told me, that I overthink it- it’s just a simple convo with Him.
Angie Mills: I am like you- I pray better when I am at a prayer meeting. I do worse at home, my prayers are less focused and I get soo distracted.
Many of you mentioned journaling or walking while praying- I have started doing that and yes, it is so close to see God respond when you write prayers to Him.
As for walking- I feel closest to God when I am out in nature so prayer just naturally happens. I am like many of you and will start praying to improve my prayer life.
For those of you who mentioned praying the scriptures- definetly something I want to try!
My relationship with prayer started as a struggle in that I felt that I couldn’t do it as well as someone else. I never volunteered. The pastor at my church would choose someone to close in prayer after class. So once I did it a couple times I would say that I learned that I didn’t have to say the perfect words. I am not afraid to pray. Since that time I try to use The Acts Method although not perfectly and if I forget one of the areas I realize that it wasn’t meant for me to pray that. Churchmouse I love your suggestion. Sharon, Jersey Girl 65 is not old. Love the comments and praying for requests♥️
Also excited to get into Podcast guest Tyler Staton’s book, “Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools”. It is already on my shelf for my next great read.
Thank you SRT for having such wonderfully wise guests and conversations. The podcasts are always such a great help in giving depth and a framework to our studies each week.
Thank you SRT, Amanda, Raechel and Tyler Staton (National Director of 24-7 Prayer and pastor of Bridgetown Church) for this week’s beautifully helpful PODCAST. It addresses so many of the struggles many of you have mentioned. Tyler encouraged us “to take prayer out of the framework of results and put it into the framework of relationship.” It is not only about talking and listening, but also about being attuned to His presence throughout the day. He talks about the challenges when we sit in silence, waiting, hearing nothing from God. He reminds us that God promises He will redeem our suffering. Be sure to listen!
Also helpful the books “How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People” & “How to Hear God” both by Pete Greig and his “The Prayer Course” at 24-7 Prayer website. Excellent resources.
Thank all you ladies for modeling prayer. I see it every day as I scroll through the comments; you notice the hurts; you lift each other up to the Father. He hears every prayer.
Churchmouse, what a fabulous idea!
My prayer life has had peaks and valleys. I have OCD and anxiety which both make quieting my mind so difficult. I have found that praying through scriptures or through a list has helped me stay on track. I’m grateful that God hears my prayers even when I’m struggling to pray them.
Karen Roper, me too. I finally realized my ongoing conversation was okay. I do try to have some quiet times during the week for listening.
Praying is something that is part of my daily routine, but sometimes I feel that my prayers are more of a script and less of talking with God. I’m working on not praying for the same things over and over again, but sometimes my prayers are lots of what i’m thankful for which can cause repetition.
I’m still trying to learn the correct way to pray. Normally I pray about my worries, for my family and friends. It almost feels like a wishlist for Santa and I know it’s not right but I don’t know how else to do it yet.
Praying is definitely something that I am learning. Most of my praying comes in forms of a conversation with God. Most of the time when I lay my head to rest at night and in my car rides alone while I am worshipping through song or a podcast. I think prayers is never something we master, I believe we can always find ways to grow in our own journey of prayer.
@erin carpenter do you remember the names of the studies you did?
Do you remember the names of the studies?
My prayer life is DEFINITELY less than ideal. Does anyone has any recommendations on studies that help to build your prayer life more? Like even as basic as how to pray?
Prayer used to come very easily to me. Now it has been a real struggle. But it’s been really preached and pushed on me this year that I need to work on my prayer life. I haven’t been doing a good job at working at it…I want to be more disciplined. I’m just lost in life right now
For years, I viewed prayer lightly. I prayed when I got up, short little “thank you for another day” ditties and the “bless momma and daddy and gramma” generalities at night. I prayed before meals and half-heartedly prayed for others when asked. I was afraid to “get into the battle” by going any deeper in prayer than the basics. But a few years ago, through a bible study on the armor of God, I realized that I stepped into the battle the minute I accepted Jesus as Savior, so I better learn how to fight-on my knees with specific, strategic prayer for myself and my loved ones and my community and my country. So I went through study after study learning how to pray and use the weapon of Scripture the way they were meant to be used. It’s been a learning process, but I’ve found myself in a place I never thought I’d be: an intercessor and a prayer warrior. And I’ve discovered that I love spending time with my Father and Savior in prayer. I love worshipping my creator and lifting my needs and the needs of others around me to the only One who is able to move and work in those situations. I’ve found that in my little prayer closet, wherever that may be at the time, is where I’m strongest. It’s where heaven and earth collide. It’s where I find my joy and my strength and my confidence, and I can’t get enough. I don’t ever want to go back to basic rotely memorized prayer, because I’ve grown so much closer to my Daddy God than I ever dreamed possible.
Praying for me can be so difficult at times because I try to include everything from one day from thanks to asking for strength and knowledge and safety or for others into one prayer. I am slowly learning by observing from the community of my church and my group.
Prayer for me is a meditative and refreshing experience. It is the ability to get my deepest thoughts, desires, or concerns off my chest. I also do struggle with the “right” way to pray, though. I also struggle with being consistent in prayer.
Prayer for me has its ups and downs. Most times I don’t know what to ask for so I give thanks and praise Him. But sometimes I feel like He doesn’t hear me so I stumble on my words, or get jumbled up.
@Taylor praying for you and your loneliness. I often feel that and I understand. Prayer has been a teeter totter experience for me. At times I pray for something specific and other times it’s more just asking for guidance. When I pray for something specific like a relationship or a job it can come with so much anxiety because I have been disappointed praying for bold specific things. I often struggle with if my prayers aren’t answered my specific way that God doesn’t care about me or he isn’t listening to me. I know that is not true but I have often over the course of the last year felt angry and sometimes I feel like I take it out on my prayers.
Prayer has been a teeter totter experience for me. At times I pray continually for something specific and other tkmed
I feel the same way. It comes from disappointment from big things I prayed for with bad outcomes.
My relationship with prayer has been all three. I am growing to the point where it is becoming consistent but I am working towards understanding God and who he is so I can know the best way to go to him.
Prayer has been both a struggle and at times has come easily. The struggle has been just praying at all or not knowing what to say. I’ve also struggled with how to say my prayer. Am I demanding, do I sound like I’m whining about my circumstances, am I saying too much or not enough? Oddly the question has never been about whether I’m heard. I believe that our Lord is in everything and therefore hears everything but especially hears our prayers. It’s more about tone or just doing it I guess.
Prayer for me is hard at times to find the right words to say, but then other times I know exactly what to say and it helps relieve me. And sometimes even if I don’t find the right words to say I still know He hears me.
@Michelle Patire: praise God for your update. Very happy that you feel better.
@Taylor: praying for you to have comfort& peace over the recent break up.
@Rhonda J. : I never thought of prayers as a comfort to those who listen. Thank you!
@Tina: I love your message today so so much. I feel embarrassed praying out loud in group as well. You described me lol. BUT GOD, RIGHT? Right, right.
Showing up for prayers used to be a big struggle for me. Until I received an advice that I could just pray anytime, anywhere, and I usually would just pray out loud or quietly. Since then, it has become a beautiful natural flow. I sob often when I pray. I just cannot help it. Many times it is happy tears filled with thankfulness of Jesus and His sacrifice. Before I could finish my praise, my tears would flow. I would say a two-minute prayer, and focus to listen to what God/His Holy Spirit is trying to draw me to. More on listening. So my prayer time is not a formal sit down session, but rather on the go, with several occurrences.
@Rebecca: I am amazed at the method of your pastor. Thank you so much for sharing! That’s the same method I used. Hallelujah. I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to do this, when going through a hard life circumstance. I started writing down very long pages of conversation with God in two notebooks for a summer. It did feel a bit silly initially, but I did it anyway in faith. I couldn’t afford not to, because I needed wisdom and solution desperately. When I went through the notes months later (like you did), I was shocked and amazed at the depth, the comfort, the tone of the One who spoke, it was totally NOT my tone at all. I used to disregard this as my own figment of imagination before doing it (I think this is the enemy working), I am glad I pushed through and brought it to the test by writing ALL down, to realize it was different literature, different ways of thought process, different vocabulary and different sense of humour! God joked with me a lot when He spoke to me and it made me laugh when I re-read. Now I wrote on my phone note pad app and saved, so that I had access digitally as well, and I often went back to visit these conversations of my journey with God. There are several prophecies He showed me when I asked Him to prophesy to certain situations or things concerning certain people. God did not hold back but revealed. And I am super thankful He showed me to do this. More people need to know about this! Write down your conversations with God dear she’s. Make time to do it. Grab a cute flowery notebook, set it apart for this, and grab your favourite pen. Write away! God’s conversations never fail to amaze me, every single time. Test it for yourselves ;) all glory be to the Lord. Be blessed dear sisters.
Praying has always been a struggle for me. I forget to pray sometimes. I listened to one of the Whoa That’s Good podcast a few weeks ago, she described that she always viewed praying in a formal sense. She discusses how prayer comes in many different forms and for her she is constantly talking to God throughout the day in conversation-like prayer.
When I am praying in private I sometimes struggle with how to do it. Should I approach it by confessing my sins and then praising him and then asking for assistance for others and then myself… When I am praying with someone or for someone out loud it is much easier for me.
Churchmouse, thank you for the idea with the fingers. I appreciate that. I also find it easier to pray for an individual when they request prayer right at that moment. Otherwise, I will forget.
I know I need to take more time, to be more intentional to pray myself. Lord give me the strength.
Prayer for me comes naturally, I enjoy praying a lone and with others
I seem to always forget to pray. It sounds silly since I have a close relationship with Christ but I always have so much on my mind that praying always gets tucked away until I got to bed at night or if something big happens that I need to pray about.
May, I feel the same way. It is such a struggle for me
Praying for me is like breathing. I’m in constant communication with God and try to invite Him into everything. I haven’t always been this way, but over time and with some discipline, I have come to pray more and more deeply.
Recently, I read 2 Chronicles 20: 6-12 and the prayer of King Jehoshaphat stood out.
Praying is hard for me. I forget. I am apathetic. I think if Gods going to do something He’s going to do it with or without me praying about it! I fear my prayers aren’t strong enough not enough emotion or passion behind them.
I wonder how different prayer was for the disciples who saw the death and resurrection, and transfiguration, before, during and after these events?
I love to pray and feel that closeness with God through Jesus, however I have been struggling with being consistent. This has been going on for months. I noticed myself slowly drifting away and it’s a painful, lonely feeling being apart from God. I asked The Holy Spirit to help me pray and to give me back that thirst for prayer and fellowship with Him. This bible study came at the right time, praise God❤️
A huge thank you to all of you for your comments & insights…sharing your vulnerabilities. I have learned over the years, it may even have been from one of you, to pray when someone makes the request & not wait to do it later. Sometimes that’s with them (HARD!), & sometimes as I’m walking away. I’ll write it down in my journal later. (Another thanks to ValMarie Paper for your prayer journals.). My prayer life has changed a lot over the years, and is still evolving. I love what’s been said about listening. Big motor mouth here & I want to listen better & follow the Holy Spirit’s prompts better.
Hugs & love to all
I have always struggled with prayer. Not knowing how to, and then not doing it in times as I should. With each day I struggle less, but still have room to grow. I remind myself that praying is my biggest communication form with God.
Prayer has been a struggle for me, there’s been ups and downs. But overall slow improvement.
When I was a teenager, struggling with faith, my Mom encouraged me to have an open dialogue with God, to just be honest with him about where I was at. That was invaluable advice and the beginning of what has now been nearly 20 years of simply talking to Him, taking everything to Him and Him revealing things to me.
I love that Jesus taught me that when I can’t find the words to pray, he already knows my heart. So I can come to him in prayer and just rest my head on His shoulder.
I have struggled with prayer so l asked to join the women’s prayer team at church to help me grow in my prayer life. I still struggle but, I make myself start praying and guess what? Words starting flowing and I pour out what is in my heart. God is so gracious. We have a conversation all day long. I pray for you all when I read your comments and am excited to see how God answers. Have a blessed day, Sisters! ♥️
This reply is to Courtney
Dawn, you are not alone, these last year’s have been huge struggles for me as well, both with family and health. When my prayer life becomes lost or stilted, I revert to praying scripture. I like to read and pray the Psalms. Psalm 91, 92, 27, 139 are some of my favorites . Read then and pray them aloud, God’s word is powerful and will accomplish that which it is sent for. I’ll be praying for you!
In spite of the fact that I am uncomfortable asking for specifics in prayer, I pray almost continually…. once I understood that prayer wasn’t just that time that I sit alone, quietly and talk to God, but included in prayer are the times I’m singing worship songs and find myself arms raised praising God as I sing, and the times when I can’t sleep and I run through all the scripture verses I have memorized, all the little things I do throughout the course of my day that are purposeful to please my heavenly father, all these are an act of worship and prayer.
This doesn’t mean that it isn’t important to spend time quietly and specifically in prayer. Now that I’m an empty nester, and not working, I find it easy to sit quietly in my prayer spot with Jesus. However, back when I was a busy working or homeschooling mom it was a huge blessing for me to find out that frantic, inturrupted prayer while, driving down the road at 60 miles an hour, was just precious to Jesus as the rare moments when I was alone and quiet.
This is oh so true. The devil our enemy is getting desperate and is attacking the saints all the more. You are right that praying scripture back is oh so important, but only to our Father (his word will not return to him void) but also because Satan cannot stand against the Word of God!! Thank you for this reminder
This is beautiful Cheryl. Thank you for sharing. I love the pattern you follow, as so often we forget the praise, worship, confession and thanks. Yet those are so important to our mindset and our showing the Father the depth of our heart of gratitude. Thank you for this reminder!!
Yes!.. I love this….
I love to pray. A few years ago I listened to a preacher on tv who said he kept a prayer journal where he spoke to God, then “listened” to hear God’s responses. He then wrote those down as well. At the time we were going through a very difficult time with our son (serious mental breakdown and alcohol abuse, total withdrawal from family and friends, loss of very lucrative job)I was desperate to hear from Jesus! I’ve never prayed so non stop in my life. I thought I would try the pastor’s method of writing my prayer conversations down. Well, several years have passed and I forgot about that journal. (Though my prayers for my son have never stopped!) So yesterday I thought I would write down some of your names and requests to more easily refer to them and I happened to pull out the notebook that was my prayer journal during that difficult time. At first I didn’t want to read it because I thought it would bring up too many sad memories, but instead I was shocked to read the words that “God” spoke to me, and see what a true miracle he has done- and continues to do, in the life of my son.
When I was writing in the journal I felt silly at first listening for God and writing down what he said but in retrospect as I read the words, I truly feel they were HIS words and not my own. Prayer in all forms brings us closer to Jesus. Believe.
Over the past two decades, prayer has become vital to my heart and daily living. When i feel far from God my Father, a gentle reminder comes that he didn’t change (leave), I did. Remembering that the Lord is constant, unchanging and His goodness is good for me prompts my prayers in the hardest trials and the highest triumphs. My prayer life is far from perfect and I do not wish to convey that I’ve done anything right or holy to make it happen/better, but I do wish to tell you of his faithfulness. His nature is gracious and generous. He’ll meet you wherever you are, be it the moan you strain to utter or shouts that can’t be contained. Praise be to Jesus who is so personal, powerful, and perfect. May our hearts desire what He desires and pray for more of His presence!
Finding the time to pray used to be a struggle when my kids were little. Everything was so distracting if they were up, so I purposed to get up early (and I was not a morning person) before anyone was up and find my quiet place to talk to the Lord. My kids are all grown now and only one still at home, so I don’t need to get up quiet as early but I do have a fairly regular time that I pray. Having that time set aside keeps me consistent. I too usually pray through the ACTS pattern- in case anyone didn’t listen to the podcast or has not heard of it, A is for Acknowledging who God is – glorifying Him & His name; C is for confession of sin; T is for thanksgiving and S is for supplication (our requests for others and ourselves). I also have a “prayer list” which is actually a spiral of 3×5 index cards – each card with its own heading, ex. salvation – with a list of those who are lost; family; friends, church family etc. etc.
Sometimes I use my list, other times I just commune with God of whats on my heart. I recently turned 65 (that sounds so old!!) and have been praying for many, many years but in spite of that, there is still much to learn about prayer and I desire a deeper more intimate prayer relationship with my God, my Savior, my Father. Praying that through this study I will grow in that area.
@Churchmouse – loved your fingers example!
Have a blessed Wednesday all my She sisters! Philippians 1:3,4
It probably has been all those things…I can talk to God naturally but sometimes I’m distracted, sometimes I can focus. Especially with kids, it can be hard, I’m usually having my attention diverted in many directions. I have learned a lot over the past 10 yrs, training in praying the Scriptures. God looks over His Word to perform it!
Prayer is a struggle with me for sure! I always feel as if I am doing it wrong so then I tend to just not do it. I’ve been trying to change my viewpoint on prayer though and confide in him as if I am confiding in a friend.
Prayer is something that came naturally and it is also something that is learned. I had to learn this past year when my father got sick to quote scripture back to our Father. Kind of like when a child says to a parent “but mom you said”…I quote the scripture back to God our Father saying “God you told us in Psalm 91, we don’t have have to be afraid of deadly diseases.”
This last year was the first time that I started being loud and getting heated up in prayer, and have been very, very, very aware of the spiritual battle that we are facing. Something that I knew was there but kind of just left it at that. Not realizing the attacks were coming for me and my family and I literally was praying and casting out spirits and demons and claiming God’s authority. So while prayer as come naturally to me, it is also something that I have learned to fine tune.
We just have to continue to remember to fight all our battles on our knees!
My relationship with prayer has grown tremendously. I still at times struggle with the words to communicate and it’s helpful to remember Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Also, reminding myself that this is an opportunity to share with my Father moments of true intimacy, where not only am I being heard but where I can hear from Him too.
I’ve found that when praying I sometimes find myself feeling anxious that I won’t remember to pray for something important. I think this has deterred me from praying often. I’ve found a lot of comfort in knowing that God is all knowing and knows what I need more than I do. I also want to work on thanking god for the prayers that he has answered in my life. I feel like when I’m praying it’s for something that is going wrong or when my family needs help.
Good Morning ☀️ sweet SRT sisters!
I always thought of myself as someone who does pray but I’m realizing I don’t pray enough. And as I started to listen to the podcast, I was reminded of the acronym of ACTS as a guide for prayer. I love Churchmouse’s way of prayer. Thank you Churchmouse ❤️ While I do pray especially when somebody asks me to pray for them, I still feel I don’t pray enough or more intentional. And of course when going through something or someone special to me is going through something, prayer is a priority. I’m thankful for the podcast and all of you here who point me to be more intentional about my prayer life. This has been a great reminder to bring me back to the basics because it doesn’t need to be elaborate. Our Jesus just wants us to spend time with HIM and it doesn’t have to take a long time.
Thank you dear sisters for all your comments, I could see myself in so many. Dear Churchmouse, I loved your way of praying with folded hands, I grew up that way but have strayed away from that position. What I love more is how you have given each finger a group to pray for and it is something I would like to try. Thank you.
Prayer use to be so easy for me. I would set aside time at night, but as I got older it has become less of a priority on a regular basis which has been hard for me to break. I practice prayer nightly with my son even having a daily prayer chart by his bed at night where we pray for family friends government official pastors but practice what I preach is what I really need to focus on for myself
My prayer life has grown so much over the last several months, as I’ve been in a wilderness season of my life. Waiting is hard! But I’ve grown closer to God through prayer in that time. Now it is hard for me to pray to him when things are okay, or it’s a good day. I’m suddenly at a loss for words! So I have to be very intentional about it. And I’m trying to use my prayer times to also listen and commune with God. It’s hard, but it’s good!
When I was young I heard a sermon on using the Lord’s Prayer as an outline for prayer. Later, I joined Moms in Prayer and their outline was the same. I start with praise and worship. He is the only one with the power and authority to change things. He has proved faithful, trustworthy, compassionate, loving, full of mercy toward us. Second, I confess my sins and ask forgiveness so there is nothing hindering my prayers. I find after these two steps I’m ready to ask to pray according to His will. Third, I thank Him for everything that comes to mind, which is a lot! Fourth, I lay out my petitions to Him. I keep a prayer journal I love to go back through previous weeks, months and years. He is amazing to me! He walks with me through the tough times, He blesses through mountain top times and His ways are perfect and higher than I can ever imagine After my quiet time with Him in the early morning, I find He is my companion throughout the day. Maybe a concern comes up or a beautiful bird is in my yard. Just so many little and big things He is there to share with us. I know my prayer life has evolved over the years as my seasons in life have changed. Thankful that through it all He had never left or forsaken me. Im always on His mind. How beautiful are His thoughts toward us!
My prayer life has changed over the years. Mostly nowadays it’s a conversation with my Lord. But at times, it’s on my knees or prostrate in complete submission and reverence.
Prayer is something I have learned but has also been a struggle in the sense of not approaching it as a checklist item (I am very type A). Prayer is a gift and can take many forms (which we are learning more about in this study). I need to remember that praying throughout my day is what God wants as well, not just a specific few minutes. I continually ask God to give me the desire to speak with Him more, not from the perspective of checking a box. I want the posture of my heart to be desire to be with Him and abide with Him – intentionally during a few minutes of quiet time AND throughout my day. He is always with me.
Thank You, Jesus, that we have access to God through prayer any time and anywhere!
Sometimes prayer comes easy, other times I can’t seem to get the words out so am thankful for the spirits moaning. I love when God confirms a prayer quickly. An adored teacher is leaving us in Jan’ to become a youth pastor. It is difficult to be angry with a mid year change. Yesterday, in the shower, I was praying that his new position would be blessed and we would be blessed in hiring. I got out of the shower and had a text from the teacher. It was a picture of some of our former student ( now in high school) at his house the evening before for Young
Prayer is something that I have been trying to take more time for and to use tools for praying that help me to stay on track. There are so many ways I can come to God in prayer.
Praying daily is habitual for me. My pastor always made it a point to say this, “we pray to get saved and we pray to stay saved.” This sticks with me and it helps me to rise every morning to pray even if only for a few minutes.
For me, prayer is more of a struggle in some seasons than others. Sometimes, I struggle to make time to pray or not get distracted when I do pray. I often find it easier to pray specifically for others than for myself. Also, trying to learn to not only bring my requests but also offer prayers of just praise and thanksgiving.
My husband and I started praying outliud together many years ago for a wayward child who thankfully returned, but during the course of that time through other struggles I learned to cry out to God as I walked, drove my car or sat quietly meditating on His word. Todays prayer is my weakest area of praying for guidance. I make a habit when I wake up to thank God for another day and ask Him to guide my steps and give me wisdom but then make decisions without seeking His direct intervention. I have also been reminded that prayer includes adoration and confession not just requests.
I have found using a prayer journal has helped immensely as I no longer tell people I’ll pray for them and then forget. ValMariePaper.com ( Val Woerner) puts out a fabulous yearly prayer journal I’ve used for years in conjunction with SRT which includes all the elements of prayer in ACTS, answered prayers, your written prayers and gratitude. I pray a page a day.
Prayer has looked different for me in different seasons. I remember praying so much when I was in high school, continually throughout my day, because that was a really hard season and God was the only one I felt like I could talk to about things. Now, I do my most intentional praying through my morning journaling. They’re not as long but they are intentional. I think prayer can be natural in some seasons and very difficult in others. When it’s difficult I try to lean in and remember that prayer can take many different forms.
I recognize elements of my prayer life in many of today’s comments. Like TINA, I am uncomfortable praying in a group, but find that once I get started He gives me the words. I need to trust Him more in that instead of leaning on ‘my own understanding’.
RHONDA J and others who rely on music – The Worship Initiative does a beautiful job. I listened to Psalm 13 last night and chastised myself for not listening more. Thanks for that reminder!
As suggested in the podcast, I am striving to get away from the results mindset and focus on the relationship with my Father. I so appreciate that I have this opportunity to learn and grow through these Scriptures and the comments shared.
Prayer is something I do every day and when needed.
I try to pray daily. When there are things that are going on in my life, I try to rely on scripture to help me through. However, also try to pray through praise when things are going well to remind me of God’s goodness. I want to beco
I both struggle and feel I am successful in prayer. I struggle at times because I was raised being taught by my father that group prayer at meals and such was somehow wrong (unless in a worship service) so we didn’t pray at meals and such as a family, so I struggle with consistency, but at the same time I’m very comfortable just talking to God like he’s right there beside me. I do this a lot in my car
I was excited to read about this study and that actually joined up to participate. I want to learn to trust God more with the journey He has for my life.
… helps to keep my mind from wandering. I feel grateful that my dad gave a good example of how to talk with Jesus like He’s your best friend. As I grow older, and now that I’m a mom, I pray for guidance in how to pray, and I try my best to use my gift of intercession.
I’ve experienced all three as well, where prayer comes naturally, is a struggle and is learned. I have learned that speaking my prayers out loud, or writing them in a journal helps
I feel this Shalayne!
This resonates with me Dawn. I’m sorry for the weight you’ve had to carry this last year and a half and hope this study brings light and life
My prayer life continues to evolve and change like the rest of you. I enjoyed learning about the “ACTS” framework that on the podcast to help give me a framework so I’m not repeating the same list over and over AND as a reminder to focus on gratitude. Appreciate you ladies so much.
My prayer life has been great and now not so great. My biggest struggle is that my elderly father now lives with us. I have a hard time making the time. There are many distractions. Thankfully, I know that I can pray anytime, pray without ceasing. He is with me, always!
Prayer for me, in recent years anyway, has been a way to “cast my cares on him, for he cares for [me].” When we first got married, my husband was the person I turned to a lot spiritually for advice, and while this is a good thing, I learned, especially when he would have struggles of his own, that in doing this so often I had put him in the place of Jesus which is NOT good. It is not our husbands jobs to carry our emotional burdens… or to FIX them. Only Jesus can do that, and I have seen him do it for me over and over again as I cast my cares on him, and lay my burdens at his feet. Submitting them to him, and asking him for his thoughts has made all the difference and I have been better able to walk through difficulties in life because of the peace He gives.
Beautiful!
Prayer is such a vulnerable act. Sometimes the honesty is overwhelming. Especially when I am struggling with my reality. I self-isolate and shut down when I get overwhelmed. He’s constantly reminding me that prayer can be as simple as connection. I don’t need to perform for Him, He’s okay with just me even if that means talking about making toast with Him. It’s enough to just connect with Him. It’s enough.
I feel I go through waves, sometimes I pray daily other times I go long periods without praying and don’t even realize it. Sometimes the words are hard to find and I feel my prayer is not meaningful enough, but I know God knows my heart and doesn’t mind the words so much as what I’m praying to him for. God bless everyone today!
Good morning, Shes! Thank you Mari, Foster Mama, Lexi B, Taylor, Searching, and anyone else I missed who prayed for me <3 Good news: My legs feel way better today! Praise God! They're not 100% but I def feel improvement walking down steps. I hope to run a short distance tomorrow. Going to do some arm and core workout today instead of my routine Wednesday "leg day" :) thank you!
I have a big heart for prayer. I believe it is one of my callings in this life, to give others confidence to pray. I always tell people, you don't need to sound impressive. The most effective prayers are the most HONEST prayers. I have had people pray for me that said only a few words, but those were words that I needed. @Tina, I absolutely loved your testimony. Prayer is for ALL believers!!!
Thank you for sharing that beautiful quote!
Prayer was not always a struggle. It has been the last year and half due to dealing with so much. Prayer seemed useless and I felt abandoned. I am praying that this study helps me see and go where I need to in relationship to prayer.
Good morning She’s!
I grew up in church yet oddly hardly ever prayed aloud or for other people aloud, yes in my head I have thanked God for my many blessings, made requests, and talked to God throughout the day. But recently God has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. It was awkward at first as I stumbled for the right words but as I rely more and more on the Holy Spirit to prompt and guide more and more I find the words flow out easily. In the days after the hurricane as people stood broken, I was able to comfort them with prayer, on our Friday nights with the homeless I am able to comfort them with prayer, at small group I am able to close with prayer. God is good, He gives us the advocate, the Holy Spirit that empowers us and knows more what we need than we do! Amazing! Praise God!
On my own my prayers our improving as well the more I know the Bible and God’s will. There are several things I find that help me stay in constant communication with God. Just reading and praying in unison with your comments or request is one. I also like writing in a journal to thank God and write down requests of my own and others. At night when my mind gets more jumbled sometimes, I will go back to The Lord’s Prayer or I “sing” worship songs. It’s just giving my mind over to commune with Him.
I am loving this study though because I do want to improve my prayer life for I know how imperative it is for my relationship with my Savior
It is SO good to see so many peeps joining in this study! I pray that each of us Lord will draw closer to you and be your people, that look to you to guide our lives and be the salt and light to others, and really be brave and more spontaneous to pray for those in need- when and where we come in contact with them, to pray in public in appreciation and supplication, to be ignited with joy as we can openly and freely praise and love you our Lord!! Amen and Amen
I wonder what Mary the mother of Jesus’ prayers sounded like after he just left. If anyone knew how to have a conversation with God it would be her! Never thought of it like that before. All of the disciples really… they had a face to face / voice to voice relationship with him personally.
When I was a little girl at night I had a prayer I put together it when like this:
Down my lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take.
Our Father who art in heaven hollow be their name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Bless my mom, my dad, all my sisters, all my brothers, my aunts and uncles, all my cousins, my friends, momma kitty, black kitty, cotton, everybody in the whole wide works amen.
Most night it was a ritual not a lot of thought went into it. I was well into my 20’s before I decided my nightly prayer could take a different form.
In college I realized prayer had more to it. I realized I could pray any time anywhere. I could pray with my eyes open or closed. Standing or sitting, walking or laying down.
I love this quote:
“Our prayers can go where we cannot…there are no borders, no prison walls, no doors that are closed to us when we pray.”
Brother Andrew,
Like TINA, praying privately is my thing – for my SRT sisters and family/friends in the mornings and throughout the day. Publicly or in front of other people, yikes. I feel completely inadequate in those situations, to the point of feeling physically ill even thinking about it. Something to work on and pray about.
RHONDA J – you are an inspiration with what you’re doing on Friday evenings.
In my prayer time, focus and listening are two things I KNOW I need to work on. And I do, for a while, then things slide and I fall back into my old ways. I’m pretty consistent with early morning prayer and devotions but like many of you, the quality ebbs and flows with what else is grabbing my attention. I try to make a note of it and then get back on track.
Praying for:
LAURA M – you and sonogram today
HEIDI – your follow through on closing practice
MICHELLE PATIRE – healing
RS – daughter’s breakup. Although painful now, she will surely look back on this situation (as I can in my own life) and see God’s protection
The title of today’s devo, The God Who Guides, brings to mind a time of such clear guidance from the Lord. There was one seemingly insignificant item on the background report of top candidate for a job – which the they had already told me about (1 time checkbook mix up, bounced check, very aggressive follow up by merchant) – and everything else had checked out fine. I spoke to courthouse clerk about unfamiliar wording on report, thanked her and mentioned hiring the person for a financial position. She quickly suggested I come see the file in person & I said no, that she had answered my question. She stressed that she thought it was important & I ended the call. I told my assistant the crazy idea that I drive several miles in Friday afternoon rush hour traffic, and attempted to get back to work. It felt like someone was pulling with all their might to get me out the door. I couldn’t focus on anything else and next thing I knew, I was headed downtown. Praise the Lord the clerk spoke up and He prodded me (felt like forced me) to follow through. There was no checkbook mix up involving 1 check – page after page of bounced checks in our state. Another section in the file covered other states not included in the background report – detailing the recent release after a multi year sentence for fraud and embezzlement. Much more to story but that’s the gist. I’ll never doubt that He is always with me and still speaks to us in many ways.
For me, prayer used to be an obligation while I was young. But now sometimes I struggle because I get caught up in the responsibilities of life which is 100% on me. I’ve prayed that my heart changes to make prayer as common as breathing.
Prayer has always been a struggle for me. My husband speaks to God like he is speaking to his very best friend and I’ve always admired this and honestly, been a little jealous too! I tend to approach God like I’m in a business meeting. It’s very formal. I’ve gotten a bit better by using a prayer journal but I just can’t chase the formality of it.
Prayer is a struggle for me. I know the importance and believe in its power but I get bogged down in if I’m doing it “right”. That’s sounds so lame but it’s what I constantly feel. I know that is not from the Lord but if I’m being honest it becomes a stumbling block. I need to begin carving out the time to pray. Thanks for letting me share my heart and struggles.
I guess it depends on the season of life I’m in. Sometimes prayer feels natural and I do it without really thinking and other times it’s a struggle where I literally have to set reminders on my phone to do it
God, keep teaching me how to pray with You!
For me, prayer has become more natural as I have grown in my faith and relationship with God. I try to be very intentional to not only petition or ask God for whatever it is on my heart, but to include thanksgiving and praises to Him. Prayer is the first thing that I do in the morning- even before I open my eyes, I spend time praying when I go on walks, and throughout the day. As I’ve grown as a Christian, I’ve realized my dependence on God and, in turn, prayer is a huge part of my life.
My relationship with prayer ebbs and flows, like communication in most relationships. Sometimes it’s easy and feels totally natural. Sometimes it’s hard – especially when I feel like I’m praying the same requests over and over and not getting answers. All of the questions swirling around in my head become overwhelming and I want clarity. But He hears my frustration. He sees my longing. He hears me when I cry and comforts me. I might still feel confused, but I know that God is with me and for me. I wish I could really believe it all of the time. I am so encouraged by those of you who pray continually, throughout the day. I get so caught up in the busyness of life with so many kids that I fail to be present with the Lord. I want to seek him more and listen more.
I, like Heather, found my prayer life go deeper when I made it a point to pray about praying. Some tangible things like having a quiet place with candlelight and soft music on in the background helps to settle me into His presence. I open my hands in praise and gratitude and am opened to obeying Him. I have a mental list of who and what to pray for. I taught this in Children’s Church. I fold my hands in prayer and the thumb represents those closest to me (family and friends). The index finger represents those who point the way (pastors, churches, teachers schools, ministries). The middle finger stands for all those in authority (employers, government leaders). The ring finger represents our military servicemen and women and their families as well as those who are ill and those who care for them (first responders, policemen, firemen, all the helpers) . And the little finger is prayer for myself. I’ve used this pattern to keep me focused and my prayers organized. The pattern is always with me since it’s on my hand. Even having a pattern doesn’t stop distractions and a wandering mind though. If it’s something I need to do or someone to reach out to I make a note of it and go right back to praying where I left off. Sometimes, maybe most of the time, it is God who provides those distractions and thoughts because He wants me to address them later. I’ve learned to listen. I also pause between each finger so that I can hear His still small voice. I pray for God’s will in each person’s life, especially a saving knowledge of and a personal relationship with Him. I just say their name and let God handle the rest. He knows far more about their situation than I do.
I feel like most times, prayer is a struggle for me. Either I don’t know how to pray, or what to pray for in a way that isn’t just me informally talking to God. I know that there are a bunch of different books on prayer, but I’ve never been able to get through any of them. I do end my daily devotion times with prayer, but again, I think I’d like to be more present when praying, and also pray more throughout the day.
I have a list of people/situations written down and will often lay it out before me as I’m stretching on the floor. Having things written down keeps me accountable. Thankful for the privilege of prayer.
I feel like I’ve had different seasons of my prayer life. I also feel like I connect better with God while praying out loud/in a group than in private when my mind tends to wander; yet my desperate, tearful prayers are typically in private before I go to bed. In my seasons of waiting I will pray Psalm 23:1 over myself “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.” to remind myself I have everything I need in Jesus. Feeling that sting of loneliness/missing my ex this morning so Psalm 23:1 is helping me through.
@Michelle Patire praying for your legs! I hope they feel better today!
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers.
I liked what Tyler Staton had to say on the podcast this week about how praying constantly looks like attuning yourself to what God is doing around you. I struggle with prayer but I love this idea and want to try this out more in my daily life.
I truly enjoy praying(in private)!
Hadn’t always been that way nor as frequent or in tune with my faith til 2020 when I got my cancer diagnosis. Then I prayed through my journey with some wonderful highs and extreme lows. Some days I prayed thankfulness and some days were pure desperation. My life and walk with God has never been the same since then. It’s been even better! I’ve been learning to pray along with teaching our kids to pray. I’ve since started a prayer wall full of sticky notes for all my prayers- myself, others, my church, etc. It’s been great and has really helped me with praying.
It’s hard to put into words. I believe my old human habit of isolating quiets me even in prayer. I love God, my husband kids friends etc. yet I tend to grow weary in conversation. I find it easier to pray in the spirit vs holding a conversation. Is that a cop out? I’m not sure. My prayer language flows effortlessly yet speaking my specific words with intention are like lifting heavy weights. Am I blocked in my prayer life? I find I talk to God throughout the day but in my morning prayer time I seem to lack discipline to participate in the meeting. I become passive just as I do in church meetings.
Prayer comes naturally to me, when I speak to the Lord on my own. I always pray for myself and others and although it comes naturally to me now, it was once a struggle when I was younger. I do though, struggle to pray out loud. My prayers tend to be simple and more like having a conversation with our God.
Prayer has been a struggle for me. I have a hard time feeling a connection with God which is often discouraging. I also have a hard time focusing while praying, and my mind wanders. Knowing God has compassion for me and knows my heart is comforting, but I still want I know why I can’t/don’t feel anything.
Prayer is a struggle for me. It’s like I’m praying then my brain jumps to something else and I’m like oh shoot sorry Lord I’m still here!
The podcast this week talks about having a constant posture of prayer but not necessarily in moments of silence or stillness but just in a way that we tune in every moment to what God wants us to see and hear. This keeps our dialogue open with Him but also helps us see others needs in prayer.
It’s hard to put in words so forgive me if I ramble. I love God so much but just like my human peeps I find myself struggling to communicate or have the desire to at times. I procrastinate phone calls, conversations etc. I go on prayer walks and I fall silent. I allow myself to become distracted. I want a deeper prayer life however it does not come easy. I trust Him but I guess I’m still doing some isolation.
My relationship with prayer has been and is all three: a struggle, something that comes naturally, or something I’ve learned.
This morning I’m watching a gorgeous sunrise, and prayer as praise comes naturally. Thank you, Lord, for this beauty!
In a few minutes, my coffee will be ready, and I’ll close my laptop and spend time in prayer. This is both something I’ve learned (a habit I’ve formed during most of my lifetime) and a struggle. My mind instantly wanders. I’m repetitive. I feel guilty for not being able to remember whom I’m supposed to be praying for. I think about how terrible my prayers are. I think about what we’re having for dinner tonight. Then I feel guilty again.
All the while, though, I’ll be watching this sunrise, and that’s when my soul really sings, really connects with our Creator. That’s my heart’s refrain: thank you, thank you, thank you.
Prayer is something I’ve grown to rely on, especially in my work. While I rely on it I’m definitely like some of you other She’s who said it’s a one sided conversation. I don’t do well slowing down and listening. During the early quarantine days I’d walk prayer and hear God in the music, but it’s been a longtime since I slowed down. I need to stop to listen.
I learned to pray. And the more I study, the more I pray using God’s word. I pray according to His will.
My relationship with prayer was an obligation at first. I always prayed when I was little. Then as I became older, prayer became a source of peace. That my Father would listen to me and calm my fears. Prayer now changed my heart.
Prayer has been a process for me. When I was young, I dutifully recited prayers, but I’m not sure they had much meaning. As I have walked with Jesus, I have tried to be more intentional, but do struggle at times to stay focused. I am growing abler to say “Thank you Jesus” at times during the day. This is a blessing.
I pray, like so many of you have stated,throughout the day especially as the need arises, but this study has lit a fire under me to make prayer a daily habit as well when I read my Bible. I appreciate the purpose of each day and it has led me to pray for a need and similar request inspired by the passage. I’m reminded that Jesus was always in communion with the Father, but He too went away often by Himself to pray.
When praying privately, prayer is a struggle for me. There are so many times that I feel as if my praying is rushed. It’s something that I want to do, but it so often devolves into something I need to fit into my schedule. I do converse with the Lord throughout the day as He brings people and events and things to my mind, but it is haphazard. When I pray with other believers, I find it easier to focus my thoughts and attention on the Lord. It’s easier to pray as united believers. Also, the Lord brings Scripture into my mind as I pray with other believers. I am still learning and growing in prayer. This will be a lifetime of learning how to communicate with our Father until the day I am fully in His presence.
C.S. Lewis had this to say about prayer. “It is irksome.” On a lot of days, I have to agree with this. Prayer is hard. I feel like most of my time is spent making a list of my requests. I like what was said in the podcast; we need to take prayer out of the framework of results and put it into the framework of relationship.
I want to be better at prayer. I am seeking to make my prayers about relationship rather than just requests. My greatest comfort and encouragement is that God wants me to be better at it, too.
I don’t struggle with prayer, but like many my focus can be off. I get up very early to have my prayer time, but often my mind goes to other things I have to do. I know it’s the quality of my time with Him.. so talking to him throughout the day is also helpful!!
For me walking has been a revolutionary part of learning to pray. Keeping my body engaged has allowed me to focus my mind and heart on talking with and listening to Jesus. I look forward every day to a walk with my Friend!!
Keeping prayer a two-way conversation is my greatest struggle with bringing my own concerns to the Lord a close second. I’ll pray for other’s needs in a heartbeat but not my own. In some ways, I know that I am blessed to have my needs met and do not ask for anything. Yet in other ways, it is my pride keeping me from asking for eyes to see my sin and for a deeper transformation for my inner man.
Prayer is a struggle for me. I can pray through text for others & I do try to stay constantly talking to God throughout the day, but it’s very basic & I want so much more but I find myself sounding & saying the same stuff on repeat. I’m actually going to start praying about my prayer life so that I can grow in this area of my relationship with Jesus! That’s going to become my main focus bc I want to get out of this prayer rut I’m in.
I love to pray… privately!
In public, that’s another story. I get embarrassed. I see others using their best language, and just freely going for it.. and I think I CANT DO THAT! I AM NOT EQUIPPED LIKE THAT!
MY PRAYERS WILL NOT BE A PATCH ON THAT..
BUT GOD..
One day at work (I work for a church), we were asked to gather in twos and threes to pray for each other.. I started to leave as these moments are not to my liking. The pastor saw me leaving, asked where I was going, no answer, I said nowhere!. He said join those two over there .. looking ‘over there’ my heart sank. I was about to be exposed as a fraud! OMG, what was I to do.. The two were the two pastors wives! Great!!
I approached them saying I don’t pray aloud, and worst of all, I also said God never talks to me or gives me words of encouragement for another..
BUT GOD..
RIGHT?
He filled me with words to share, words to pray, words of encouragement for these two women, I believed, had the upper hand on prayer because of who they were and position.
Lesson learned.. GOD PUTS EACH AND EVERYONE ON A PEDESTAL. WE NONE OF US ARE BETTER THAN THE NEXT MAN. WE ARE ALL EQUAL IN HIS EYES.. AMEN.
Still, sometimes get that ‘not good enough’ feeling..
BUT FOR GOD..
Amen.
Just to say thank for your kind and loving messages yesterday.. it was hard, BUT for GOD.. Thank you.
Happy Wednesday my dears, lovingly wrapped in prayers and hugs..❤
I’m sure I’m not the only one who would say my relationship with prayer is that some days are better than others! I know what it’s like to press in and search for the heart of God for a situation but often it can feel “listy”. I have been walking with the Lord for many years and yet I feel frustrated when my prayers are surface level. “I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out “-Romans 7:18 On some days, just to be able to keep my focus for more than 5 minutes would be good!
But I love the fact that with God we can never say we have it sorted. It is something I am continually learning. God always draws near when I linger in His presence so I know His heart’s desire is for more of me. He is eagerly waiting to answer when I bring my heart to Him.
At first prayer was a struggle until I truly found my relationship with Christ. Then in my prayer time in my prayer closet or random moments during a day … prayer was my first go to and time would fly by. An hour seemed like 10 minutes. As life changes and new valleys/challenges come I have fallen. I am consciously making prayer a part of my day. All day.