Suggestions for Developing a Consistent Prayer Life

Suggestions for Developing a Consistent Prayer Life

Here is a plan for increasing your time in prayer. It gives you an idea of what is involved in prayer. At first your prayers may last a few minutes, but in time you will discover much for which to pray. The real power in your life will be based upon the time you spend in prayer. Martin Luther, a great church leader of the 16th century, said, "I am not ready to begin the day if I haven't prayed for at least four hours." Martin Luther did great things for God. Each of the eleven points of prayer has a brief explanation and some verses from the Bible that show an application of that aspect of prayer.
1. Begin with PRAISE: This is glorifying God and thanking him for his greatness. Witness verses: Matthew 6:9, Psalm 63:3, Hebrews 13:15.
2. WAITING. Early in our time of prayer we need to be still, recognizing that we are in God's presence. Witness verses: Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 130:5-6, Psalm 46:10.
3. CONFESSION. Before we pray for ourselves or for others we should confess our sins to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness. Witness verses: 1 John 1:9, Psalm 66:18, Psalm 139:23-24.
4. SCRIPTURE PRAYING. God's Word helps us to increase our faith. Thus, we need to bring it into our prayers. Use a few verses of Scripture to help guide your thoughts in prayer. Witness verses: Jeremiah 23:29, Numbers 23:19.
5. WATCHING. Special time should be set aside in prayer to reflect upon what is happening in the world, the nation, the community, and the home. Witness verses: Matthew 26:4, Mark 13:33, Colossians 4:2.
6. INTERCESSION. This is the time when you pray for others - the needy, the unevangelized, the sick, the lonely, etc. Witness verses: 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Psalm 2:8, Ephesians 6:18.
7. PETITION. We do not need to hesitate to ask God for the special things we want and need. Witness verses: Matthew 7:7, James 4:2, Matthew 6:11.
8. THANKSGIVING. We should pause during our time of prayer to specifically thank God for all that He is doing for us. Witness verses: Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2, Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
9. SINGING. Let the joy of your heart break forth in singing. Words of praise combined with a melody are one of the best ways for personal worship. Witness verses: Psalm 100:2, Ephesians 5:19, Psalm 144:9.
10. MEDITATION. Time should be allowed to mentally evaluate or think about a spiritual theme in reference to God. Witness verses: Psalm 1:1-2, Psalm 77:12, Joshua 1:8.
11. PRAISE. Prayer can be brought to a conclusion by arriving again at a time of praise. Begin and conclude with the worship of God. Witness verses: Matthew 6:13, Psalm 119:108, Psalm 52:9.