How is your prayer life? Could you use some ideas for encouragement? According to Pew Research, the frequency of prayer among Christians is about 68%. You can find out more here:https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/christians/christian/frequency-of-prayer/

When it comes to prayer, Jesus is our example. There are many examples of Him going away to pray (Luke 5:16) and praying before others. He prayed around the disciples(John 17) and for individual miracles(John 11). We know Jesus lived a life of prayer. It was His source of power and strength, as it is for all of us who claim His dear Name.

And now, He prays for us as He is seated at the right hand of God the Father (John 17:20-23). And He sent the promised Holy Spirit who guides us in praying (John 8:26-27).
Prayer is vital to a Christian’s growth and valuable to our lives, as well as to everyone and every situation we pray for. Here’s some encouragement:

TIPS FOR PURPOSEFUL PRAYER:

1. Use the guided prayer in a Bible App-

2. Get a prayer partner –

Accountability is valuable if you are beginning. I once met a friend at a coffee shop and she and I would bring updates on our situations and pray at our table.

3. Get on your knees-

I went for years not doing this. When I started, I’ve never stopped. If you are physically able, I recommend it. One reason the posture helps me is I see my need for the Lord, and I need to see my need.

4. Write or type your prayers –

Even if you don’t usually write them, doing so now and then can help you see your needs and understand how much you need the Lord’s help.

5. Picture Jesus with you-

He is sitting in the chair beside you or kneeling beside you.

There’s nothing weird about this. It is comforting to intentionally think of Jesus right there with you.

6. Pray scripture –

Since scripture is God’s Holy Word, when you use it in prayer, you know for certain that you are praying God’s heart.

You might only think the book of Psalms is useful, but that is not the case. There are Old Testament passages that speak to many life situations. Additionally, the church letters in the New Testament would supply prayers for a lifetime for your local church and the people in the church.

7. Read books about heroes of the faith and notice their prayer lives-

Reading heroes of the faith like Corrie Ten Boom, C.T. Studd, and so many others open your eyes to how they related to God. Their examples of faithfulness and the fact they are all in the “cloud of witnesses” gives each credibility.

BONUS: Make Truth cards about who God says you are and read them periodically as you thank God for Christ dwelling in you.
https://valerierumfelt.com/2024/06/17/project-transformation/

IDEA: Make cards for your situations and find verses to pray for each situation.

Example: A Big Move

Find a verse about staying calm and peaceful.
Find a verse about the logistics of the move.
Find a verse about the stress and tension in your family.

We all need a vision for our prayer lives. Hopefully, now you have a few ways to pray with purpose.

©Valerie Rumfelt

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