One Simple Idea for Building Your Prayer Life
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says believers should “pray continually.” That verse always makes me stop and do a double take. Pray continually? Is that even possible? As you grow in your walk with the Lord and draw increasingly nearer to Him, chances are you’ll find yourself naturally talking to Him more and more throughout your day. A little one-line prayer for help here, and a quick “thank you” there, and all of a sudden, “pray continually” doesn’t feel quite as intimidating anymore.
My prayer habits are in a constant state of change, it seems like. There are so many amazing prayer resources available that offer insight and ideas for building a vibrant prayer life—a constant conversation between Creator and created. I’m always eager for any opportunity to learn more about prayer, as it lays the groundwork for my relationship with God!
If you think about praying continually, and then also stop to consider all of the people in your life who need prayers and the areas of your own life that you want to be offering up to the Lord, you may start to feel a touch overwhelmed. The Holy Spirit has helped me develop a morning prayer routine that really gets my day started off the right way–with Jesus, in relationship with Him. I’m a creature of habit when it comes to the things I do between my alarm clock sounding and clocking in at work. Are you? Either way, “location praying” may help you establish some regular prayer habits, and those can be building blocks for a more intimate relationship with the King of the universe!
As I wake up and get ready for work, I talk to God about different things at certain times and places along my way. For example:
- While I’m on the elliptical, I start with praise and thanksgiving! Then, I pray for the people in my life who need help–anybody who’s sick, mourning the loss of a loved one, facing a difficult decision, etc. (And sometimes, I even take a quick minute to text someone and check in to see how he or she is doing.)
- Later, when I’m walking out my door, down three flights of stairs, and to the front door of my condo building, I pray for myself–my desires, hopes, heart, and my surrender to wanting God’s will God’s way in my life.
- Once I walk out the door, as I’m crossing the street to the garage where my car is parked, I speak the names of people in my life who aren’t walking closely with Jesus and pray for their hearts.
- As I pull out of the parking garage and then drive along the highway toward work, I pray specifically and expectantly for the seeds God has planted in my heart—dreams and visions of Kingdom work I believe He has for me.
- When I turn the corner toward my work building, right when I pass a certain part of the building I pray for a couple specific coworkers whose offices are right there.
- And after I park, while I’m walking into the building and down the hallway toward my classroom, I pray specifically for my family members.
Now… This routine doesn’t happen smoothly every single day, don’t worry! Sometimes my mind gets caught up in other things as I think about the day ahead. But for the most part, each step of my morning triggers the prayer habits God has helped me build over time, and I’m so thankful for the “location praying” routine He’s led me to. It works for me! But obviously your morning routine is different from mine. Your prayer priorities might be different from mine, too. Maybe you work from home and don’t even have a commute. Maybe some “location praying” would work better for you in a different part of the day. (Of course, there’s nothing like starting your morning off talking to the One who literally breathed life into your new day, so I highly recommend spending at least a little time in prayer first thing.) But adapt as best fits you and your own personal relationship with the Lord.
I love the way my “location praying” routine makes it nearly impossible for me to get even an hour into my day without talking to God. Although prayer is certainly not an accomplishment to check off the list, I walk into my workplace feeling like I’ve already had a lovely catch-up session with a beloved friend—feeling productive, if you will. My Holy Spirit sensors have been awakened, my mind is focused on Heaven, and I’m chomping at the bit to sit down at my desk and open the Holy Bible for some minutes before students begin stepping foot into my classroom. I dare you to find a better way to start your day!
Slowly but surely, God is pointing out other times and places throughout my day that can be triggers for prayer, too! He is showing me how to embrace and live out that 1 Thessalonians 5:17 command: “Pray continually.” Most recently, I’ve been working on training my mind to thank God for things that happened during my day after I park my car back at home and am walking up to my living space. This piece isn’t completely cemented in yet, but it’s getting there with the help of the Holy Spirit. Like I said, I’m a work in progress. But even small bits of progress feel encouraging and helpful, don’t they?
Hopefully your mental wheels are turning… No matter what “location praying” might look like for you, give it a try! Make your own plan, talk to God about it, and get going. And don’t forget to give yourself grace along the way. My “location praying” routine certainly isn’t perfect, and it’s constantly changing and evolving. But as it changes and evolves, it draws me near to God. On the days when I completely fall short, I know Jesus will be ready and waiting for me the next day. Each day is a new opportunity, and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Anytime I converse with Him, He is there–waiting and ready to talk.
Come near to God, and he will come near to you. -James 4:8a