Disciplines: Prayer

"And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed." Mark 1:35 Prayer is a life style that is exhibited by Jesus.  Prayer is meant to be central in our faith walks.  It is not some rote activity we engage in.  We need to constantly remember that "To Pray is to Change" (Foster, Celebration of Discipline) 

1. Simply Pray

So often prayer seems overwhelming and complicated.  It doesn't need to be.  Prayer is about approaching God.  We do not need to be perfect or know the exact words.  "In the same way that a small child cannot draw a bad picture so a child of God cannot offer a bad prayer." (Foster, Prayer) Today simply pray.  No matter what it is approach God today and talk to Him. 

2. A Journal

I will stand at my watchpost,
    and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what he will say to me,
    and what he will answer concerning my complaint.
2 Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
    make it plain on tablets,
    so that a runner may read it.
Habakkuk 2:1-2
Have you ever written down your prayers? Start today.  There is something about seeing ink on paper.  Split your notebook down the middle.  On the right side of the page write your prayer and on the left side come back when you see God moving on that prayer. and record it.  

3. All Alone

Its okay to be alone. So many of us are fearful of quiet. Going back to last week and the practice of meditation sometimes it is important to remove ourselves from all distractions. Check out Luke 5:16 and Mark 1:35.  Jesus prayed alone.  So should we.  Did you start your journal? Now would be a great time to take it with you and record your prayers.  

4.  Together

Just because we have to pray alone doesn't mean we shouldn't pray together as well. Read Luke 9:28 and Acts 1:14.  Prayer is meant to be a corporate activity as well as personal.  Do you have a prayer partner? Find one today.  Also, if you prayed for someone today, let them know. 

5. Pray without Ceasing

Nate Cook from Midwest City Community Nazarene wrote the following "Use everyday occurrences as opportunities for prayer. As you encounter people during your daily routine, say a prayer for them and their family. Pray for your children even when they don't know you are praying for them. Maybe when they are asleep, or just hanging around the house. Send up quick prayers all throughout the day. Don't forget that we have the privilege and the responsibility to pray for people!