Here are five tools for starting a prayer practice.
ONE
Write out prayers using Scripture. I will give more in-depth guidance on this in future blogs. One neat thing, Scripture is God’s Word, so when you use Scripture, you are speaking God’s language to Him. Next week I will have some reference books that do this well. Here are some examples to get started with:
Worship / Confession / Self / Family & Friends
TWO
Get a journal, spiral, or a few sheets of paper. Write a heading for each on separate pages: Worship, Confession, Listening, Self, Others. Use these in the time you sit with God. Write in them or just use them as prompts. We will talk about these topics in upcoming posts.
THREE
Breath prayers can be something you use to help with
- Focus in prayer
- Work on issues, such as unforgiveness, anger, …
- Times of stress when it is hard to form a lengthy conversation with God.
Find Scripture verses and write them out, so you have them with you. Here are some good starters:
- Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the pace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Breathe In (thinking or saying): I give all to You with thanksgiving
Breathe Out (thinking or saying): I receive Your matchless peace.
- Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Breathe In (thinking or saying): I forgive ________
Breathe Out (thinking or saying): As You, God forgave me.
FOUR
Set some appointment times throughout the day and find a devotional book or app with Scripture of your choosing. Set this time in your planner or calendar maybe two or three within a day. When you start, sit still for two minutes quietly telling yourself that you are dedicating this time to the Lord. Read your devotional, Scripture and prayer (do your own prayer if one is not provided). Then spend two more minutes with a quiet mind.
FIVE
I’ve developed a tool called The Battle Book, where the website gets its name, is a prayer guide for you. It is divided into sections that you can pray through daily, weekly, and at your own pace. You can be working through several sections at a time. If you are within a few hours from me, I can do a Battle Book party for you and your friends.
Please send any questions that you may have. I’ll answer them and I’ll post a few that may help others.
Let me know in the Comments if any of the tips are working for you or if you have any others to offer. See you in the prayer pages.