The disciplines of prayer

I don't know about you, but my prayer life is often lacking.  {There! I admitted it.}  When I think about the oneness I feel with the Lord when I do pray, I have no clue why I don't take the time for it more often.  I've come to the conclusion that I have to become more disciplined when it comes to praying.

My Grandma was a faithful prayer warrior her entire life.  She was involved in the encouragement ministry at her church and would regularly send cards of cheer to those in need.  You can be sure her prayers were genuine for those individuals as well.  Dear Grandma always assured us of her prayers throughout the years.  Even as she lay in bed in her final years as the result of cancer, she prayed for her caretakers.  They testified to this and it was a blessing to us as her family.  One of the things that I miss most about her (besides her incredible cooking!) is her prayers.  I am so glad that I have the assurance of reuniting with her someday.  Oh, that I could be more like her in her faithfulness to prayer.

Love this quote from Corrie Ten Boom:

"Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees."

Here are 5 steps to having a more disciplined prayer life:

1. Like Corrie said, create a consistent time in your schedule each day for the Lord.  He longs to spend time with us in fellowship.  Did you ever schedule a meeting with a friend and you forgot about it?  How did your friend feel?  Can't say I've ever done this, but I have neglected my Father more times than I'd like to count. 

2. Learn from those around you, particularly older mentors or family members.  Ask them what they have learned about prayer over the years.  They have wisdom and years of experience.  They have been in your shoes before and likely understand your struggles.  It's amazing what some encouragement can do.

3. Change it up.  If you're getting tired of your devotional surroundings, try something different.  I've heard of people lighting candles to set the mood or playing soft music.  Go on a prayer walk in your neighborhood.  Visit your backyard late at night and commune with your Lord amidst a backdrop of stars.

4. Expect God to answer.  James 5:16 says, "...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."  God can move mountains.  We just have to trust Him to answer us in His own timing and according to His will.

5. It may be helpful to keep a prayer journal to record how God answers your prayers.  This can be a real encouragement years later as you reflect on how God worked in your life and in the lives of your loved ones.  When I look back on how God has answered prayers in my life, there is one specific occasion that comes to mind.  My Grandpa was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July of 2010.  He started treatments, but a variety of mini strokes and other issues arose, which hindered his progress.  In September, he was in the hospital when he began to lose tremendous amounts of blood.   His doctors were stumped and had a very difficult time figuring out where it was coming from.  Turns out he had a bleeding stomach ulcer and his doctors performed surgery without knowing if he would make it through or not.  During that surgery, my grandpa felt the presence of angels!  That night we didn't know if he would make it.  I have never prayed so hard in my life!  The following days were very critical, but God answered our prayers.  There were countless miracles displayed during that time: At one point, his heart was racing at about 200 beats/minute.  The normal heart rate is around 70.  Grandpa was given 14 units of blood during his most critical moments.  A typical person can only hold 12 units of blood.  He was losing blood as fast as they were giving it to him!  These numbers still blow me away.  Even though the Lord took Grandpa to be with him in November of 2010, we were all able to say our goodbyes.  If he had died that night in September, we wouldn't have had that opportunity. 

All that to say, God is good, even in the darkest times.  I can attest to his goodness based on this experience (and the prayers that I recorded during that time.)

My prayer for you is that you would continually seek after your Father and draw ever closer to His presence.

Blessings,

Janelle