Is there a right and a wrong way to pray? I asked myself that question just last week, as I thought about my resolutions and what I intended to do, but failed miserably at, during Advent. Yet Jesus came anyway.
What a reminder. Because of all that Jesus did and does, the call is to worry less about my falling short and more on responding fully to Christ in the here and now. Prayer is essential to that response. Why? As Richard Foster once said, “to pray is to change.”
Getting started can be as easy as closing your eyes and asking God to help you live a day that glorifies Him. But if you are looking to jump start your prayer life, here are some tips I have found helpful:
- Choose a specific place to pray away from distractions.
- Set aside the same time every day for prayer so it becomes part of your regular routine.
- Pray out loud to heighten your concentration.
- Keep a prayer journal as a constant reminder that God answers prayers.
- Pray with someone else. The presence of another really can aid consistency.
Let’s be honest. Being a disciple of Christ is not easy. Focusing on others gets tiring. And trying to be generous year round seems almost overwhelming. Communing with God through prayer gives us the grace to do what really matters and live out our discipleship.
Has prayer helped you through a tough situation? Do you have tips that might help others? I would love to hear from you.
Sean Mitchell
Stewardship Development Director
Experience the power of prayer at one of our centering prayer meetings, Wednesdays from 12-1 p.m. in the chancel. If you would like support from our prayer team click here and fill out a prayer request form. Find more at Myers Park Presbyterian.
