We know the Lord is where true happiness is found and that the Bible tells us to pray without ceasing, but the demands of our day often distract us from spending time in His presence.
So how can we improve our prayer lives?
We’ve compiled a list of our staff’s favorite techniques for praying alone and in groups and a few words from Scripture to encourage you as you seek to improve your prayer life.
In Solitude
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” – Mark 1:35
One chapter into Mark’s account of the gospel we learn that Jesus prayed. Despite always being in His Father’s presence, Jesus escaped the busyness of His ministry to spend time praying.
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate Him in every way … including prayer.
We, too, need to find a solitary place to escape our distractions and spend time in deep prayer. Here are a few ways you can spend time with the Lord in solidarity.
- Retreat to a Personal Space: In Matthew 6:6, Jesus teaches us that some of the best places for prayer are behind closed doors and the eyes of others. Your personal sanctuaries—a bedroom, favorite chair, patio, or office—are great places to retreat and rest in the presence of God.
- Spend Time in Nature: God’s qualities are clearly seen throughout creation, and Jesus often spent time in nature when He prayed (Romans 1:20, Matthew 14:23). Marveling at the rising of the sun or relaxing in a quite spot in a park are perfect settings for praising and petitioning the Lord.
- Commute to Work: This may not seem like a peaceful time to pray, but your drive to and from work each day is an ideal opportunity to redeem the time. Instead of listening to morning talk shows or the latest radio hits, repurpose your commute to commit your day and work to God.
In Gatherings
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” – Acts 1:14
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42
These Scriptures display that prayer has been a vital aspect of the body of Christ since the early Church.
Jesus tells us that He is present where two or three gather in His name, so when we pray corporately as the Church we can trust that He will show up (Matthew 18:20).
Here are some ways to enter into a time of prayer with a group.
- Popcorn Prayer: Comprised of a random series of individual prayers offered to the Lord, Popcorn Prayer allows all members of a group to choose if they want to pray out loud.
- Mass Prayer: At one time, a group of believers pray out loud. It may seem like mass chaos instead of mass prayer, but God is fully capable of listening and answering each and every request brought to His feet.
- Prayer Walk: Taking a prayer walk with a group is a great way to pray for and over a community or specific place.
- Guided Prayer: Just as pastors lead their congregations in prayer, groups can select someone to lead them in a time of prayer.
“The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with Him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way.” –Brother Lawrence.