Your prayer rhythm

We resolve to pray more, but end up sending God quick 'hi-thanx-bye' prayers as we dart out the door. We know we're supposed to 'pray constantly' as Christians, but sometimes it's hard to do!

Mark Yaconelli quite beautifully said that when we dedicate time to thank God for his love, our lives 'begin to revolve around the Spirit, rather than the chaotic wanderings of our own egos and anxieties. We become what we've always hoped to be: disciples.' The goal, really, is to spend enough time communicating with Father God so that his Spirit replaces self-centred, or stress-centred, focus.

Practically, though, how do we get to that place? One way is to find our own 'prayer rhythm'. A useful pattern could be... First, acknowledge God and his presence. Then let's do a mental review of what's happened in our day since we last checked in with God, and pay attention to what we're thinking/feeling about that. Then, single out one thing that's happened, and pray that through. Then ask God for direction for our next few hours, until we check in again.

Taking the time to refocus on God, in the context of what's happening in our day-to-day life, will connect our day even more closely to him.



So what now? Which prayer rhythm might suit you - the important thing is to make it regular.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.' Psalm 90:12 CEV
— SOULFOOD —

Ezra 9-10, Mark 1:1-8, Ps 46, Pro 19:18-20