Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to connect with God, yet it can be easy to neglect. Whether life feels overwhelming, or we simply fall out of the habit, prioritizing prayer is essential for a thriving faith. If you’ve ever struggled in your prayer life, you’re not alone. Here’s how my journey with prayer has evolved and why taking time to pray is vital for every believer.
A Childhood Example of Prayer
Years ago, while visiting my childhood home, I noticed a light on in my dad’s room. Curious, I knocked on the door and peeked in, only to find him kneeling at his bedside in prayer.
It was a beautiful and reverent moment—one that has stayed with me over the years. My father’s dedication to prayer left an imprint on my heart, teaching me the importance of taking time to pray every day
Discovering Conversational Prayer
I grew up with traditional prayers, but my perspective shifted when I experienced Protestant conversational prayer for the first time. It was a revelation—prayer wasn’t just recited words; it was an intimate conversation with God.
As I deepened my Bible study, my prayer life flourished, and I realized that prayer is both a discipline and a relationship with my Creator.
The Simplicity—and Challenge—of “Thy Will Be Done”
At one point, life’s burdens felt so heavy that my only prayer became, “Your will be done.” While surrendering to God is a beautiful act of faith, I now see how I was using it to avoid deeper, more specific prayers.
Looking back, I should have been running to Him and pouring out my heart. King David advises us- “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” Psalm 55:22a.
God asks us to turn all our burdens over to Him, so we not only don’t carry them around, but allow Him to strengthen, support, and comfort us.
Thankfully, Romans 8:26 reminds us that even when we don’t know what to pray, “the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
God is so faithful; He met me in my weakness. He also called me back into a more vibrant prayer life.
Reviving My Prayer Life Through Scripture
I realized He was calling me to re-engage in prayer, but I wasn’t sure where to start. Then one day, I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:9: “This, then, is how you should pray…”
The Lord’s Prayer became my guide. As I meditated on each line, it led me into deeper prayer—worship, confession, and intercession. I slowly but surely renewed my prayer life.
Studying Prayer for Spiritual Growth
There are many wonderful books and guides written on prayer. If you want help with your prayer life, consider studying prayer as an option.
Our Bible study group read Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Tim Keller. We had studied prayer before, but this book helped us go even deeper.
One key takeaway was the practice of meditative prayer—using Scripture as a foundation for daily prayer.
How Meditative Prayer Transformed My Routine
Meditative prayer is a combination of Bible reading and prayer. Journaling had never been my strength, but I started by writing out the verse from my Bible reading plan.
You can also use this routine while simply reading your Bible. Then I used these 5 actions as prayer prompts:
- Underline key words that stood out.
- Look for attributes of God and praise Him for them.
- Identify promises and commands. Claim them for yourself.
- Ask God why He led me to this verse today. What lesson, comfort, or guidance was He giving?
- Read the surrounding passages for deeper context. This helps if you are “stuck” on the meaning of the passage.
You can also use this routine when simply reading your Bible. Committing to this practice rekindled excitement in my prayer life.
Some days I missed, but over time, it became a habit—one that strengthened my relationship with God.
Staying Committed to Prayer
Prayer isn’t always easy. My journey has had ups and downs, but I’ve learned that a consistent prayer life is essential.
No matter what challenges arise, I’m committed to making prayer a daily priority. If I know I will have a busy morning, I pray in the darkness before I even arise.
I pray as I wait- for appointments, in long lines, or to simply take a break from whatever I am doing.
Biblical Truths About Prayer
God calls us to pray, and Jesus Himself set the ultimate example. Here are a few verses that remind us of the importance of prayer:
- “Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray and spent the night praying to God.” — Luke 6:12 (Jesus made time for prayer, even through the night.)
- “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16 (Solitude with God is powerful.)
- “I am praying for them… Holy Father, keep them in your name.” — John 17:9 (Jesus intercedes for us.)
- “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34 (Jesus models forgiveness in prayer.)
- “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17. (Encourages us to have a heart inclined to prayer and to make it a priority.)
What Does Your Prayer Life Look Like?
Prayer is a journey, not a destination. Whether you feel strong in your prayer life or are struggling to stay consistent, know that God desires to meet you where you are. Will you take time to pray today?
Let’s commit to a deeper, richer prayer life together!
Blessings,
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
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