Twelve Practical Tips To Teach You How To Pray (Part 1)

The promise of prayer does not mean that God will change very difficult thing in your life. But he will preserve you for as long as he has work for you to do, and he will transform even the difficult circumstance by his presence and perhaps by the presence of others whom he sends to be with you. - James Montgomery Boice

“I’ll pray for you!” How many times have we made this promise? Are these empty words? Has this become a hollow phrase simply to provide comfort? Are we really praying?

Praying for others is an important part of Christian community. We are commanded to pray without ceasing. If it’s already difficult to pray for myself, how is it possible for me to remember to pray for others?

1. Use meal times to pray for others.

This was the most practical tip that Jess ever taught me. It happened early on when we were dating. The prayer before meals does not just have to be about the food! Pray for anything pressing or urgent - or anything anxious that’s on your mind.

2. Write down prayer requests in your calendar.

When someone tells me they have a test, procedure, or something important coming up, I write it down at the exact date and time in my calendar. I make an appointment to pray for others. Technology is a tool to help us pray.

3. Have a weekly prayer schedule.

Here is what Jess and I do: Pray for missions on Mondays. Pray for church leaders on Tuesdays. Pray for church ministries on Wednesdays. Pray for our friends on Thursdays. Pray for our family on Fridays.

4. Establish daily habits. 

Pray after reading your Bible. Pray every time you drive out of your garage or driveway. Pray before bedtime. Whenever you send someone an email, pray for that person before you hit send. Establish daily habits of practicing prayer at specific times and places.

5. Use ACTS and concentric circles.

The formula of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication has proved trustworthy and true. Once I get to the “S” for supplication, I pray for myself, then go outwardly to Jess, my family, my friends, church, etc.

6. Set a timer.

I can usually go for at least five minutes of undistracted prayer time. I set my timer, stay in my room, and pray. This helps to give your prayers focus and urgency.

Read tips 7-12 here. Subscribe to my blog via email to make sure you do not miss out.