Does prayer seem complicated to you? Do you have difficulty even considering a regular, daily time of prayer?
I think people get a negative idea on this point from hearing long, liturgical prayers that sound more like a graduate-level theology class lecture. Prayer is often depicted in this complex manner through movies or TV shows that demonstrate it in a mocking kind of way.
However, prayer is as simple as having a friendly, heartfelt conversation with God. And research shows how powerful it is in our mental health and physical well-being.
Researchers from Baylor University conducted a study on how a person’s beliefs about the “character” of God determine the effects of prayer on their mental health. The study found that “For many people, God is a source of comfort and strength . . . and through prayer, they enter into an intimate relationship with Him and begin to feel a secure attachment. When this is the case, prayer offers emotional comfort, resulting in fewer symptoms of anxiety disorders.”
That sounds great to me! And I know others who could benefit from this practice as well.
He is with us!
Although we don’t see the Lord visibly with our eyes—as we will one day in heaven—we can still expect Him to speak to us in various ways.
Throughout the Old Testament, we read about God speaking directly to individuals—guiding their next steps in following His precise plan for their lives.
But in the New Testament, we discover that God provides the Holy Spirit to live within believers in order to provide that same guidance and relationship with us.
And there are several elements to having a prayer lifestyle where communication with the Lord really comes to life—demonstrating His presence with us and in all we do.
A few simple ways we can grow our prayer life is to:
- Make a “Questions for God” list
This doesn’t have to be long! Simply write down any questions you have about events going on in your life—things you’re currently seeking answers about from the Lord during your devotional times. Just a few short sentences or bullet point reminders can prompt you to continue praying for items of concern, or curiosity, throughout your days ahead.
- Share answers when they come
Keep a running tab of answered prayers on your phone notes app, or in a notebook—whichever is a quick and easy reference for you. Nothing motivates me to pray more often than hearing how God answers the prayers of others! This can become a positive reinforcement for your children or spouse as well—when they hear about answered prayers you share with them. - Talk about prayer items with others
Keep ongoing prayer concerns for yourself and others at the forefront of conversations with your family members or a close friend. Share these often in daily conversations such as, “I’m praying for my co-worker, Emma. Her husband has become very ill and doctors aren’t sure what is wrong with him. Will you please pray for Emma and her husband when you think about it?”
Praying can be an easy part of your day. It’s a comfort to know that God is ever-present—accessible any time we need guidance, reassurance, encouragement, love, and so many other aspects of His goodness!