Jesus is the perfect example for us to follow. He prayed often and He was the Son of God! He often secluded himself in the mountains, amidst nature to pray. One of the best times to pray is early in the morning before the sun rises. "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place and there prayed." Mark 1:35 KJV. This time, the morning watch, is my favourite time to pray because I love the solitude it brings. This time spent with God rejuvenates my spirit and helps me to power through the day. However, this is also the part of the night when I enjoy the sweetest sleep. It requires much discipline to wake while it's still dark, while the world is still sleeping and it's just you and God. Sometimes I hit the snooze button and roll over craving that extra sleep. One failed prayer attempt quickly leads to another and before you know it, a week, then a month goes by without that morning prayer time. Suddenly, I find myself drifting away from God being swept away by the storms of life, discouraged. But, thank God, I've found five ways I can paddle back to Him. The best part of all is He's always there, waiting to receive me with open arms.
Get A Prayer Buddy
Ever heard the saying "two is better than one", Yes, there is real strength in numbers. Schedule regular times to pray with someone. This person can be a close friend, a family member, a sister from church; anyone you have a close connection with and trust with your secrets. This person instantly becomes your accountability partner. You don't have to limit to one - Join a prayer group and rotate the responsibilities so that you have more of a sense of commitment to show up. You can be assured that God is there because He said in his word, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." Matt. 18:20 KJV.
3. Pray Everywhere
Do not limit your prayer life to time or space. Sure, the quiet solitude of the morning watch is the best time to pray, however, God is omnipresent and we can pray anywhere and at anytime. In fact the bible encourages us to pray anytime. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says "Pray without ceasing." How do we do that when we have busy lives? Simple, by always saying a prayer in our minds while we are doing, well whatever - travelling to work on the bus, train, taxi or simply walking, doing our household chores, shopping in the supermarket, you get the point. Prayer does not always have to be long and drawn out and in the same place all the time. Prayer is simply talking to God. That's it, and we can talk to God anytime and anywhere. God actually wants us to talk to Him this way. He wants our heart and honest communication, not reciting ready made prayers. Talk to Him like He's a friend, because He is that friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
4. Praise Him More
Did you know that praise is another form of prayer? It is a form of spontaneous prayer, especially if the lyrics are resonating with the listener. Plus, God inhabits the songs of his saints. So, next time you're driving why not switch the dial to the gospel station or play your favourite gospel playlist from time to time. Listen to more praise and worship songs and hymns, concentrate on the lyrics and your mind will naturally be lifted heavenward. The spirit of God will start to draw closer to you and before you know it you will be talking to God - praying. You can do this while exercising, cleaning the house, cooking, driving, painting etc. The lyrics of the song may even boost your faith, revive your spirit and give you the strength you need for another day or to forge through your difficulty.
5. Show More Gratitude
God is the source of all good things. So whenever something great is happening in our lives, it's not good enough just to be thankful, we must thank Him. Take time each day throughout the day to reflect on the things going great in your life. It could be the smallest things, like a hearty laugh with friends, the time you were running late for work and surprisingly there was no traffic and you ended up arriving early; or things we take for granted like our family, good health and protection from our enemies; even the things you are not in control of like the sunshine or the rain. Thanking God for everything helps us to see Him working in our lives and and gives us the comfort to know that He is present and available to solve our problems or just to show us love.