As times are changing, so are our priorities. We are burdened with our schedules by relentlessly pursuing them to the last item in the checklist. In the course of time, we get exhausted and gradually the burnout starts to attack from inside. As challenges start to mangle us both mentally and physically, prayer becomes obsolete. This is what we need to avoid in the first place.

How well do we understand the importance of prayer? Is it a one-time thing or are they part of our daily routine that gets prioritized as the first in our list? The answer, as we all agree, prayer has never been given a priority as much as it should be. Prayer is probably the last item that we cross out in our checklist.

The prayer routine is well out of proportion by now in most households. Our choices have played a role in this decline. In recent past, federal laws, court judgements and other legal powers have been completely subduing the freedom to practice religion. As truth breaks people free, so are the forces that try to oppose it.

Prayer is the answer to the storms that come in full force. Prayer holds our life together. It is as simple as that. Many people go around the globe in search of answers. Prayer brings the solution instantly. You can pray in your car, in your kitchen and you can pray even at work. And God will start answer you.

SO HOW DO WE PRAY?

Jesus gives us a better example in Matthew 6:9-13
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Jesus taught the model prayer to teach his disciples on the basic contents of a prayer. He teaches them to praise the Father, to establish His kingdom on earth, to pray for His will to be done on Earth. He also teaches us to seek, to forgive and to ask for strength to never fall into temptations. This is just part of his discipleship session.

Prayers need not be constant. They are a wonderful way to communicate with God. Whatever time you receive in prayer, utilise it.

Here are some tips for a better prayer life:

1. Pray as you start your day

As soon as you wake up, the first thing you should do is give thanks. Pray as soon as you are awake and glorify Him for all that He has done. Thank Him for the day He has brought you into, and surrender everything before Him. He will carry you day and night. I have received the greatest peace as I have prayed to God the first thing in the morning. It makes me feel relaxed, and burdens feel light on my shoulders. We can shift to praising Him for his wonderful creation; you can praise him for plenty of reasons that comes to your mind.

Have your own secret place. Be it your room or even your attic, make it a point to spend some time with God in your secret place. This is where you will listen to Him. And believe me, this will change your own spiritual life for good. This is a must have for every Christian who wishes to develop spiritually.

2. Read the Word

This is an important step. You should start reading a chapter everyday either from the New Testament or the Old Testament. It will help you understand who God is and what He wants. You may have questions. And the answers are all available in the Bible. It might take a little time to discover all of it. Have no worry, the Holy Spirit is your counsellor. You can ask your doubts anytime and he will respond instantly.

3. Listen and keep listening

It may all seem mundane but as soon you start picking up with the Word, you will understand how God speaks to you in different ways and in different seasons. From then on, what seemed dull will look brighter. You will begin to see a fresh perspective and start seeing life differently. Stay with God and listen to everything He says.

Organize your schedule in such a way that you will be able to spend time with God. You may deviate from it sometimes and that is completely okay. Stay consistent. Stay put to the Word of God.

The more you cling onto God, the more you realize who He is and what He wants from you. Amen!