Paul told us that we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). That text doesn’t mean that we continuously pray and do nothing else, but it surely means more than simply having an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Here are some simple ways to pray continually:
- Pray morning, noon, and night. That’s what the psalmist said he did (Psa. 55:17). Begin the day with prayer, end the day with prayer, and set aside time for prayer at least once during the rest of the day. When you pray regularly at these times, you’ll likely begin to build more prayer into your life.
- Pray for people you pass throughout the day. For example, think about children for whom you might pray. Pray for those you see standing at the bus stop. Pray for schools you pass, being sure to intercede for children who might be living in tough circumstances. Pray for the kids who live on your street. Even in North America, you might be the only person praying for those children that day.
- Listen closely to hear possible prayer concerns throughout the day, and then pray. Listen to your co-workers, and ask to pray for them when needed. Listen to the news, and pray for people affected by war and tragedy. Listen to your family, and make sure your prayers for them are more than generic prayers. Listen to God’s Spirit, and pray every time you think about it.
- Use brief times to pray the ACTS prayer each day. Find 5-10 minutes, and Adore God for who He is. Do the same with Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (praying for others). By the end of the day, you’ll have prayed at least four times.
- Talk to God about everything you do throughout the day. God’s Spirit lives in you. He’s with you always. So, carry on a conversation with Him from the moment you wake up until you lie down at night. It’s okay to talk to him about the weather, breakfast, traffic, work, sports, cars, gardens, dreams, goals, supper . . . and on and on. I love an ongoing conversation with God who loves me.
What other strategies would you add to this list?
I love to pray for people as I see them in passing such as driving. I purposely ask that something will happen in there life that I will meet them in heaven someday. Memorize scripture, that way you can recall and use them to pray anytime. Also I try to tell him when some passage isn’t true in my life and ask for change. Have a prayer journal, that way you can write verses to pray, as well as praise and petitions. Similar to memorizing but pray passages; adapt words so they are yours.
Thanks for the thoughts, Jim.
I have theme days of the week. So like on Wednesdays, I pray for my youth group kids and volunteers, Thursdays for college kids, Friday for my wife, and Saturday for my kids kind of thing.
Thanks, Gary, for the good idea.