Prayer Lesson 16: Developing a Personal Prayer Life

The following are some suggestions for how to develope your personal prayer life We have spent 15 lessons discussing various formats you can use for prayer. Now we will examine some aspects of our prayers to help us grow.

1. Put prayer first – If you have jobs you are looking for (webministry, business,etc.) put prayer first. Take everything to prayer and make sure it is the priority.
2. Put prayer in your schedule – Make time to pray. Schedule it in. Try to set aside a specific time to pray and build a habit. But don’t forget that God is there ANY time we need Him. You can pray anytime, but still try to develop a habit of prayer.
3. Keep a journal – We have discussed it before and will mention it again. Take notes. Write down thoughts you have, prayers you pray, note answered prayers, etc. Review it frequently to see how God is working in your life.
4. Vary your prayer patterns – We have looked at the different formats. Use them. Prayer is a joy. Don’t make it a tedious bore. Enjoy your time with God.
5. Study Scriptures on prayer – Learn what God says about prayer. Read the prayers in the Bible. Study them.
6. Read books on prayer – Read the prayer’s of other people. Read what others have to say about prayer.
7. Join a prayer group – Participate. Learn with others. UIC has a prayer team. The UIC club sends out a prayer list weekly when there are requests. Pray for the requests, share yours with others, and talk about prayer.
8. Pray regularly with others – If possible pray with people of other denominations. Pray with your spouse or significant other. Pray with your children.
9. Set aside a place to pray – Choose a place you can pray uninterupted. Make it inviting. You want to enjoy your time with God and be comfortable.

Study Guide:

1. Are these things you have to do to develop your prayer life?
2. Who should you pray with? Do you have to be alone when you pray?

Think About It (Two parts)

Do you have a prayer place or specific time to pray? Look around your home. Examine your schedule. See when and where you have given time to spend with God.

Prayer Series Index | Prayer Lesson 17

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