The Place of Prayer in Your Life
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1 (NKJV)
Prayer is one of the essential disciplines of the Christian life. It is a privilege God has given us to fellowship with Him, express our dependence on Him, present our requests before Him, and receive strength for our daily lives. When Jesus taught that men ought always to pray and not lose heart, He was showing His disciples the importance of perseverance in prayer. Prayer was never intended to be something we practise only when our circumstances become difficult. It should be part of our regular relationship with God.
One of the reasons some believers struggle to develop a consistent prayer life is that they have reduced prayer to asking God for things. Although presenting our requests before God is an important part of prayer, there is much more to prayer than making petitions. In prayer, we give thanks, worship, intercede for others, and cultivate a conscious dependence on God's wisdom and strength. There are also moments when we come before God with burdens that are difficult to express, and we learn to rely on the help of the Holy Spirit.
You must learn to establish a prayer routine that can be sustained beyond moments of excitement. Decide on a regular time when you can pray without unnecessary distractions. You may begin with a period you can consistently maintain and gradually develop greater discipline. Pray concerning your spiritual growth, your family, your church, the work of the gospel, and the decisions before you
Prayer
Father, strengthen my prayer life. Deliver me from spiritual laziness and distractions. Teach me to pray with understanding, faith, and perseverance, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Confession
I am devoted to prayer. I receive grace to remain consistent, and I grow in fellowship with God through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Further reading: Philippians 4:6–7, Colossians 4:2, Romans 8:26–27.