How's Your Prayer Life?

By Marnie Holdefer

How's Your Prayer Time?
Maybe I'm alone in this area, but I can often be distracted when I'm praying.  I want to be completely focused on God, have a conversation with him like I would with my best friend.  Yet it can be a challenge.  So here are some things that have helped me improve my prayer time over the years:

First, write out your prayers.  Make a list of the things you're thankful for, or write it like a letter.  It's a good way to keep focused and you don't have to read them word for word, but just have a guide that can help. 

You can pray specific Bible verses.  One of my favorites is to pray Psalm 63.  If you're praying for your family, there are several Scriptures that are encouraging for parents, such as Is. 59:21 "And as for me, this is my covenant with them," says the Lord: "My Spirit is upon you and my words that I have put in your mouth shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring," says the Lord, "from this time forth and forevermore."  Acts 16:31 says, "And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."  Using Scripture when we pray can build our faith.  When you're seeking wisdom, use Psalm 32:8, something like this: "Father, you have said in your word, 'I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you', so I ask that you would counsel me with your eye on me.  Please show me the way I should go in this situation."

Make prayer lists.  I have a list of the people I ask Jesus to save; one for current needs of family and friends.  This just helps me stay on track during prayer time.  I don't pray through every list every day necessarily, but they're a great starting point to bring me back into focus.
Prayer is like having that conversation with a beloved friend, when you tell them what's on your mind, why you appreciate them, and you also take time to listen to their thoughts, their guidance.  Your words are safe in prayer.  There's no right or wrong, so relax and have a good chat in the quiet hours of the morning, or a quick check-in while you drive.  God is always glad to hear from you!

If you REALLY want to strengthen your prayer life, build some prayer "muscle", we have several opportunities you can take advantage of at Friendship Church, Canton:  

1. Prayer during worship the first Sunday of each month during both services (Canton Campus). You can choose your time and date and join us on the prayer room. Contact marnie.mail@comcast.net for info or to be added to the group. 
2. 2nd and 4th Tuesday evening prayer meetings at 6:30  in the prayer room (Canton Campus). Pray for the requests of our church folks and any needs Mike shares. One hour max. Drop in and be blessed! 
3. Add your name to our Prayer Team (all campus) to receive weekly requests via email. Again, contact marnie.mail@comcast.net 
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May you be blessed by a strong, dynamic time of regular prayer and walk fully into your identity in Christ.  You are a child of God (Gal. 3:26) You are a masterpiece (Eph. 2:10) You are the Church and you exist for the world (1 Cor. 12:27)   Amen!
Marnie Holdefer