3 Ways To Create A Prayer Life That Sticks...

I have a confession to make.  My prayer life ebbs and flows.  Yes, it is hard to believe but it is true.  There have been times in my life when my prayer life has been white-hot and I could never get enough.  Time in prayer was all I wanted.  Then there are other times when I struggle to get to that place.  

We all go through seasons like this, and over the years I have learned some tools that help me stay in the habit of seeking God on a daily basis. 

1.  Set Your Alarm – Some time ago I was studying the monastic movement and their prayer life.  They would literally stop everything they were doing and pray every 3 hours, talk about commitment!  

With alarm settings on every smart phone, we have a great tool to help us practice.  So try this:  Set your alarm for 3:16pm (am if you are really brave) every day.  When it goes off pray John 3:16, “God thank you for loving the world so much that you sent your only son to die for it, so we would not perish but have everlasting life.”  

2.  Follow A Form – I use a really simple acronym, A.C.T.S. that I have taught my children so I think most people could pick it up. 
Adoration- Tell God how awesome he is-it’s not for his benefit (he already knows) it is for yours.  
Confession- Confession is like taking out the garbage. If you don’t, your life will begin to stink.
Thanksgiving- The scripture says, “Every good and perfect thing comes from God”-enough said.
Supplication- This is where you ask God for the things that are on your heart.

3.  Pray With Others-There is nothing like praying with other people.  Yes it feels awkward at first, but so did driving and you got used to it.  It even helps if you commit to praying at the same time every day-set your alarm.

When we spend committed time with God, we will have a greater understanding of the life he wants for us.  Don’t wait, in fact, pray now!