1. Ways to Improve Your PRAYER LIFE

2. Make the Scriptures the central driving force to your prayer life. Pray the Scriptures back to God. Pray for others using Scriptures. For instance, the end of 1 Peter 1:2 says, “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” This is a great verse to meditate for yourself but also a great verse to pray for your friends, “that they would have and understand the grace of God through Jesus multiplied to them.” MAKE THE BIBLE CENTRAL

3. The Psalms can be a great prayer guide. I use Ken Boa’s little Handbook to Prayer and Face to Face. Some people use lists, some use the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11:1-4). You can also use an acronym like ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. Guides like these help you stay on track and guide you when you may feel like your prayer life wanders a bit or if you are just not sure what to pray for. USE A PRAYER GUIDE

4. Writing out prayers will help you clarify your thoughts and communicate with God. Journaling allows freedom of expression. Writing out prayers also helps you stay focused when your mind wants to wander off. You can write out passages of Scripture as prayers back to God as well. Writing out prayers can also keep you awake and alert while praying. USE A JOURNAL

5. Set aside time to pray. It does not have to be hours each day, just start with a few minutes of conversation with God. Once you get into the habit and feel more comfortable praying you will want to spend more time as you grow in this discipline. Try different times during the day to see when you pray best. SCHEDULE IT

6. Turn the radio off and speak to God about your day, your family, your friends. Take time to be thankful and grateful for what God has abundantly given you in Christ. You can even go on a “prayer drive” through your neighborhood and pray for people or go the local school and pray for the kids and teachers, or just pray for your community as you drive home from work. UTILIZE TIME IN THE CAR

7. Don’t beat yourself up over how long or consistent you pray. Just start praying, speaking conversationally with God. The more you pray the more comfortable you will get with God, the deeper the relationship will grow, and it will become a more regular part of your life. Read prayers of the church fathers, great saints and Puritans and learn from them. PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS