By Andrew Williams
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2)
Good morning fellow disciples, in this series we will be answering questions that will help us to become faithful disciples of Christ.
The call to prayer is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. From the Lord’s model prayer in Matthew 6 to Paul’s exhortation to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), the Bible makes it clear that prayer is a vital spiritual discipline for the follower of Christ. Yet, in our busy, distraction-filled lives, cultivating a consistent prayer life can feel like an immense challenge.
So how can we heed the biblical call to devoted, persistent prayer?
Here are a few key principles to consider:
Set Aside Dedicated Time
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.” (Matthew 6:6)
The first step is to actually schedule time for prayer. This may mean waking up a bit earlier each morning, setting aside a specific prayer slot in your daily calendar, or even designating a quiet space in your home as a dedicated “prayer closet.” The key is to treat prayer as a non-negotiable appointment with the King of kings.
Start Small and Build Up
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.” (James 5:16b)
If you’re new to a consistent prayer life, don’t feel pressure to jump straight into an hour-long session. Start with just 5-10 minutes per day and slowly build up from there as you cultivate the habit. Consistency is more important than duration in the beginning.
Vary Your Approach
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
There are many different ways to pray – silent meditation, journaling, praying Scripture, walking and talking with God, joining in corporate prayer, etc. Experiment and find the approaches that work best for you, and don’t be afraid to mix it up to keep your prayer time fresh.
Eliminate Distractions
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10a)
One of the biggest enemies of a consistent prayer life is distraction. Make an intentional effort to silence your phone, close unnecessary browser tabs, and remove other potential interruptions during your dedicated prayer time. Create an environment conducive to focused communion with God.
Enlist Accountability
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Finally, consider enlisting the support of a prayer partner or small group. Sharing your prayer goals with others and committing to check in on each other’s progress can provide much-needed encouragement and accountability.
The journey of cultivating a consistent prayer life is not always easy, but it is profoundly rewarding. As we faithfully meet with God day by day, we will experience the transformative power of His presence and the peace that comes from casting our cares upon Him. May our lives be marked by a deep, abiding connection with the God who longs to hear our every word.
Prayer: Father God, we come to You with a deep desire to grow in our prayer life. So often, we find ourselves distracted, rushed, or simply neglectful of this vital spiritual discipline. Forgive us for the times we have failed to prioritize communion with You.
Lord, we long to experience the transformative power of a vibrant, ongoing conversation with You. Cultivate in us a deep hunger for Your presence and a joyful anticipation of our times of prayer.
We will rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us! Amen.