Do you pray regularly?

God wants daily prayer -- even prayer all through the day -- to be a natural practice of His people.

Some people are overwhelmed by prayer.  'Where do I start?' they wonder.
 
We think it's always good to begin by reading the Bible.  
 
The Bible teaches us about God:  His nature, His heart and His desires for us.
 
We recommend starting to read one of the first four books of the New Testament, either Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.  Some people like Mark because it's the shortest book, some people like Matthew or Luke because they include the familiar Christmas stories, and some people like John because it focuses on the role of Jesus as God's Son and the Light of the World.
 
When in doubt, we think it's always a good idea to ask God what He would have you do, and then choose the gospel that seems to draw you -- even if it's only because you like one name more than another!
 
Ask God to speak to you in what you read.  Then just read a few verses every day -- not so much that you become overwhelmed, but enough that you reach something meaningful.
 
Afterward, reflect on what you've read.  Is there anything in particular that might apply to your life?
 
Finally, talk to God about four areas:

  • things for which you want to apologize, to Him or to others
  • things for which you are thankful
  • things about Him that you are learning, and for which you are grateful
  • and things you hope He will do.
We also think it's good to some time just listening to God about things that are on your mind.  Talk to Him like He's your best friend, and when you're all "talked out," be quiet and see if He leads you in any direction.
 
Finally, ask Him to give you what Jesus called "eyes to see and ears to hear."  That is, ask Him to enable you to see Him moving in your life in the coming day.  You will begin see evidence of things that He's doing for you, and that is very exciting!  When you do, you have more things to thank Him for, and your prayer life will grow more and more real and dynamic.  
 
Let us know how it's going!

Many resources are available to help us grow in this discipline, and we at Transform Louisville want to encourage and assist you in doing so.