Make Prayer A Habit

It has been said that, "Seven days without prayer, makes one weak." Sometimes you hear someone say, "We've done all we can. The only thing we can do now is pray." Prayer really should be our first resort rather than our last resort. Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer, as a model prayer and Jesus himself often went off to pray, setting an example for us to do the same. In Matthew 14:23 KJV, it says, "And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone." If Jesus needed to go off and pray, how much more do we need to?

Praying should not be something we do out of duty and routine. Prayer is talking and listening to our loving, all knowing, heavenly Father. The book of James tells us to pray for wisdom when we don't know what to do (James 1:5). In Philippians 4:6,7, prayer is connected with receiving God's peace. In Ephesians 6:18, prayer is a very important part of battling the forces of evil. We are also told to pray for those in Authority over us (I Timothy 2:1,2).

Prayer shows our dependence on God, His power and His wisdom. Prayer is powerful and so important. Studies have been done in the medical field showing the power of prayers. They used two groups of people to observe the difference between the group that was being prayed for and the group that wasn't. There was a marked difference in the recovery of those who were being prayed for, and they weren't even told that they were being prayed for. Most hospitals realize the importance of prayer in the healing process for their patients, and welcome pastors and chaplains to be a part of the healing team.

In the midst of our busyness let's remember how much we need God and need prayer and make a daily practice and our first resort instead of our last. Begin by thanking Him for anything you feel grateful for, then ask him to forgive you for anything you need forgiveness for, then ask Him for anything you want, then thank him in advance for giving it to you. If you feel like saying something else say it. If not don’t. As you become more comfortable it will come more easily and your conversation will become more casual.

When you catch yourself making spontaneous comments to Him through out the day, thanking Him for little things that happen, asking for help or advice as needed, and so on, you’ll realize He really is your constant companion. But like all habits it all starts with a decision to begin.