I once gave a message at a prayer workshop about my elusive relationship with prayer. I felt like I was in the company of experts, and I couldn’t begin to bring anything to the table about prayer that would matter. But as I have talked with people who have been very devoted to prayer, it seems to me that the more people pray the more they realize that there is always a new frontier in prayer. In other words, prayer is not an accomplishment but a journey.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. - Philippians 4:6
On the way to a richer prayer life, can I make a few suggestions?
A Few Books To Read
I have three shelves of books devoted to prayer. Though I haven’t read all of them, I’m sure that I will gain much more out of actually praying than I will reading about prayer. Still, gaining from those who are farther along the journey than I is a good thing. Here are four suggestions (although I could probably list twenty).
HOW TO PRAY: A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR NORMAL PEOPLE by Pete Grieg. I think that this book is an excellent resource because of the simple approach it takes. Using the Lord’s Prayer as a guideline, Grieg leads us through methods and writings about prayer that blessed me. He also has an online prayer course and other materials, including an app that I’ll mention below.
WHY GOD WAITS FOR YOU TO PRAY by Thomas Keith Roberts. To be clear, I am friends with Kieth and he is the one who directs the prayer workshop I mentioned earlier. I believe they are planning one for this Fall. Keith’s book is accessible, and each chapter addresses an aspect of prayer that is presented in a challenging way. And I happen to know that Keith is a frequent practitioner of prayer, not just someone writing about it.
LOVE TO PRAY by Alvin Vandergriend. I taught this prayer guide as a class, but it is written as a 40-day prayer journey for interested persons who pray. I love the way this book layers its ideas one upon the other, formulating a foundation for prayer that will help get you off to a great start.
A GUIDE TO PRAYER FOR ALL WHO WALK WITH GOD by Ruben Job. There are different editions of this guide. I have one that is for Christian workers. I love the approach this guide takes. There is one Psalm per week, so you read it seven times. I didn’t see the sense in it until I did it and the layers started becoming evident in the Psalms. There are Scriptures, readings, and suggested prayers for each week of the year. Excellent.
A Few Apps to Use
I’m going to mention just a few apps. These are great for helping us stay focused if prayer is a scattered-thought time for you.
There aren’t many more apps that are all-inclusive for Christians than the YouVersion or Bible app. Aside from reading Scripture in a large number of languages and versions, there are devotionals to read through, and also a “Daily Refresh”. This feature is on the front of the app and features a verse, a video devotional, and a guided prayer.
Lectio 365. This has become my favorite app for prayer. You can just listen or you can pray along. I use it with my headphones and it helps me focus in on a morning and evening prayer. This is sponsored by the 24-7 Prayer International, originated by Pete Grieg (mentioned above).
If you search your app store, there are many prayer apps. Many of them use a lot of tracking in their apps, and if you are uncomfortable with that, be sure to see the information provided for each one.
An Event to Attend
The Calhoun, Louisiana Church of Christ has, for many years, offered a Prayer Workshop. I always find it an uplifting event. As with many things, the pandemic put the effort to a stop, but they are back on schedule for September 8-10, 2023. Keep an eye out for more information and plan to attend this great event.
A Resource to Check Out
Harvest Prayer Ministries is dedicated to prayer and there is a library of books, resources, and a magazine that can be acquired.
A Suggestion
You don’t have to have books, apps, or events to have a very active prayer life. Sometimes people use journals. Whatever tool fits you, use it. But mostly- just pray. I heard one time that someone said they just didn’t feel like praying. The suggestion was made that they talk to the Lord about that. Maybe that’s a little corny, but it gets to the point. Prayer is a conversation with God. Find a quiet space and talk about whatever is on your heart.
Now it happened that at this time He went off to the mountain to pray, and He was spending the whole night in prayer to God. - Luke 6:12
If Jesus needed and wanted to pray, then I have my instruction to do the same.
Do you have a favorite prayer resource or book?
What have you found most helpful for your prayer life?
Who has inspired you to seek a greater prayer life?
What’s your biggest challenge / obstacle to the prayer life you’d like to have?
Prayer has been a significant part of my own growth in the last few years. I went through a season of collecting books on prayer, and by far the most helpful was “Prayer” by Ole Hallesby. One of those providential “God sees me” moments when I found it at a used bookstore, bought it from mere curiosity, and then a few days later saw Sinclair Ferguson (if memory serves) recommend it as his wife’s favorite book on prayer. Hallesby really simplified prayer for me. I’m way too good at complicating things 🥴.
I go through seasons of journaling my prayers, then feeling like the pen gets in the way of the conversation and putting it down for a time in exchange with something simpler. I’d like to become more disciplined in my prayer life, taking time throughout the day intentionally to pray. I find myself praying without ceasing some days, but then others not at all.