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Developing a Prayer Life

Praying list

In the front portion of your new journal record your daily Bible readings and insights. Work from the back page of your journal forward to record your prayer list. For example, if you start a journal in the month of March, on the back-top page you would write “March”. On the back page under “March” you would begin to write your prayer requests, which will involve family, friends, major decisions, circumstances, job or ministry issues and needs. Every time you pray over your prayer list write the date down on the top of the page or in the margin of your journal. At the end of the month you can see the many days you prayed over your prayer list. Dating your journal will be evidence of God’s hand at work and spiritual growth as you humbly wait on God to answer the cries of your heart. When the month ends start a new prayer list for the next month.

If you use your electronic device,  keep your prayer journal in your favorite notes app, where you can do the same suggested activities as in the paper journal. Another dynamic way to do so is to record voice notes, which will allow you to follow-up on your growth process in the Word, your prayers and the insights gained. 

As you interact with the Word in prayer, your vision and heart will deepen as the truth of God’s kingdom impacts your life. 

Paul prayed for the believers often. Prayer is listening to God before talking to Him. Prayer is growing the soul. Prayer is habitual and spontaneous. Prayer is public and private. Prayer is a permanent form of communication with our heavenly Father.

The Scriptures utilize types of prayer to fully express what flows from your heart. Try following the acrostic, P.R.A.Y. as you begin your journey in prayer.

P stands for Praise. As you begin to develop your prayer life, praise will be a key pillar. Praise is acknowledging Him through His Word or through song for who He is. Thanksgiving is acknowledging Him for what He has done.

R stands for Repentance. There must be a time spent in repentance—turning away from sin.

A stands for Asking anything according to God’s will.

Y stands for Yielding yourself wholeheartedly to God who speaks to you through the power of the Word and the Spirit.