Simplify Your Prayer LifeSample

The Secret to Life-Changing Prayers

Have you ever sat down to pray, just to quickly run out of words to say? Do you ever hit a wall in prayer? Early in my walk with God, I regularly became frustrated and disappointed with myself for not knowing what to say after a minute or two of prayer. I eagerly wanted to connect with God through prayer like my small group leaders and pastors but found it difficult to do so.

Does that sound familiar to you? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, Jesus’ disciples experienced the same feelings. In Scripture, whether in the morning or after a big event, Jesus would regularly go away by Himself to pray. His disciples witnessed firsthand the power and purity that flowed out of Jesus’ prayer life. They wanted desperately to push past the all-too-familiar wall so many of us hit in prayer in order to experience a life-changing prayer life like Jesus.

Eventually, in Luke 11:1, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” Starting with a clear picture of God Our Father, Jesus taught His disciples to invite God’s kingdom and will into their lives. You see, when we pray, “Your kingdom come,” we are asking Jesus to establish His rulership in and over our lives—this changes everything!

In 1 Corinthians 4:20, Paul says: the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. Friends, this power yields God’s righteousness, peace, and joy in our hearts, our families, our church, our nation, and even our globe. When we invite God’s kingdom into our lives this way, prayer becomes one of the most exciting, fulfilling experiences we can ever have!

As you engage with God’s Word:

● What is God saying to me?

● What does it mean to me?

● How can I apply what God is teaching me?

● How can I be specific in prayer today?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.