A Man's Guide to PrayerSample

Living Out a Commitment to Prayer - Prayer as Your First Priority

In 1 Samuel 14, Scripture records a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. Saul was Israel’s king, and his army was routing the enemy. In verse 36 Saul said, “Let us go down and pursue the Philistines by night and plunder them till dawn, and let us not leave one of them alive.” His men agreed, saying they’d do whatever he thought best. But the priest said, “Let’s ask God first.”

That summarizes the tendency that eventually led to Saul’s demise. He never made prayer his first priority. Prayer was not ingrained in him as his immediate response.

The Old Testament tells us that David eventually replaced Saul. David’s tendency was to pray for God’s wisdom and direction. The Bible often says, “And David inquired of the Lord.” The man who prays a lot will cultivate this same attitude. Prioritize prayer until it becomes your habit.

Develop a Quite Time that Includes Prayer

A “quiet time” of Bible reading and reflection should include daily prayer. When it begins feeling routine, consider changing the structure that you follow. Over the centuries, prayer warriors have developed systems or formulas to help them focus. they all have value, and the best method is whichever one you will use.

One method I’ve used is anchored in the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus said, “This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven . . .” (Matthew 6:9). Almost every day I pray through the Lord’s Prayer. Sometimes I pray without stopping. But sometimes I pray a phrase, let my mind wander to a situation or friend who needs prayer, and then pray for them before I move on.

Perhaps that would work for you. Or you may prefer another approach— like the acrostic ACTS:

• A is adoration. Worship God for His attributes—His holiness, power, majesty, beauty, love, kindness, mercy, and goodness.
• C is confession. Confess and ask God to forgive all known sins; keep “short accounts” with God.
• T is thanksgiving. Express gratitude to God for His blessings and mercies, especially things we ordinarily take for granted, such as a good night’s rest, daily provision, health, family, and so on.
• S is supplication. Nothing is too big or too insignificant to bring to God in prayer.

The only limit is your imagination! Here are a few more prayer ideas:

• Lorne Sanny, former president of e Navigators, suggested we pray backward through yesterday’s events and forward through today’s. Praying backward will foster thanksgiving and confession while praying forward will lead to prayers of supplication.
• You also might have specific lists. For example, I produced a list I used to pray for my children when they were growing up.
• Or you might keep a prayer journal. There are no rules here except that prayer is a conversation intended to turn your salvation into a close communion and intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

ere are no rules here except that prayer is a conversation intended to turn your salvation into a close communion and intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.