Pray First

1. Prayer is a personal conversation with God, not a ritual

Prayer is simply talking with and listening to God. That's it!

Demystify prayer. Many people view prayer as an innate talent or acquired skill, but it's simply a conversation with God. Like any relationship, it requires regular communication and active listening. Prayer shouldn't be reserved for church or mealtimes, but integrated into every aspect of daily life.

Overcome prayer barriers. Common obstacles to prayer include feeling awkward, not knowing what to say, or thinking God is distant. Remember that God is your loving Father who wants to hear from you. Approach Him as a child would – with openness, trust, and enthusiasm. There's no need for formal language or rehearsed phrases.

Practice continual conversation. Throughout your day, involve God in your thoughts, decisions, and experiences. Thank Him for blessings, ask for guidance in challenges, and share your joys and sorrows. This ongoing dialogue strengthens your relationship with God and aligns your heart with His will.

2. Make prayer your first response, not your last resort

Prayer is the difference between the best you can do and the best God can do.

Prioritize prayer. Instead of turning to prayer only in times of crisis, make it your immediate response to every situation. This shift in mindset demonstrates trust in God and acknowledges His sovereignty over all aspects of life. By praying first, you invite God's wisdom, strength, and intervention before taking action.

Experience the benefits. Regular prayer:

• Reduces anxiety and fear
• Deepens your connection with God
• Reveals God's purpose for your life
• Empowers you to live supernaturally

Create prayer reminders. Develop habits that prompt you to pray throughout the day:

• Set phone alerts
• Use visual cues (like a bracelet or sticky note)
• Associate prayer with routine activities (e.g., prayer while commuting)

3. Establish a dedicated place and plan for prayer

Where you pray on a consistent basis is important. Like all the other details of communicating with someone, your setting matters.

Create a prayer space. Designate a specific area for prayer, whether it's a corner of your room, a comfortable chair, or even a outdoor spot. This physical location becomes associated with your time with God, helping you focus and enter a prayerful mindset more easily.

Develop a prayer plan. Structure your prayer time to ensure you cover important aspects of communication with God:

1. Praise and thanksgiving
2. Confession and repentance
3. Intercession for others
4. Personal requests
5. Listening and reflection

Be flexible and creative. While consistency is important, don't be afraid to change your prayer location or method occasionally to prevent staleness. Try prayer walks, journaling, or incorporating music to keep your prayer life dynamic and engaging.

4. Use the Lord's Prayer as a model, not a script

Jesus wasn't teaching us words to memorize but rather how to connect with our Father.

Understand the framework. The Lord's Prayer provides a comprehensive outline for effective prayer:

1. Address God intimately ("Our Father")
2. Worship and reverence ("Hallowed be Your name")
3. Align with God's will ("Your kingdom come")
4. Present needs ("Give us this day")
5. Seek forgiveness ("Forgive us our debts")
6. Request protection ("Deliver us from evil")
7. Acknowledge God's power ("For Yours is the kingdom")

Personalize each element. Use the Lord's Prayer as a guide, expanding on each section with your own words, thoughts, and specific situations. This approach keeps your prayers fresh and relevant to your life while ensuring you cover essential aspects of communication with God.

Practice regularly. By consistently using this model, you'll develop a well-rounded prayer life that balances praise, submission, petition, and spiritual warfare. Over time, this structure will become natural, allowing for deeper and more meaningful conversations with God.

5. Pray for the lost and engage in spiritual warfare

Nothing we do can draw another human being to God like prayer. Incorporating our prayers for the lost into our regular prayer practice keeps them on our minds and hearts.

Intercede for non-believers. Regularly pray for those who don't know God, asking Him to:

• Draw them to Jesus
• Remove spiritual blindness
• Provide encounters with believers
• Grant wisdom and revelation

Recognize spiritual battles. Understand that prayer is not only communion with God but also confrontation with the enemy. Be aware of spiritual forces at work and pray for protection and victory.

Use spiritual armor. Incorporate Ephesians 6:10-18 into your prayers:

• Belt of truth
• Breastplate of righteousness
• Shoes of the gospel of peace
• Shield of faith
• Helmet of salvation
• Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)

Pray these elements over yourself and others, actively claiming God's protection and power in spiritual battles.

6. Fast to disconnect from the world and connect with God

Simply put, fasting is about less of us and more of God.

Understand fasting's purpose. Fasting is not about depriving yourself or earning God's favor. It's a spiritual discipline that helps you:

• Focus on God by removing distractions
• Strengthen your spirit as you deny physical appetites
• Increase your sensitivity to God's voice

Choose an appropriate fast. There are various types of fasts:

• Complete fast (liquids only)
• Partial fast (specific meals or foods)
• Daniel fast (fruits, vegetables, water)
• Soul fast (media, entertainment, etc.)

Select a fast that aligns with your physical health and spiritual goals. Always consult a doctor before beginning any dietary fast.

Combine fasting with prayer. Use the time and energy normally devoted to the fasted activity for increased prayer, Bible study, and reflection. This combination amplifies your spiritual growth and connection with God.

7. Incorporate various types of biblical fasts into your prayer life

Fasting allows you to draw closer to God than you would otherwise.

Explore biblical fasting models. Scripture provides numerous examples of fasting for different purposes:

1. Preparation for ministry
2. Seeking God's wisdom
3. Protection in dangerous situations
4. Mourning and repentance
5. Worship and devotion
6. Breakthrough in desperate circumstances
7. Spiritual warfare

Apply fasting to your needs. Consider how these biblical models relate to your current situation. Choose a fast that aligns with your spiritual goals and the guidance you're seeking from God.

Practice regular fasting. Incorporate fasting into your spiritual routine, such as a weekly or monthly fast. Many believers find a 21-day fast at the beginning of the year to be particularly impactful for setting spiritual tone and direction.

Be mindful of your heart. Remember that the act of fasting itself is not what moves God. It's the humility, focus, and devotion demonstrated through fasting that draws you closer to Him. Approach fasting with a sincere desire to know God more deeply and align your life with His will.

Last updated: September 21, 2024