How To Make Daily Prayer a Habit?

We read the Bible verse in Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing,” and we wonder how that could be remotely possible. Sometimes, we struggle with remembering to pray daily, even weekly. We plan to pray in the mornings, but we are consumed by the busy chaos of life as soon as we get up. We plan to pray at night, but we are so exhausted, we ultimately fall asleep, sometimes even mid-prayer. We then decide to have afternoon mediation, but the next thing we know, it is evening time, and we have again missed our prayers. In The Meaning of Prayer, Harry Emerson Fosdick stated that “Prayer should be a habitual attitude, not an occasional act.” The struggle is real, but we are happy to share some practical tips that will help you to make daily prayer a habit.

Begin Praying

You have to start somewhere. Prayer is essential in the life of Christians. It is the fuel that keeps our spiritual engine running, and we suffer when we try to operate on “Empty.” Without prayer, it would be impossible to lead a proper spiritual life, much less keep up with the work of the Holy Spirit.

So since we know the importance of prayer, we need to begin praying. Some experts say that it takes at least 21 days to form a habit, so get started on day 1. Challenge yourself to a 21-days commitment to daily prayer. It may take you several attempts at each 21-days stint but stick to it. The good news is that habits are hard to break, so when you would have formed this routine, you can have a habit for life.

Make a Prayer Plan

Many persons panic at the idea of a daily prayer habit because they are afraid that they will run out of things to pray about. Others worry about being repetitive, and others simply do not know what to say. Psalm 145:8 reminds us, “The LORD is near to all them that call on him, to all that call on him in truth.” The solution to your concern is to make a prayer plan. This means that you schedule a specific time each day to pray, and you also use a prayer guide or a devotional to support this process.

As you read object lessons or meditative thoughts, you will be inspired about different things for which you can pray. You will also discover that the Lord loves to hear from you, and you will begin to share all your plans, your joys, your heartaches, and your requests with him. Jeremiah 29:12 reminds us, “Then shall you call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Prayer draws you closer to God, and as you become more consistent in prayer, you will begin to hear his responses and see answered prayers.

Pray Together

Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Attend prayer meetings where you can pray with a community of believers. By this, you will also hear how others pray and learn some strategies for your prayer habit. You will also be introduced to a range of issues for which you can pray. James 5:16 exhorts us: “Therefore, confess your faults to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

It is very important that we pray for others and not just ourselves. By praying together, we can also find accountability partners who will encourage us and motivate us in our prayer habits. You can pray for each other and set times to check in with each other, sharpening each other on the prayer journey.

Keep a Prayer Journal

A prayer journal is a beautiful way to add structure to our prayer life and will definitely encourage our newly formed habit. Record your prayer and requests, but more importantly, the answers to your prayer. The truth is that many times, we pray and forget what we have prayed about, so we miss the answers to our prayers.

A journal will encourage a habit of prayer and help you identify your answered prayers, thereby motivating you to pray more and exercise faith in God. James 11:24 reminds us, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” We know God answers prayers, so as you pray daily, track these answers and give God the praise.

Devote Yourself to Prayer

This does not mean that you will spend every moment of your day in prayer, but it means that you will always be aware of God’s presence throughout each day. You will pause to thank him when you see his blessing, and you will stop to consult with him as you make decisions and plans. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) You will be more in tune with his leading, and you will always seek to maintain an attitude of worship. Your heart will tend to turn to God throughout each day, and that is how you devote yourself to prayer.

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