Developing a Life of Prayer

I want to learn how to pray but I don’t know where to start...


Have you thought this to yourself before? Probably since you’re reading this blog right now! Guess what? You’re not alone and is ok. Prayer is something that many of us complicate and we shouldn’t. It is simply a personal conversation we are having with God. It doesn’t have to be long, out loud or extravagant. You don’t have to be at church to pray either.


The Bible says in Matthew 6:7-8,“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”


I grew up in church so you would think that I was already comfortable with praying however the truth is it took me a long time to figure out how to pray. It wasn’t until I started focusing on my spiritual growth when I realized that if I wanted to effectively grow in my prayer life; I had to pray more than just on Sundays. There are many ways to approach prayer. Here are a few things that have helped me.

1. Start slow

The goal is to pray daily and in order to do that we have to develop a habit of praying. So start slow. A couple of days out of the week set a reminder on your phone to pray, this way you do not forget to do it. To make it easier include your children and your spouse. Pray together at dinner and before you all go to bed. The more consistent you are the easier it will get and you will end up doing it self consciously.

2. How to pray?

Praying is a personal conversation with God. The Bible says in your prayer be thankful and praise God for being great in your life.


“God I come before you to thank you for being amazing in my life. You are wonderful and everything I have is because of you. I pray for....”


Ask him for forgiveness and make your request known.


“God, I thank you for being a forgiving God and loving me in spite of my flaws. God I ask for your guidance during this time while...”


Even though God knows our heart and what we are about to ask for we still need to be specific in our prayer. Tell him what we need from him. Allow yourself to have that quality time with him and begin to have that conversation.


Here is an example I use with my daughter. I began using these methods with my oldest daughter since the moment she began competing in gymnastics. Before every meet I pray with Maiya and we thank God for the opportunity to compete. We ask God for a clear mind to focus, protection of her body, pointed toes, straight legs and most importantly the ability to have fun. She even prays before each event to herself. We are establishing a habit so as she gets older she understands that she can go to God about anything.


We make talking to God so difficult when in reality it is so simple. If you want to grow in your prayer life and feel closer to God keep it simple and start slow. It may feel like he is not listening sometimes but continue to pray and let him work. Remember God knows what you need and what you want before you ask him.


Be blessed,
Love Jomy