We can complicate prayer, but really, it’s simply communicating with God. And communication can be spoken or silent. We can even communicate in song. Many of the psalms are just prayers set to music. Prayer is connecting with God. Whether it’s confessing a sin, praising His name, pursuing His will, interceding for a friend, or sharing our own needs and worries, our prayers must be God-centred, never self-centred. Sincere prayer comes from a heart that longs for God to reveal what He desires. That means we need to allow enough time for listening and waiting for God to speak to us. Prayer should be our first priority. Paul instructs Timothy: ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made’ (v.1 NIV). Note the words, ‘First of all’. Before we slide out of bed, before we take a shower, before we do anything else, we should talk to God. Every afternoon at three o’clock, Peter and John went to the temple to pray. In the middle of the day, they interrupted their schedule to gather for one purpose: prayer. So when our days are rolling along at their own pace and in their own direction, let’s interrupt them with prayer. If our days are building towards a crisis, we should deliberately stop to pray. When we feel anxious or overwhelmed, step away for a few moments of solitude to tell God and ask for His guidance. When we feel anger, impatience, or negativity creeping up, we need to pause for an attitude adjustment prompted by prayer. Don’t wait – pray immediately. Let’s make prayer our first priority in all things and at all times. Through prayer, let’s involve God in everything that happens in our day.

What Now?

Set reminders on your phone to pray every couple of hours throughout the day. Even if you can only take a couple of minutes away from what you’re doing, spend some time talking to God about what you’re doing and how you’re feeling.