The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

prayer may provide direction for my life, and I need to keep track of them. For those who fear praying out loud, there's nothing wrong with praying by reading something you've written.

Practical Exercise: Find or buy a notebook for prayer notes. Keep it with you during both private and c01porate praye1: Wt·ite down at least three thoughts that cross your mind during each praye1· session, and at some late1· time talk further with Cod about the value of what you have written. Are the1·e goals to achieve? People to minister to? Helpful insights? What else of value do youfind in your notes?

I. Pray silently as long as necessary, but press on to become a vocal par­ ticipant. The more you pray aloud, the more you will feel like an active participant. Others will benefit, sharing in your unique conversation with God. They'll get to agree with your requests, and they may be challenged and encouraged by your example and passion. Practical Exercise: Ifyou are at all afraid of praying aloud with othm, stop now and write a one-sentence praye1· you want to use next time you pray with a group. Keep it simple and to the point, and Cod will hear youjust as clearly as the person with the fifty -cent words. If you have trouble coming up with an idea, conside1· putting one thoughtfrom the following Scripture prayers into your own words: Psalms 23, 27, 139,· Luke 11:2-4; Ephesians 1:15-19, 3:14-21; Colossians 1:9-12. It's Not Mechanical "But, Dee," you might be saying, "this sounds so mechanical. This can't possibly be the way to pray with authenticity and true spirituality, can it?" I understand this objection, and I can identify with it. Sometimes when I'm learning a new skill, the basic techniques and guide­ lines can take over my focus for a time, until they become second nature, and I can focus on the main task. Prayer is a skill, and, as with any new skill, it takes practice and guidance. You never see a tackle dummy, a blocking sled or a row of tires in the middle of a football game. Yet the players spend hours becoming intimately acquainted with this equipment most days of the season. The equipment helps them perfect their technique until fundamentals become sec­ ond nature, so they can enjoy and excel at the main event. These guidelines give participants confidence that they will enjoy the prayers of others and that they themselves will be valuable contributors. Howard Hendricks says that one of the