Prayer. As a Christian and Jesus follower, it’s something we all know we should be doing. But so many aren’t. I mean we know the answer is “Jesus” but we really don’t. Why don’t we?
Most all of life’s challenges can be handled through prayer and life’s celebrations enjoyed through prayer. I think we forget we can be happy and joyful in prayer also. It’s not just the bad stuff.
If we know prayer is the right answer but we aren’t doing it… there’s an obstacle. For me, I didn’t fully understand it. And that’s okay. You don’t have to understand prayer perfectly to begin. As my pastor says, “I don’t completely understand how my cell phone works, but I still use it.” Truth, Pastor. Truth.
A Small Start
When I began returning to Jesus years ago, I started small — with a simple devotion: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I recommend it to anyone looking for a starting point.
I set my alarm a few minutes earlier each morning, before the chaos of kids began, to have a little quiet. I’d drink my coffee, read one day’s devotional, and just sit with it. I wasn’t always consistent, but I started. Small and simple.
Over time, I reread that devotional many times. Then I started reading the Psalms — just a few verses or a chapter. The Psalms are “soul speak” to me. I see them as prayers from the heart. Since I didn’t know how to pray, I used those prayers as my own. God didn’t mind. He just wanted me to engage with Him.
I believe we were created for companionship — community with each other and, most of all, with our Father.
From Rambling to Writing
When I prayed in my own words, I felt like I rambled and lost my train of thought — like a toddler learning to walk, wobbling and easily distracted.
Then I started writing my prayers. Writing helped me clear my thoughts and keep track of what I was praying for. My dearest friend gave me a simple “formula” that changed my prayer life.
The Four Quarters Prayer Prompt
- Lord, thank You today for… (big and small blessings — quiet mornings, green trees, hot coffee)
- Forgive me when I… (selfish moments, hurtful words, impatience)
- Requests for others… (healing, protection, comfort, salvation)
- Requests for me… (passion for Your Word, strength in hard seasons, clarity in the dark)
Prayers don’t have to be spoken — they can be written. And when you write, you create a history. You can look back and see the answered prayers and the ones you’re still waiting on. There’s something powerful about seeing your own handwriting and knowing those words went straight to your Heavenly Father.
After more than 15 years, I still write my prayers. With my handwriting however, reading what I write is sometimes a bit of a challenge! I have kept all my journals over the years. Simple TJMaxx inexpensive ones most times.
Sometimes I miss a day or two, but I don’t beat myself up. I just start again. When I’m hurting, I write honestly to Jesus. When I’m joyful, I list my blessings alongside my burdens.
We don’t have to clean ourselves up to start. We can start small and simple.
Jesus, come.
Father, thank You.
Holy Spirit, You are welcome here. I need You.