Prayer Practices for Every Day

In case you missed this in the Spring 2009 copy of Collegiate magazine, here are some ways we can seek to make prayer an essential part of our daily to-do.

For those of us struggling with perpetual busyness, the Apostle Paul’s instruction to “pray constantly” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) may not be as out of reach as we once thought. Here are a handful of creative ideas for weaving conversational prayer with God into your daily routine:

• Pair Up. Form a unique prayer alliance with a fellow believer. Take turns giving each other a call every day, and spend a few minutes praying together about the day to come. The call may only take 10 minutes, but it will do wonders for your ability to hear God’s voice throughout the day.
• Listen Good. Rather than listening to your regular iPod playlists as you walk to class, listen to a favorite hymn or worship chorus. Focus on the lyrics, and let the songs inspire you to pray as you go, confessing any sins and inviting God to spend the day with you.
• Show & Tell. Decorate your dorm room or apartment with beautiful art or photography that inspires you to turn your attention to God. Hang the art where you will see it often, and let it serve as a reminder to renew your connection with God’s presence.
• Think on This. One of the most ancient of the spiritual disciplines, meditation, is also one of the most portable. On index cards, write three or four verses or short passages from Scripture and tape them to your desk or the dashboard of your car. As you notice the cards, be reminded to take a minute or two to talk with God about what they say. Rotate new verses in regularly to keep the conversation fresh.
• Quiet Time. At least once or twice a week, have lunch alone. Find a park or café off the beaten path and spend your lunch hour in private prayer with God. At least once a year, take a weekend trip alone, void of luxuries—and noise. Try a camping trip or retreat to the beach in the off-season.
• Nature Walk. Engaging with nature is a great way to deepen your connection with God. A few times a day, take a break from the routine and go someplace where there are trees and grass. Take off your shoes and let your heart connect with the beauty of the natural world. Invite God to join you as you walk.
• Focus In. As you run your errands or perform those mindless chores we all face each week, turn it into a time of silent focus. Make the commitment to stay quiet, to move slowly, and to focus your attention on listening. Don’t speak. Instead, let God direct the conversation in your heart.