The last several years, I have set aside several weeks to preach about prayer. Why? Clearly, prayer was important to Jesus. Prayer was His lifeline and His connection to the Heavenly Father. Prayer makes us more like Jesus. Prayer shows us the heart of God. I believe prayer should be woven into our everyday lives as Christians.  I am committed to improve my own prayer life. I am also committed to helping others improve their prayer lives as well.

I read an article from the Just Between Us website titled "5 Ways to Flourish in Prayer" by Ginger Harrington. Flourishing in prayer is living in an authentic connection with God, trusting that He listens to us. Try these 5 simple steps today.

1.  Pray in the moment.

Keep a continuing conversation with God. Talk with Him throughout the day. (Eph. 6:18; 1Thess. 5: 17)

2.  Pray with confidence, trusting in God's grace and mercy.

God has invited you to pray, to come confidently whenever you have a need for mercy, help, or grace. Life often requires strength beyond our reserves. Take Him at His Word by praying with the assurance that He welcomes your prayer. (Heb. 4:16; Heb. 10: 19-22).

3. Pray with a thankful heart.

Gratitude changes our perspective, shifting our attention from the problem to God's power and presence. (Phil 4: 6-7; Ps. 100:4; Col 4:2)

4.  Ask God to help you pray when you're not sure what or how to pray.

The Holy Spirit helps us to pray in a variety of ways. Prayers don't always have words and we don't always know what to ask for. Trust the Spirit to help you pray. (Rom. 8:26).

5.  Watch to see what God does next.

Pray with anticipation that God will work through your prayer. Let go of the expectation of a certain answer, but trust that God will respond. Surrender your desires by trusting that God will give the best answer. (Ps. 5:3; Hab. 2:1-3; Col. 4:2).

We can flourish when we make prayer a natural part of our day. Connecting with God in prayer increases our faith and empowers us to receive His life in any challenge we face.

One of my favorite verses: In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26).

Join us August 9, 16, 23 & 30 for a sermon series on practical prayer.

In Christ's ministry together ~    Pastor Caryn