Posture

Have you ever wondered if there was a correct posture or way to pray? The Bible is full of examples of people standing (1 Samuel 1:26), kneeling (Daniel 6:10) and sitting (Acts 2:2) while they sought God. Some raised their hands toward Heaven (Nehemiah 8:6, Psalm 28:2), and some placed their hands on others (Mathew 19:13). Some prayed loud (Hebrews 5:7), and some prayed quietly (1 Samuel 1:13). Some offered prayers that were lengthy (John 17), and others offered prayers that were brief (Nehemiah 2:4). Some looked upward (John 17:1), and some did not (Luke 18:13). Some worry that they won’t get God’s attention without a certain outward positioning or mannerism. Rest assured, though, that the correct posture is that of the heart. Come to God consistently with a posture of childlike faith and respectful humility, and He will be sure to respond favorably in due time. Now that’s something to pray about!

Routine

The Psalmist wrote about how he praised God seven times a day (Psalm 119:164). Daniel was known to pray three times a day (Daniel 6:10). The apostles went to the temple during the hour of prayer (Acts 3:1). Throughout Scripture, we see a theme that men and women of God were committed to seeking God as part of their routine. Personally, I have found that when I make prayer and Bible study a part of my daily routine, I do it way more than if I were to do it only when I felt like it. So, do you want to be closer to Jesus? Then make devotion a part of your daily schedule. More often than not, you will bump into Him as you regularly pray and read Scripture. Now that’s something to pray about!

Inconvenience

Friends, if there’s anything I’ve learned about prayer over the years it’s that it’s almost never convenient. Whether it’s a devotional time alone, or pre-service prayer before church or a weeknight gathering with others, something always seem to come up. It can seem too hot or cold to get out of the house, or too rainy or snowy to make the drive. It can feel overwhelming to rush from work, to prepping dinner, to kid duties, to you name it. The fact is—it’s hard to pray. It’s hard because it’s rewarding and eternally significant. Let me encourage you today to press through all the difficulties that arise when it comes to prayer. All those inconveniences will eventually seem so small when God moves in response to your persevering faith. Now that’s something to pray about!

Humility

In his 18th chapter, Luke records one of Jesus’ parables about two men who went to the temple for prayer. One, a Pharisee, looked down on others and boasted to God about his dedication. The other, a tax collector, looked down on his own sinfulness and prayed for forgiveness. While striking his chest with lament he said, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:13) Do you know which one went home with his prayers answered? You guessed it—the humble tax collector who approached God with contrition. How about you? Which person more accurately describes your prayer life lately? Is it a source of pride to be better than others, or is it marked by moments of humility and confession? Keep in mind which one God answers. Now that’s something to pray about!

America

When I think of how to pray for America today, I often come back to the heartfelt intercession of Daniel: “O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay” (Daniel 9:19). You can feel the urgency all throughout the prophet’s ninth chapter. He knew that though Israel’s sins were great, God’s mercy was greater, and that prayer was the bridge between the two. Here in the United States, God has been incredibly kind to prosper us like no nation in history, and yet so many of our fellow Americans are far from Him. As we approach our 245th Independence Day this 4th of July, let’s go to God like Daniel—with gratitude for our blessings, with humility for our sins and with urgency for a great move of God. Now that’s something to pray about!