 HEALTH & HELP
Prayer
Ways to Pray Every Day
Repeat a Prayer
My Sunday school teacher gave me a slip of paper with this prayer written on it: “Lord, help me remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can’t handle.” I use it as a bookmark in my copy of devozine. I pray these words after reading each day’s devotion and again each morning when I wake up. This simple prayer has become an important part of my daily routine -- and a constant reminder of God’s love for
me. <
Carrie Allison, 16
New Harmony, Indiana
Give God Control of Your Day
In this fast-paced life, we begin to believe that faster is better. Wrong! Why not slow down and invite God to manage your day? List the events of your day; then pray about each one. Ask to see God’s goodness throughout the day. Then trust God and let go. <
Robin Priestley
Los Alamos, New Mexico
PWC Online
If St. Paul were alive today, I am sure he would travel with a laptop! Why not follow Paul’s example of keeping in touch and form an online prayer group? Invite friends or family to be part of the group. When someone emails you with a problem and asks for your prayers, reply with a prayer and ask for permission to send the request to your online prayer group. When possible, let the group know the outcome of their prayers so all of you can give thanks for God’s loving care. Paul would be pleased that you are using the Internet to PWC (“Pray Without Ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17). <
Anola Pickett
Kansas City, Missouri
Find a Time to Focus on God
My morning walk is a time to get fit, but it is also my prayer time. I give my day to God, ask for God’s guidance and strength, and pray for my family, friends, and extended family. When I am walking, I am not tempted to do other things; I am totally focused on God. If I miss my walk, I also miss my time with God; so I try to keep both appointments. <
Richard Lawton
Adelaide, Australia
Don’t Try to Be Perfect
When I first became a Christian, I prayed simple, child-like prayers. As I grew older, my prayers became more sophisticated and wordy -- and less frequent. I started putting off prayer because I thought it demanded so much effort. Finally, I decided to lighten up and to mix up my prayers. During the day, I began to offer my short child-like prayers for each person I encountered and for those whom I knew were having a hard time. This practice enriched my prayer life, and soon I found myself drawn more often to spend those longer periods of time with God. Don’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect words. Just pray. <
Suzanne Daly
Fall River, Massachusetts
Dig Deeper
Brother Lawrence was a monk who lived in France during the 17th century. He believed that whatever he was doing, even a mundane task such as washing dishes, could be offered to God as an act of love and worship. He called this discipline practicing the presence of God; and by practicing prayer not simply as words but as a humble attitude of the heart, Brother Lawrence felt he could make his life a continuous prayer.
With practice, you too can turn your life into a prayer. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, be aware of God’s presence. Try these ideas:
> Create reminders of God’s presence in your life. Keep a Bible or a picture of Jesus in
your backpack, purse, or locker. Wear a cross, or hang one in your car. Let these
symbols remind you to be in conversation with God.
> Each day, as you move from one activity to the next, offer your day to God by
praying: “God, hold me close to your heart.”
> Make your desk an altar. Light a candle before you begin your homework, and
invite God to guide your studies.
> Choose a day each week to spend intentionally in God’s presence. Throughout
the day, try to keep up an ongoing conversation with God. Ask for guidance as
you make choices or decide how to react to situations. When you blow it, don’t
give up. Talk with God about your mistake; then pick up where you left off.
-- from devozine (May/June 2007). Copyright © 2007 by Upper Room Ministries. All rights reserved.
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