Prayer Teachers

I have been fortunate to have several mentor-teacher-friends in my life. These wonderful women have shared lessons that have molded my thoughts, my writing, my choices, and my actions.

Two of my good friends have greatly influenced how I pray. I would like to share some of the lessons that they have taught me over the years:

--Start every day with the Bible. Be open to God’s leading. Read until you feel a tug in your heart. Write down whatever insights you receive.

--Pray using scripture verses. It’s okay to change the order of the words and make it personal. Write out scripture verses and insert the names of whomever you are praying for.

--Pray daily, hourly, and every time you feel the tiniest bit of a nudge. If a name or a thought passes through your head, pause and pray for that person.

--Nurture praying relationships. These two friends have taught me to pray about everything—but specifically they have stressed the importance of praying for our children. We have invested our time through prayer in each other’s lives. I don’t take this commitment for granted. I am deeply convicted about the importance of having praying friends and being a praying friend. I do not send out prayer requests to a long prayer chain of acquaintances who barely know the details of my life. Instead, I have two or three intimate praying relationships. These friends of mine are so involved in my daily life that I can ask them for prayer, and they know exactly what I need without much explanation. We continually update each other on the joys, sorrows, victories, and disappointments of our lives. We are committed to supporting and encouraging each other, reminding each other of how God has taken care of us in the past, sharing wisdom, and holding each other accountable.

--Share information. If you discover a book, a website, a song, a quiet spot, a good habit,—anything that helps you grow closer to God—share this resource with others.

--Be consistent, reliable, and available to pray. When someone asks for prayer, stop whatever you are doing and pray right that moment. When you ask someone for prayer, keep them updated on how God is working in your life.

--Expect God. Count on God. God is already in the process of taking care of whatever you are praying for. Go ahead and give thanks in advance.

--Prayer is not meant to remind God of what you need. He already knows. Prayer helps us remember that God is capable and dependable.