Are you ready to take your spirituality to the next level? One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to establish a regular prayer routine.
Think of it as your spiritual workout. Just as you workout to stay in shape, a daily prayer practice keeps your soul healthy and in tune with the Divine.
The most difficult aspect of prayer is making it a consistent part of our life. With a time and planning you can develop a prayer routine that works for you and your schedule. The greatest part is that you can customize it to fit your personality and spiritual tradition.
Let’s be real, life is hectic and it’s easy to let prayers slide off the list of priorities. But just like anything other thing worth being a part of, it requires dedication and discipline. That’s where developing a prayer routine comes in. It gives the structure and accountability needed to ensure that we’re connecting with the divine on an ongoing basis.
So, how do you begin? The first step is to determine the time of day that works best for you to pray. Some prefer to begin their day with prayer and others prefer to pray in the evening before going to going to bed. Test and see what works best for you.
Once you’ve determined the best time for prayer then you can begin building your daily routine. Here’s an example of a daily pattern for morning prayer:
Begin by approaching God, ask for his help as you read and meditate.
Take a chapter from the Bible and then meditate on the passage. It can be done by reading the passage three to four times, or listing everything it reveals about yourself, or the examples you can follow, instructions to follow or promises to make.
Your prayer should be structured by making confession, adoration prayer, thanksgiving, and petition. Make a prayer for your needs and pressing concerns as well as taking time to sit in the presence of God.
The great thing about praying is that it is customizable to suit your needs. For some, you may have only just a few minutes while others might have a half an hour or more. It’s important making it a regular part of your daily routine. If you don’t make it through one or two days Don’t be concerned! Just get back on track for the next day.
A daily prayer practice is a wonderful method to begin your new year off with a renewed belief in the purpose of your life and a spiritual connection with God. It’s a powerful way to begin your day by putting your focus on the Lord and making sure that your actions and thoughts are aligned to His plans.
Another method to improve your prayer time is to make it more interactive. Instead of reciting the words, try to engage with God at a deeper level. Make use of your imagination and try to visualize the scenes in the Bible. Make an effort to experience the emotion of each character and put yourself in their position. This can make your time in prayer more personal and meaningful.
It is also possible to incorporate various forms of prayer into your day-to-day routine. For example, try a silent prayer, contemplative prayer or even journaling your prayers. This will keep your prayer practice from becoming monotonous and add some variety to your daily spiritual routine.
One of the best ways to remain engaged and focused on your daily prayer routine is sharing the practice with others. Find an accountability partner, a friend or family member who will be checking in with you and help you to keep to your daily routine. They could even join you in prayers and share their own experiences.
The goal of a regular prayer routine is to deepen your relationship with God and ensure that your actions and thoughts are in line in accordance with His plans. It’s not about perfectionism or following a strict set of guidelines, but rather being consistent and deliberate in your spiritual life. So, take the time to create a routine of prayer that works for you and incorporate it in your day-to-day life. You’ll be amazed by the difference it can make for your spiritual development as well as overall wellbeing.
We have now been through that let’s take a look at some of our favorite daily prayers:
1. A Morning Prayer for Strength
Dear God, I’m tired and don’t know when the “race” will end in my life. It seems like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this challenge. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain and instead run with a sense of endurance the race you have laid out for me. I know that thanks to you I am ultimately an ace over the struggles in my life. I know that nothing in this world will ever be able to keep me from your unwavering love. I ask you to show me a bit of your affection and give me the strength to stand through this trial. Thank you for your unconditional love for me that never ceases! And thank you for the crown of happiness that awaits me forever in your Kingdom! – Adrian Rogers
2. A Morning Prayer for Courage
Lord, grant me winsome courage as I go through this day. If I’m tempted to give up, help me persevere. Help me keep a positive attitude when things don’t go my way. And give me the courage to complete whatever must be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
– Dr. Ray Pritchard
3. Prayer to Seek God Each Day
Father, thank God for the sky and sun, as they both give us an exciting new day and the chance to chase You. Thank You for reminding us the journey isn’t necessarily easy but that we don’t need to carry the pain into each new day. We are sorry for dwelling on the past and for holding onto grudges. Thank You for our hearts that are not unhindered by anything as we seek You each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Meg Bucher
4. A Daily Prayer of Rejoice
Father, thank you for intervening within my personal life, and for allowing me the opportunity to have the privilege of a relationship with God. Thank you for allowing me to have a personal relationship with. Thank you for the love you have for me now and for the rest of my life. Thank you for the blessings you’ve bestowed to myself and my entire family. We can use these blessings to be a blessing to others. May I live a life of true joy as I see you at work around me today! In Jesus the name of Jesus. Amen. – Ron Moore
5. for guidance by the Holy Spirit
Lord, I pray you to be able to move the Spirit more boldly within my own life. I know that any sin can grieve and diminish the voice of the Spirit, and I pray not to fall prey to commit sin. Help me to seek Your Spirit more strongly than I desire sin. Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and so walk closer with Yourself. I ask for direction from Your Spirit- let your word and promise always be a source of meditation for my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Kenny Luck
6. For God’s Grace Daily
Lord, we thank God for your abundance grace, abundant grace. Thank you that we don’t have to earn a drop of the powerful flow of grace that flows freely to us now. Thanks for this unexpected and undeserved favor you’ve bestowed on my life. Help me follow the path of your grace and love. Help me to not forget the discipline I must meet with you regularly and to get a drink from the well of life. Thank you for your rich love. Amen. – David Mathis
7. A Prayer to Love the Life You Have
God I ask you to help me appreciate the life I live in the present. Let me know the good things that I tend to overlook and help me be content with my life. Please forgive me when I judge myself against others, forgive me for longing for things outside of you and your kingdom. Thank you for loving me exactly where I am, just where I am. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Nicki Koziarz
8. Prayer Against Distractions Today
As I get ready for the day, remind me that I belong to you and I want to act accordingly. Make sure my feet don’t slip and my mind from wandering into distractions that could steal precious time and energy away from the most important tasks you have planned for me. I’m proud to be your child Lord. I’m grateful that you gave your life for me — rising from the dead on your new day–so that my every day would be filled with the wonder in your affection, the joy of your Spirit and the joy of knowing that you are with me. – Rebecca Barlow Jordan
9. A Prayer for a Heavy Heart
Father My heart is heavy. I’m feeling like I’m forced to carry the burden alone. Words like overwhelmed, devastated exhausted, and distraught seem to be the best description of the state I’m in. I’m not sure how I can allow you to take on my burden, so please show me how. Let me take it off. Let me rest and be revived to ensure that my heart doesn’t be as heavy the next morning. In Jesus’ name. Amen. – Ron Moore
10. To Focus on God’s Voice
Father, I need to hear from You. Today, I make the commitment to start having an hour of silence each day. I will listen for Your voice over all the other voices in my life. Lord, teach me to focus my life around You. Help me follow what I hear You say. In Jesus’ name, amen. – Mary Southerland
11. Rely on God Today
Lord, today we pray to continue to work with Your Holy Spirit to be present in our lives. Lord, it can be easy to get consumed with the fears that surround us in life However, we are aware the same way that Your eye is indeed at the sparrow so also do You care for and watch over us.
Help us today to be more dependent on Your help today. Help us gain a better discernment of how You operate, so that we may come into a deeper understanding that everything we see with natural eyes is not all that is. Today , we pray for eyes to see Your hand in all things and hearts that are open to Your will. Amen. – Callie Logan
12. Morning Prayer: Walk with God
Dear Lord I love You. Everything I’ve written above is the desire of my heart. I acknowledge that there are times when my actions and reactions go against my love for You. Please forgive me. Thanks for your mercy that allows me to see this new day as a chance to walk closer with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Lysa TerKeurst
13. A Morning Prayer for God’s Guidance
Thank You Lord for helping me remember how much difference it makes to make spending time for You a priority in my morning. Bring me back to both my body and spirit every day with a desire for a time of fellowship with You and hear You speak words of affirmation, assurance and wisdom over my mind as I prepare to go into my day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Traci Miles
“If any of your lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
14.. A Simple Morning Prayer
God Please illuminate my eyes with the truth, ignite my heart with compassion I want to be inspired by your love, and with courage, enrich my life through service. Pardon what I have been, sanctify what I am, and establish the way I will be. Amen – Author Unknown
15.. A Prayer for the Work Day Ahead
Father, thank you for all the ways you’ve blessed my life especially through this job which pays my bills and puts food on my table. Thank you for the fact that ALL work is important because work is beneficial. Help me bring you glory today, through my actions my words, and by the efforts I make to make my small area of the globe. Help me to see my work as a blessing, not an affront. Give me grace and strength to face the most difficult aspects of my work. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. – Renee Davis
16. A Morning Prayer for Cares and Concerns
Our Father is dear to me in Heaven So much of my personal life has been broken. I have a myriad of worries and cares and they weigh me down. Although I want to put my worries on You, I that I tend to pick them up and again, and they only add more anxiety and stress. Help me to put my worries on You as I learn what it means to rest and trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Chrystal Evans Hurst
17. For Hope Today
Lord, help me hear you saying, “I am your hope” over all the other voices. Lord, according to your word, you are the one who can bring hope to the despairing, so I’m running towards you with both hands stretched out and grabbing your hand. Bring me back to optimism and provide me with concrete proof today that hope is an unbreakable line of spiritual support (Hebrews 6:19-20). God knows those things in my heart that I barely dare to hope for. Today I present the things I have to you, I am awestruck by them, and ask that you as I am sure that you can accomplish more than I can ever think of, imagine or ask for in the wildest of dreams (Eph 3:20). God I am your hope , and I trust you. Amen. – Wendy can Eyck
18. Courage for the Day Ahead
God I would like to believe that you’re there with me and that I am known and loved from you… but some days, it’s hard. Help me speak the truth in your Word back to me. Let it flow from my head into my soul. I ask you to give me peace and confidence to live as the conqueror because you’ve already won me victory over every obstacle and hurdle. Amen. – Amy Green
19. For a God-Honoring Work Day
Make my work easier on my hands by helping me to be efficient as well as patient, focused and insightful. Keep me from distractions and from technology hindering my work , instead of aiding it. May your Spirit lead me in my work and help me to be joyful, creative, and worshipful-constantly reminding me of your love and that you’re the reason I have breath in my lungs. Help me align my personal, professional and church life with rest in a way which will increase your glory , and let me bear the most fruit for your kingdom.
And as I work, I will keep my gaze on Jesus and his work on the cross that gave me treasure I could not acquire, peace that I would not normally have, and a vivacious hope that can fuel my desire to pursue the glory of God. Amen. – Kevin Halloran
God bless you all!