Discussion on thoughts-on-prayer

[Zach Washburn]

I pray most regularly while driving to work. I have a long, early
morning commute which offers a lot of time. This time is usually
devoted to praying for Vanessa, Haley, and anyone else on my mind
(especially those I love who aren't Christians). As the week wears on,
there tends to be a lot more asking for the energy to get through the
workday.

Confessing my sins and thanking God for who He is and what He's done
happen more spontaneously during the day. What's important for me here
is constantly remember that I am a broken depraved man and God is
gracious in spite of that. When that is a foundational part of my
worldview, everything seems like a blessing and/or an opportunity for
sanctification. When it isn't, I delude myself into thinking that all
the good things in my life are well earned rewards for my good efforts
and behavior.

When I don't have anything in particular to say in prayer, I start
either by reading a Psalm or reciting the Lord's Prayer.

I would also say it's important to know that you don't have to be
reverent or dignified or holy in prayer. The more earnest, the more
emphatic, the more like a conversation with someone you love and
trust, the better. Realize that God knows the blackest part of your
heart, and He went to the cross for you anyway. Showing off for Him
won't work, and isn't necessary.

'If you are a praying Christian, your faith will carry you. If you are
not, you will carry your faith.' - Ravi Zacharias

[Kevin Warth]

I agree with Zach there must be a sense of concentrating our focus
during our time of prayer. It is important that God hears direct
prayers for specific "requests", and it is important for us to
verbalize them with those around us, so that it is real to us, as
well. (I struggle with this - I grew up in a family that keeps their
thoughts to themselves.) We need to express to God our thoughts as
well as our voice. Prayer can be a poem, a song or just plain a
conversation with him.

Personally, I try to maintian prayer all day long - a sort of open
channel, if you will. We all have that inner dialogue with ourselves
that has to do with everything that we are involved, and I just try to
keep the door open. Try to let God in on the conversation... He has
good suggestions. =)

[Phil Honea]

I can be pretty type A - I always have to being doing something - so
stopping to spend much time in prayer is tough for me. I try to make
it a habit, because I think spending time (more than a couple minutes)
in prayer - taking time to just talk to God,to be still and listen is
very important to Christian life.
I work mostly in retail, and on slow days there is alot of just
standing around, waiting for customers. I strive to take advantage of
these times to be intentional about praying. When I find myself just
standing around thinking about day-to-day stuff, I try to "turn my
thoughts into prayers" and address those thoughts to God. So that
instead of just thinking about people and situations in my life, I'm
praying about them. It's a habit that has probably helped me the most
in my prayer life.