1st Timothy 2:1-2, 8 (CSB) First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity… 8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.
Modern life seems designed to combat Christian prayerfulness, and sometimes the fight seems hopeless, but we are called to prayer in light of our One God and single mediator Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all humanity in order to reconcile the lost to God.
The modern world cannot prevail against the power of Christ’s resurrection by which we pray.
So, here are some disciplines that will help you grow in godly prayer:
Pray the Scriptures
More specifically, actively search God’s word for his will and pray according to that will. Here’s why:
1st John 5:14-15 (CSB) This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.
Learn how to discern the will of God through the light of God’s word and you will see your faith grow as you witness the power of God.
Start and End the Day with Prayer
Beginning your day in the morning with prayer recalibrates the course of your life from the start of the day so that you are pointing in the right direction and ending your night with prayer concludes your day before the throne room of God.
Psalm 119:147-148 (CSB) I rise before dawn and cry out for help; I put my hope in your word. 148 I am awake through each watch of the night to meditate on your promise.
The Psalmist’s prayer life was founded on the word of God and this fueled his prayers early in the morning and late at night.
Cultivate a Heart of Thanksgiving
Learning to live day-by-day with thanksgiving for the mercies of God that are new every morning will transform your spiritual walk with God and combat the temptation to become embittered and ungrateful.
Hebrews 13:15 (CSB) Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Philippians 4:6 (CSB) Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Whether rising with prosperity under your wings or falling to your knees with a heavy burden on your back, offer the sacrifice of praise to God in all things day-by-day.
See the Strength of Simplicity
Many modern prayer ministries advocate showy prayer-disciplines that have no power in the presence of God, but Christ taught the simplicity of “sincere” and “pure” devotion to God in prayer.
2nd Corinthians 11:3 (CSB) But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Learn to walk in the strength of simplicity as you commune with the Spirit of God and are refreshed by the inward well of living waters. Avoid every practice that creates a show and devote yourself in sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Deepen Your Faith in God
Live your life in ways that deepen your convictions and dependence on God by seeking to do impossible Kingdom things – both large and small – that God calls his children to do.
Matthew 7:7 (CSB) Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.
So many believers live common lives because they don’t pray bold prayers that are grounded on the promises of God in Scripture. They don’t have the confidence to ask for Kingdom-things because they haven’t lived lives that are really dependent on the grace and mercy of God. They live only to take care of themselves and then lament that they have weak faith; live in the will of God and your faith will grow because you will become dependent on the provision of God and see him work in ways you never imagined.
Biblical Reasons 