A Simple Format for Prayer

Use this simple format to begin praying.

“In prayer, we receive power from God to live our lives fully.”

Consider making a commitment to God to pray for fifteen minutes each day for at least seven days. If you make this commitment, your life will be changed: you will be more focused, patient, and loving. You will be filled with God's power and purpose. Your agenda will become God's agenda, and as a result, your life will be fuller and you will be more satisfied.

Follow this format for prayer:

1. Begin by listening to God in scripture. Pick a psalm to read. Start at the beginning of Psalms and read one each day or read your favorite psalm every day for the week.

• Which emotions are brought out in this psalm?
  
• How do you identify with these emotions?
  
  

2. Next, read one chapter of Philippians (or another book of the Bible).

• What are the main ideas of this chapter?
  
• How can you incorporate these ideas into your prayer?
  
• What is God saying to you through scripture?
  
  

3. Now, talk to God in prayer.

• Focus on gratitude and thanksgiving.
  
• Praise God for what he has done for you.
  
  

4. Finally, record your thoughts on paper or in a journal.

• Doing this will remind you over time of all you have to be thankful for.
  
• Your journal will also keep a record of how God has led you through scripture.
  
  

If you keep this commitment for seven days, your life with God through Christ will be strengthened and you will have a greater purpose in God and a more fulfilled life.