Tommorow I am teaching the third session in the Holy Habits series at church and it will be the most difficult for me by far. The session is called: Prayer & Confession.
So here is my confession: My prayer life sucks! (Yes, I know that’s a little sacrilegious). I have studied the topic, studied The Lord’s Prayer, read book after book, and tried just about every method I can get my hands on…but it till sucks.
There will be times when it’s okay, but it never seems to last for long. Improving my prayer life is even one of my goals for 2008…but it continues to elude me. And I don’t know why. I long for the intimacy of a deep, ric, dynamic prayer life but it is a constant struggle for me.
I know that sometimes I try too hard. Other times I don’t try hard enough. My heart and desire is in the right place…I just can’t seem to break through and really communicate with God…hear His voice, speak my heart, and commune with Him.
I’m starting to think this is just my primary struggle in my spiritual journey. And it’s why tomorrow’s class is going to be tough…hopefully I’ll learn something.
If you’ve got any methods or stories to share on the topic I’m all ears. Otherwise…pray for me…and I’ll keep trying.
Post Tags: Confession, Holy Habits, Prayer, Teaching
David,
You’re probably better than you think you are. God is pleased with even your thoughts of Him, He knows our limitations. But here are some ideas for you that have helped me.
Do you like to write or journal? Well duh that is kind of an obvious question! (silly me) But get a pen and pad out and prayer journal. Since I’ve been doing that I have had a much richer prayer life. Somehow it’s always a reminder to me of my place in this world and God’s place (on the throne). Try it, you might like it. Have you read any books about George Meuller? Check him out, there’s a YWAM book on him. http://ywampublishing.com/pc-213-45-christian-heroes-then-nowbrgeorge-mller-the-guardian-of-bristols-orphans.aspx Anyway he recorded every prayer and prayed every day and put a mark by every prayer and when his prayers were answered he marked it. (my facts are probably off but it’s something like that) So I used to do that, write down the request and every day my prayer list grew. I was able to see my prayers then, but that became legalistic to me (personally) so I stopped doing it. I also have lots of what people call “popcorn” prayers. A prayer here and there to God all through out the day. Also I pray in the car, when I’m alone, but I think I’ve mentioned that to you before. Well these are just a few of my ideas.
It’ll be great to hear what God shows you for this teaching. Let us know!
Rachel
I actually do prayer journal on occasion and have found it helpful. My main “struggle” (that’s not exactly the right word) is feeling connected to God during my prayer times. Best way I know to explain it is with the word “dry”. My heart is in the right place and I will continue to work on it and trust God to guide me. Thank for the thoughts and help…it means a lot to me!
Oh I see what you are saying, I can relate. I think it has a lot to do with trust and that good ol’ word FAITH. Just trusting that He is there, He is listening and He cares.
To render that problem often times I will “be still” before Him, no noise, no distractions; just thinking of Him and His glory. During my dry times of prayer that is what helps.
No problem, glad to be privaleged to walk this journey along side you.