The Power of a Solid Prayer Life

The other day I started thinking: if I had to pick one thing in my spiritual life to better, what would it be? The answer is my prayer life. I find all too often that my prayers are full of wants and needs, and often increase when things in my life are array. Don't get me wrong, God loves when we come to Him with our needs. In fact, Philippians 4:6 puts it very well.... "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." God doesn't see us as needy children, but is delighted by our willingness to ask and trust that He will meet our needs. However, look at that same verse but in a different translation... "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." In the first translation it is easy to skip over "with thanksgiving". In the second translation it is very clear.

I recently came across a blog that featured a bible study on prayer. The pastor who wrote it gave a fantastic "outline" on how to pray. I know it seems silly, but it very much enhanced my prayer life. It's called the ACTS method...
A- adoration: Tell the Lord how much you love Him. You don't do it nearly enough.
C- confession: Be restored to righteousness. James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
T- thanksgiving: Thank him for past blessings and in advance for future ones.
S- supplication: NOW you are ready to ask another favor!

(Credit where credit is due: gracethrufaith.com- a bible study by Jack Kelly)

The two I need to work on the most are adoration- taking unhurried time to praise Him, honor Him and love on Him- and confession- I'll be the first to admit I'm human and constantly fall short of the glory of God. But the beauty is this: 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

A few other thoughts:
- Our pastor recently encouraged us to make a list of 5-10 unbelievers and to pick a few to pray for DAILY! (Wow! To think I haven't been doing this just breaks my heart. After all we are here as disciples.)
- Pray for those "challenging" people in your life. There is no better way to change how you feel about a person than by praying for them.
- Pray with others. Matthew 18:19-20 "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

I've chosen to enhance my prayer life by incorporating the ACTS method, and by praying daily with my husband and daughter! Praying with Amelia has been such a blessing to me and I am so thankful for a husband who leads our family! (And sweet side note: While praying together as a family, Luke lays his hand on my arm. The other night, Amelia laid her hand against Luke's hand. Heart. Melting. Blessed!!)