10 Things to Help You PrayAndy Freeman - 21 Aug 2013
I’ve always liked things boiled down into a ‘what next’ or ‘what to do’. Sometimes we use a lot of words when so practical ideas are far more helpful. So I wanted to share 10 simple things that help me pray, in the hope they might help you too.
1. A Bible
D’oh. Of course. But I wanted to particularly say how praying words and images from the Bible helps me. What do I pray for in the Middle East .... Blessed are the peacemakers (Mt 5:9). How do I pray for the church in my town? What about Luke 10:2 and asking God to send workers into the harvest field.
2. Written prayers
Not everyone likes this, but I find some written prayers help to inspire me. Maybe church liturgy, maybe words you’ve written yourself. How about using the same prayer each day for 5 days and see what happens.
3. Images
I’ve taken to snapping things on my phone which inspire me or ask me questions, then getting them out to pray with. Last night it was an empty shop around which I prayed about space and availability. (There are a whole host of devotional images in the Ancient Paths section)
4. String
Thoughout history, Christians have used prayer cords or ropes. I find string is a little more to my taste. Take a short piece and tie five knots in it. Make each knot represent a friend and pray for them daily. Tie the string to your shoe lace or one your bag.
5. Words
Sometimes I need a word and I write it on my hand. Peace maybe. Or the name of a country. Get a marker, write it on. Pray each time you see it.
6. Music
Again an obvious one. Particularly I like bands like Sigur Ros or Mar where the music creates an atmosphere which helps me to pray. Sometimes now, there are tracks I can play that almost feel like my own call to prayer.
7. Stones
I have a bit of an obsession with pieces of rock. Who knows why. I like in the Old Testament when someone met with God, they built a pile of stones to remember it. I pick up bits of rock and like to have them around as reminders. What did God do today. How can I mark it.
8. Silence
I’m growing to love times of silence. It took me a while as so often my head is buzzing with 100 different things. Silence gives God space. It takes a while, but eventually everything slows and there’s a peace. Often at that point God speaks to me. Try it for a few minutes, hours or even a day.
9. Newspapers
Famous evangelist DL Moody said he always prayed with a Bible and a Newspaper. I like to read the news with prayerful eyes. To let God speak and for me to cry out for the people of the world.
10. Metaphors
This is a funny one to finish but I genuinely find it helpful. What I mean is this. If you feel your life is at a crossroads, then go and find an actual crossroads and pray there. Feel like you have a choice to make? Go and find two doors next to each other and pray there. Is there a physical picture or metaphor that represents how you feel? Go and find it.
There you go, there’s 10 things. Why not send 24-7 anything you find helps you to pray? You can either tweet us or leave a comment in the section below.