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Rebecca Shirey

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Three Helpful Prayer Habits

May 31, 2016 by Rebecca Shirey Filed Under: Uncategorized 6 Comments

Three Easy and Helpful Prayer Habits

 

Several years ago I visited a prayer room in a Modesto CA church, identified with a sign over the door: The Furnace.

I stepped over the threshold, entering a space saturated by prayer, filled with intercessors. I sensed a powerful presence of God. Tears flowed. I began to pray.

The Holy Spirit fueled the Furnace, and what happened in the Furnace fueled the church. The atmosphere invited prayer, because in this room, prayer happened consistently, passionately, habitually.

My experience continues to influence my time with God. I witnessed how a habit of prayer in a specific place, at a specified time, created a response of prayer.

I wondered what could change in my life and my home by adopting a few prayer habits.

Choose a Prime Time

Prayer isn’t about an appointment to keep, but a relationship to enjoy. I love how God interrupts my day, surprising me with moments of grace, inviting me into spontaneous prayer.

Be open to praying anytime, anywhere. Also remember, choosing a consistent time to pray encourages a lifestyle of prayer.

The psalmist stated his best time, “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you” (63:1). The word earnestly means first thing in the morning, first in order of priority.

Like the psalmist, many people enjoy God-time before daily events crowd their schedule, before turning on the morning news, checking social media, reading emails, or eating breakfast.

But if morning isn’t ideal for you, find a time when you can give God undivided attention.

Since he neither slumbers nor sleeps, every moment is morning to him.

Choose a Welcoming Space

For the past 15 years, my spot has been a walk-in closet adjoining a bedroom. It might not seem like the most comfortable place, but I don’t mind sitting on the floor (I got that from my dad).

It’s separated from household responsibilities. I’m less likely to be interrupted, since reaching my secret place requires opening several doors.

In the darkened seclusion of my closet, I block out distractions. I can’t see pillows to fluff or pictures to straighten, and I’ve learned to ignore the clutter of shoes on the floor.

I turn on the light to read Scripture. I turn off the light to listen to God.

Your spot might be a space in your bedroom, a chair in the corner of your family room, a place at your kitchen table or a favorite spot on your patio.

Wherever you choose, go there often.

In time, entering your space will signal prayer.

Choose to Model Prayer for Children

For parents with younger children, an uninterrupted prayer time is almost impossible.

One mom uses her children’s nap time as her quiet time. When they awaken early, she sits them next to her with a book until she finished her time with the Lord.

This mom found her girls, on separate occasions, propped in her bed with Bible and pen. Each child told her they were having their God-time, just like her.

My mom and dad modeled prayer for our family. My mom chose a corner of the sofa where she read and prayed. My dad prayed aloud in his room, kneeling by his bed.

Hearing my father pray gave me a sense of security. I trusted God to meet the needs of our family because my dad asked him to. I learned prayer because I grew up seeing and hearing prayer modeled.

Prayer habits are not for the purpose of forcing prayer. Prayer habits are to fuel prayer-passion in our lives, our hearts.

Our homes and our hearts can become a Furnace for prayer.

What prayer habits have you formed? How have they helped you? I’d loved to hear. You’ll find the comment section at the beginning of this post.

rebeccasignature

Comments

  1. Linda says:
    June 1, 2016 at 5:08 am

    I too pray in my closet. One morning as I was going about my usual chores, suddenly the Holy Spirit drove me into my closet and on my knees. I was sobbing and weeping and praying in the Spirit for what I knew not but I continued to pray. Within one year the Lord revealed to me for what and whom I was praying. It was a very serious matter concerning the health of a fellow missionary. The Lord opened the door for me to minister to my brother in Christ. I am thankful for the opportunity to have touched the hem of the Lord’s garment for the sake of my friend

    Reply
    • Rebecca Shirey says:
      June 1, 2016 at 8:35 pm

      What a powerful story that happened because you were obedient to enter your prayer closet. How wonderful the Lord allowed you to minister to someone through your experience. Thank you for sharing. Your story encourages me.

      Reply
  2. Julie says:
    June 1, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    Love to pray-anytime, any place. But I also sit at my kitchen table, every morning (except Sunday), to read His word, journal and pray. I have found, for me, that writing the names of those I pray for, every day, focuses my thoughts and prayers. And oh, how beautiful to go back through those pages and see the names and reflect on how God has worked and continues to work! So thankful for how He calls us to pray and to join Him in His work.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Shirey says:
      June 1, 2016 at 9:09 pm

      Julie, I can tell you are a woman of prayer. Your prayer habit at your kitchen table encourages me. I love to journal thoughts and prayers, but I had not thought of journaling names. I refer back to my on-going list. I really love your idea and how you can re-read the names and praise God for what He’s doing. I hope others read your comment and adopt your practice!

      Reply
  3. Susan Bagley, Senior Pastor says:
    June 19, 2016 at 4:39 am

    We are humbled and honored that our furnace room inspired you! God is so very faithful to meet us there as we turn our faces, hearts and minds toward Him.
    May His great love for people be shared as He beckons us to call upon Him to give direction in our prayer times and lead the way for His Kingdom Come.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Shirey says:
      June 19, 2016 at 4:55 am

      The Furnace is the most powerful prayer room I’ve ever been in. When I stepped over the threshold, my knees buckled. I’m so thank for all that you and Craig are accomplishing for the kingdom. Love the Modesto church and we love and honor you and Craig. Blessings!!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! Welcome to the place where I share about real faith for our real lives. I’m Rebecca Shirey. A writer. A speaker. A teacher, captivated by God’s Word. A student, searching for The Word in the words. A follower of Jesus Christ, grateful for His love and grace. I’m married to a pastor, who served 26 years as an Army Chaplain. We’re empty nesters, enjoying life in the Midwest and beyond

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