Many people want to pray but get stuck in how to pray. Often, it’s because they lack direction. I want to offer you a roadmap to help guide you into a deeper prayer life.
Getting Ready
1. Set the time. If we’re going to make an effort to pray for an hour, we know that’s not likely to happen spontaneously. So set a time and block out your schedule.
2. Set the space. Being distraction-free is critical for this process. You’ll want a dedicated space. The kitchen table works just as well as your couch. Maybe your church can let you use a room. Just make sure the space is clear and free of distractions. Make sure there are no “to-do’s” hanging over your head. Place your devices in another room or have them turned off or silenced. Have a cup of tea, a mug of coffee, or a glass of water ready. Close any curtains or blinds. If you need music, play K-LOVE or Air1 lightly in the background.
3. Set the supplies. You’ll want a notepad, pen, and your Bible for this step. If something you need to remember pops into your head, write it down on your notepad to remember later, then refocus on prayer.
10 Steps for an Hour in Prayer
1. Praise God (7 minutes). Praise God for who He is. Spotlight some of God’s characteristics, like His love and faithfulness.
2. Give it to God (5 minutes). Prayerfully carry everything weighing on your heart and ask God to take the weight from you. Read 1 Peter 5:7 and write these out.
3. Confess it to God (5 minutes). Confess your specific sins to God. This is the time for total transparency. Read 1 John 1:9.
4. Read the Word of God (5 minutes). Read a psalm, maybe the central passage from last Sunday’s sermon, or anything that will promote reflection. Just read and take it in.
5. Share your needs (5 minutes). This is the part of prayer we are most familiar with. Whatever is going on in your life that you want God to know about, this is the time to share those things. Write them down.
6. Pray for others (7 minutes). Take this time and lift up the needs of others. Write out these needs and give them to God. Intercession is one way we show our love for one another and help each other bear the burdens of life.
7. Thank God (10 minutes). Read Philippians 4:6, and then make a list of everything you’re thankful for, in big and small things, in His daily faithfulness, thank God.
8. Sing your heart out (5 minutes). It’s okay, it’s just you, no one can hear you. Belt one out for God! Sing a song of worship as a gift for God.
9. Think on the Word (6 minutes). Go back to the passage you read earlier. Ask these three questions and write out the answers. What do I plainly see happening here? What does this mean in the whole context of scripture? How do I apply this to my life?
10. More Praise (5 minutes). Close out the hour in prayer by praising God again. Tell Him why you love Him. Praise Him for His goodness, mercy, and love. Just share your heart with Him.
Congratulations! You just spent an hour in prayer! Now that you’ve seen how easy it is, share this with a friend, or even make time to do this with someone else.
Remember, as you do this more frequently, you’ll be able to naturally walk through these 10 steps.
Next Steps
1. Where will your place of prayer be?
2. Who will help keep you accountable to your prayer commitment?
