Prayer is one of the most important things we can do as Christians. Jesus spent a tremendous amount of his ministry in prayer. His example is one we should follow. As United Methodists we have a strong tradition as a praying people. Prayer can take many forms. We can pray prayers of praise, we can offer intercessory prayers (focusing on the needs of others), and we can pray prayers of confession. There are many ways to pray and God hears all prayers offered to Him.

Here are some ideas to help improve your prayer life.

1) Realize that prayer makes a big difference in your life and the lives of others.
2) Have a purpose to your prayers and, if you want to ask God for something, ask Him for it specifically. Prayer is an active process!!!
3) Call on the Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer.
4) Read the Bible as part of your prayer time and take into prayer ideas, thoughts and themes that come to you during your reading. Praying the Psalms is a good way to incorporate God’s Word into your prayers.
5) Prayer is not just saying or thinking words. Be sure you take time to listen to God when you pray.
6) Relax and don’t worry about being eloquent in prayer. Have a conversation with God as you would with a good friend.
7) Take time to pray each day and pray throughout the day. Even short prayers as you are driving or going about other daily activities have great meaning to God.
8) Remember that prayer is a discipline. If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain as you start to pray, be patient. God is with you. Prayer gets easier over time and with practice.
9) Surround yourself with people who pray. Incorporate prayer into family activities. Ask someone or a group of people to be prayer partners with you. Prayer groups can have tremendous power to do good!

Know that God wants you to pray. He loves you and desires to talk to you.