What a coincidence.

So, lately I have been praying for help.. in learning how to pray. Last night a guest speaker came to Common Ground, TO TEACH US HOW TO PRAY. Dr. Phillip. Forreal Jesus? You're insane. He gave us all these little tips, and verses that talk about prayer. It seriously blew my mind how much of an answer to "prayer" it was, if you can call what I've been doing lately praying. He prayed that we would be made restless until we started praying right. I was already restless about my prayer life, so I am so over the top excited about getting this show on the road. Here's how:

1. Just do it! You will never get better if you don't practice.
2.Listen to other Christians that you look up to pray.
3.Find your "certain place" where you always go to pray. That's what Jesus did! (Luke 11:1) Don't take anything but the word of God with you. No cell phone, no ipod, no journal. Just you and the word.
4.Memorize scripture, & cling to it! You should always have that down on the inside to stand on. Use it in prayer, & to share with others!
5.Don't know what to say? Start with this. Matthew 6:9-1

• Start by asking for forgiveness, repent.
• Praise God, and then praise God some more.
• Pray scripture! The word of God is alive and powerful!
• Lead us not into temptation, give us our daily bread.
• Pray for your "daily thing".
• Pray for anything that the Spirit lays on your heart.

Now about the whole "daily thing"... thing. He said we should make a prayer schedule. Here's an example:

Sunday-Praise the Lord

Monday-Friends

Tuesday-Church or Ministries you are involved in

Wednesday-Foes(people) & also foes(within yourself) ie: bad attitude, temper, self control.

Thursday-Family

Friday-Focus(whatever your calling or direction is)

Saturday-Anything

Now that doesn't mean that you can't pray about your mom on a Tuesday. It just means that all day Tuesday your main focus will be on praying for your church, or other things you are involved in.

Dr. Phillip reminded us that it only takes 21 days to form a habit, and prayer is such a necessary habit. If he says this will work, I am so willing to try it. :)