Prayer comes in various forms to different people, but at its most basic level, it is the manifestation of hope in a trusted source, our innate ability to admit that we need guidance, and an acknowledgement that there is someone who can help us and guide our lives. Prayer is also a spiritual exercise where we undergo a cleansing process, washing our thoughts, feelings, motives, and will, purifying the entire being including the heart, thus enabling us to see our souls as we enter into a dialogue with God.
Many people feel profoundly serene and peaceful after praying. Prayer is deeply relaxing, and those who do it ofter register a high degree of calmness and optimism in their lives. There is a lot of scientific evidence that shows how prayerful people have longer and healthier lives. But the key thing is that we all need to spend some quiet time with our sources of power.
How recharged are you? Do you pray regularly or not at all? Here are some ways to start or improve your motivation to pray:
COMMIT TO PRAY
Make prayer a part of your life. Establish a regular praying routine.
START THE DAY WITH PRAYER
When you wake up, give the very first moment of your day to prayer. It need not be long; it can only be a few minutes. What is important is that you started the day in deep communion.
READ SACRED LITERATURE
Reading your Bible or any other spiritual publication can help attune your thoughts to God.
CONCENTRATE ON YOUR THOUGHTS
Keep your thoughts from wandering during your prayer time. "Symbolize" your thoughts with something that can help you concentrate effectively. For instance, think of something tangible, like a lighted candle or bright clouds in which your mind's eye is squarely focused.
ESTABLISH A PRAYING AREA
Find a place in your home where you can be alone and undistracted during your prayer time.
BE HUMBLE
Do not talk to God or tell Him what to do. State your feelings, express your concerns, ask Him how he feels about your course of actions, but always, always have the humility to accept and obey the feelings that you are prompted to do after you plead your case. Remember, it's not your will, but His will that shall be done.
USE SPECIAL WORDS FOR PRAYING
Many people use the respectful words of the King James Bible, such as thee, thou, thy, and thine, to commune with God. It gives prayer a special feeling, making it a moment when you can shut yourself from the cares and concerns of the world and speak in a way that you feel special, too. Find words that can help you establish rapport with divinity.
HAVE A QUIET MOMENT
God communicates with us through feelings. Pause every now and then. Think of what you have said and what you should say. More importantly, listen to what your heart is saying. The voice of the Lord is still and small but full of warmth and tenderness.