Establishing a rhythm of prayer

Relationships grow deeper and stronger when communication is happening regularly.  Because of good communication the depth of the relationship results in trust, commitment, and even shows our vulnerability. My marriage to Rosanna is evidence of that. Our ability to communicate is not just limited to marriage, but also to our relationship to God. This then is an example to our children and others as a visible testimony. 

We all suffer from the effects of brokenness which affects all of our relationships especially to God. Our sin separates us from God and our communication lines are cut. He doesn’t hear our prayers. Only God can repair that brokenness and open the lines of communication. When we turn from our sin and put our trust in Jesus’ work on the cross and make him boss of our life.  He will restore the relationship. Prayer is communication with God which includes speaking and listening. 

Why do we pray? We pray because Jesus expects us to and wants us to. In the gospels Jesus will says things like, “when you pray” or “pray like this”. He also models it. Numerous times do you read that Jesus goes off to be alone to pray. Prior to the crucifixion, he prays for his disciples. If you desire to be close to God then establish a rhythm of prayer. 

We all struggle with find a pattern for prayer whether a new believer or veteran. As a child, my parents set a rhythm for me. They prayed for me at night before bed and at meals. We also  prayed at church. Modeling it helped establish times for praying. It also answered the need for prayer. Much of our prayers revealed our concerns for the sick, injured, stressed, financial needs and other things that were beyond our ability to fix.

Historically believers have had rhythms of prayer. We can look at various tools to help you find your rhythm. When I became an Anglican I found liturgy intriguing and one tool that was really helpful. The Book of Common Prayer has what is known as the daily office which gives a daily rhythm of morning, noon, evening and compline (late evening) outlines of prayer. Each day has specific readings from the psalms (known as psalter) and reading from other parts of the Bible. 

These prayer times can be done alone or with others. Each session flows with praying the Scriptures in praise, thanksgiving, confession along with singing the psalms or reading.  Typically, this follows with an affirmation of the “apostles creed” which speaks of the preeminence of the Trinity. Lastly, finishes with historical prayers written for specific times or occasions. 

We all look for rhythms that work for us. Some of us need more direction or order than others. There is no shame in that. Even the apostles asked Jesus how to pray. They could have asked how to preach, heal, teach a bible study, but did not ask for that. They asked to be taught to pray. Jesus gave them a liturgy of prayer and modeled a rhythm life of prayer so that a deeper relationship would form. Ultimately, that is the goal.