FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Todd Gaddis

the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch” (Psalm 5:3). If you are not a morning person or your lifestyle simply isn’t conducive to such a plan, then don’t fret over it. That you pray is far more important than when you pray. It’s great if you can breakaway for consistent, long stretches of prayer. You can settle your soul and create a better environment for communication with God. Maintaining a journal or prayer guide, perhaps even with songs and scripture, helps tremendously. However, don’t make that the extent of your praying, or beat yourself up if you can’t arrange it. John Erskin, a well-known author and educator from a previous generation, learned what he calls the most valuable lesson of his life at 14, one that relates beautifully to prayer. When asked by his piano teacher, “How many times a week do you practice, and how long do you practice each time?" John replied that he usually tried to practice once a day, generally for an hour or more. The teacher warned, "Don't do that. When you grow up, time won't come in long stretches. Practice in minutes, whenever you can find them - five or ten before school, after lunch, between chores. Spread your practice throughout the day, and music will become a part of your life." Sprinkle your petitions throughout the day to the point it becomes as natural and habitual as breathing. Also, be open and available to spontaneous prayers, either in person, via text or over the phone. God will open such opportunities to those sensitive to His Spirit. So don’t delay, lest you forget.

BUILD A RELATIONSHIP

As you mine more deeply into this critical area of prayer, view it as a delight rather than duty. Make building a relationship with God a priority over getting something from Him. Looking at the big picture, a change in our hearts will prove more valuable than a change in our

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