What Does Practical Prayer Look Like?

How do you pray? When do you pray? What does your prayer sound like? Short? Long? Fancy? Impressive? Simple?

And when you pray, do you actually picture God listening? Can you imagine Jesus interceding for you? What about the Holy Spirit? How does all of this work when you and I pray?

WHY I BRING UP PRAYER TODAY

Today I read, “I thank God as I always mention you in my prayers, day and night. I serve him, doing what I know is right as my ancestors did.” (2 Timothy 1:3 NCV)

Here’s the scene: Paul is in prison, possibly facing death, writing to Timothy, whom he loves like a son. And what’s he doing? Praying for him, day and night! First, that’s other-centeredness at another level.

The Greek word mneia, translated “mention,” means remembrance. Paul was regularly bringing Timothy before God. He wasn’t just saying, “I’ll pray for you.” He was actually doing it!

KEEP IT SIMPLE - AND SHORT

Jesus gave us a great example of simple prayer. A tax collector, ashamed of his sin, wouldn’t even look toward heaven. Instead, he beat his chest and prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13) Pretty simple. Seven words. And Jesus said this man went home right with God. Remember Peter sinking in the water? His prayer was simply, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30)

Here’s the question. Do we make prayer more complicated than God intended? Do we try to impress with our prayers?

HOW PRAYER WORKS

Here’s an interesting thought: Romans 8:26 tells us the Holy Spirit helps us when we don’t know what to pray. Romans 8:34 says Jesus intercedes for us at God’s right hand.

And Hebrews 4:16 tells us we can confidently approach God’s throne. Think about that! The Holy Spirit helps us pray, Jesus intercedes for us, and God the Father hears us. I don’t understand all the heavenly logistics, but Psalm 139:4 says God knows our words before we even speak them!

PRACTICAL PRAYER

So, what does practical prayer look like for you and me?

Before picking up your phone tomorrow morning, try saying, “Good morning, Lord. Thank You for another day. Help me honor You.” When someone comes to mind, stop and pray for them by name, just like Paul did. When someone frustrates you, before reacting, pray, “Lord, help me respond with patience.” When something good happens, thank Him! And when you mess up, confess it, ask forgiveness, and go make it right.

PRAYER TURNING INTO ACTION

Here’s another thought. What if we actually did something about the things we’re praying for? We pray for a lonely friend. Why not call them?

We pray for our marriage. Why not apologize first?

We pray for someone struggling financially. Maybe God wants us to help them.

See what I mean? Prayer isn’t just asking God to change our circumstances. It’s also allowing God to change us and actually do something.

CONCLUSION

So here’s my challenge for me and all of us. Start your morning talking to God. Pray for someone by name. Turn a frustrating moment into prayer. And tonight, thank Him for three specific things (or more).

What would change if prayer wasn’t just something we stopped to do, but something we did throughout our day? I think we would worry less, love others better, and recognize God’s presence and blessings more.

GOD, thank You for hearing me. Help me talk to You throughout my day, remember others in prayer, and recognize when You’re calling me to act. Teach me to listen, trust You, and live differently while I’m praying. Help to to pray more. IJNIP amen ♥️

(Me and my Mom when she had leukemia 2017)