Forever Praying

When it comes to having a thriving prayer and devotional life, consistency is key. Even if you are struggling with a delayed answer or an answer you don’t understand. The best thing you can do is keep praying. “Pray without ceasing” as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us.

There are many hindrances to a consistent prayer and devotional life. Our enemy, the devil, is quite adept at throwing roadblocks into our path.

In Ephesians Paul tells us that we must “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11). The armor of God is truth, righteousness, the peace of the good news, faith, salvation, and the word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-17)

I could whole series on the armor of God alone, but for this post, I want to focus on the word of God. This is one of the many reasons it’s so important to know God’s word. When the enemy tries to throw hurdles in the road, to keep us from doing what God has called us to do we can fight him and the temptation he brings.

Memorizing scripture has been one of the biggest tools I have used to fight the devil when he tries to keep me from having a thriving relationship with Jesus. There are many ways to go about memorizing scripture. I have used an app, I have placed verses in places I will see them often, and I have written them down in my journals. I encourage you to find a way that works for you, try it, and see how it changes your life.

In my life and the life of the people God has brought into my life, I have found many roadblocks the devil tries to use to keep us from having a thriving relationship with Jesus. The most common I have seen are discouragement and lack of interest, time shortage, too many obligations, and distractions. Besides memorizing scripture there are a few things I have learned that help me build a consistent prayer life and avoid the traps the devil has laid.

Discouragement

When discouragement strikes it can truly suck the wind out of your sail. I understand that full well. When I found out my dream job was a scam, I became consumed by discouragement. That is when I began writing letters to God telling Him how I felt. It is one of the most helpful practices I have found. A plus side to writing letters is that you can look back and see where you were and how God got you through, which can be a great encouragement the next time you feel discouragement creeping in.

There have been times I have shouted or cried out to God. I spill all my thoughts, disappointments, and frustrations out onto Him through my letter. Everything I was thinking and feeling. During that time, I learned to tell God how I was feeling and to depend on him to get me through moment by moment.

I learned that He is big enough to handle my doubt, pain, anger, and frustration. He won’t leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6) because of the feeling I was having.

When I talked to God about my feelings and what I was going through, He became real to me. Not just a figure on a page in the Bible. He came and comforted me, like a friend, and I know he can do the same for you.

Lacking the interest or desire

The more you pray the better you will get at hearing God. The more you pursue God, the more you will wish to connect with Him. At the beginning you may lack the confidence or the interest in reading the Bible, doing bible studies, or praying, but the important thing is that you start.

In Matthew Jesus says “If you have faith even the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain move from here to there and it would move. Nothing would be impossible with God. (Matthew 17:20).

 I love this verse! If you have faith even the size of the mustard seed, you can do anything because Faith is one of those things the more you use it the more it grows. The more faith you have the more God can and will use you. Take the first step toward pursuing God and see what happens.

When I first started returning to God, I came with baby steps. I would read a short devotional here or watch an uplifting show there. At first, I started by watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel. Little by little, the positive message sank in until I was on fire for Jesus.

Times

Life can get busy. The only way you are going to build consistency is by doing it. We’ve heard that it takes twenty-one days to build a habit. To be consistent in your relationship with Jesus is to be conscious. Consciously choose a time without distraction, and set a timer, even if it’s only for five minutes. Now devote the allotted time to getting to know Jesus, whatever that looks like right now. If you can devote more time that is wonderful follow Jesus’ leading in your heart.

I began getting up early with my husband a few months ago because I found if I don’t read my Bible first thing in the morning my day does not run as smoothly. Starting my day with Jesus puts me in a good mood and starts my day of good. If I start my day starts out well, I tend to handle the trials of the day much better. This of course is my personal experience. I encourage you to try morning devotional and prayer. You might find your days go smoother and better, but like most things do what works for you. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you.

Obligations

Sometimes you will have to say “no”. No, helping at that bake sale, or taking more responsibility at work or church. Even the most well-meaning things can quickly become an idol. An idol is anything that we place above God. If you are so overcommitted that you are too tired to tend to your personal relationship with Jesus, then you’re going to have to make a choice.

I personally struggle with this. I want to help people. I find myself like Martha when Jesus comes to dinner (Luke 10:39) She is busy running around while Mary is listening. Martha complains because Mary isn’t helping.

I so desperately want to help people, to do for others. Whether that is making a perfect meal or running errands for someone who can’t. Sometimes I get so caught up in these moments of helping, that I neglect my personal relationship with Jesus.

Sometimes, I need to just say no. I need to make sure that loving God with all my heart all my soul and all my mind (Matthew 22:37) over people. While it is a close second, to loving others, it is second to loving God. Part of making God above all is making sure he gets priority with my time and energy.

Distraction

The final roadblock is one everyone can relate to, distraction. In a world of technology and media coming at us from every angle, it’s hard not to become overwhelmed and very distracted. My solution for this is to limit my access to devices when I am spending time with the Lord, including quiet time and church.

I have also started putting scripture up all around the house so that I am always seeing and taking in God’s word. Get frustrated when I’m in the living room. I can look up and see:

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15)

A reminder that I have committed myself to the Lord and that my thoughts and actions should reflect this. Having scripture around helps to keep my mind from wandering far from God throughout the day, no matter what I am doing or where I am.

In a mailer I received from Chronic Joy I learned what a breath prayer was and they have become invaluable to me. A breath prayer in a scripture broken up by deep breathing like so:

• (inhale) my soul finds rest (exhale) on God alone. This prayer comes from Psalms 62:1.
• (Inhale) When I am afraid (exhale) I will trust in you (Psalms 56:3)
• (Inhale) Peace (exhale) be still (Mark 4:39)
• (Inhale) Not my will (exhale) but yours be done (Luke 22:42)
• (Inhale) Be still and (exhale) that I am God (psalms 46:10)

Sometimes when I am struggling with my chronic illness I sit in the dark and breathe prayers. They help me stay focused on God even in my deepest pain. I have also used them for meditating on the word, during exercising, and calming my anxiety. They are a quick and uncomplicated way to constantly pray and memorize scripture.

Conclusion

Building a solid prayer and devotional life is important because it is how we defeat the enemy when he tries to take us out and destroy our relationship with Jesus. To do that we must have strategies to avoid the hurdles the devil throws at us. Some of the ways we avoid the hurdles laid out for us are by memorizing scripture, being real and honest with God, never stopping praying, and always putting him above everything else in our lives.