My parents prayed about everything, so I grew up thinking it was normal to talk to God all through the day. I am so grateful he tells us to come to him like little children, so I lean into that incessant need. I also love praying Scripture. Thank you for this thoughtful look at prayer amd rounding up so many resources. Bless you, AJ💚
I heard someone on the radio talking about prayer today. They were talking about a prayer concern involving someone's lost luggage. Another DJ made light of it and how they actually thought about praying about something as trivial as that in the overall scheme of things. I almost called in and said that the Bible says to pray without ceasing. I take that to mean pray about everything. I have prayed about lost car keys, sick relatives, financial issues, and so many other subjects that run the list of 1-10 in some eyes. I tell my kids to come to me with any of their issues, no matter the size or issue. I feel that God asks the same of us. He loves us.
I’m the same with my kids. I want them to come to me with everything, not only the “important” stuff.
And I want my kids to see me go to God with everything too. Lost items. Conversations. Timing. Stress. Sick kids.
Because that’s just real life. It’s so easy to separate the “big spiritual things” from the small ordinary parts of life, but God is part of all of it.
Plus, I think the more we naturally bring everyday life to God, the more natural it becomes to run to Him when life really hurts.
Talking to God throughout the day reminds us we’re not alone in any part of life.
When we (my wife & I) were serving at a church/retreat ministry as young believers, there was a “Prayer & Praise” meeting every Friday night. So many lessons & experiences during those 5 years shaped not only our prayer life but our sense of the Body of Christ as a community. There is a powerful synergism of prayer when a body of believers come together in a humble & unified bond. We saw some powerful answers to prayer in those days!
I actually found it very jarring the first year when people would ask to pray together. The honesty of that admission in the middle of a piece about prayer is doing everything. Because so many people carry that same discomfort and never say it out loud. Prayer becoming a relationship we experience instead of an idea we believe in is the whole journey and you named it so well. 🤍
Prayer for me has always been something deeply personal. I interact with God in prayer all through the day. One thing you said that I really resonated with and have started doing myself is, if I tell someone I am going to pray for them, I don't wait. I used to wait and then forget. I feel such a responsibility to pray if I say I am going to pray. I also keep a journal of those I say I'm going to pray for. My greatest struggle is putting aside a block of time to pray which I think is super important. I need to work on this part. This was so good. Also, a book I love to go back to again and again on prayer is, E.M. Bounds on Prayer! I love it! Also the book, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.
Thank you for this. I've been reading Timothy Keller's book on prayer and have been really sitting with it. It's been on my mind to really understand the power of prayer more. One struggle I've been wrestling with for years is understanding the difference (within my own heart) between habitual and faithful prayer. I'm slowly unlocking the beauty of prayer in my own lived experience, but it's a process for me.
I love that prayer’s been on your mind and that you’re seeking the Lord for deeper intimacy and understanding with Him in it. I legit can’t wait for your coming post on prayer, and honestly all the others I know Jesus will lead you to write. What a gift it is to have a prayer friend like you.
And I loved Prayer by Tim Keller too. Especially his point about prayer bringing clarity like cresting on a mountain. That image will probably stay with me forever. The whole book felt so rich and full. But I mean… of course. It’s Keller.
If you have one thing from the book that especially stood out to you, I always love capturing the little images, ideas, or phrases that stay with people and why.
I'm actually considering writing a series that summarizes the book! I've had little time to read lately, and when I do I'm slowly savoring it while writing notes. You are such an encouragement to me, as I've said before but I'll say it again. Thank you. <3
And yes, Keller. My husband always felt like he was a spiritual mentor to him with the amount he learned from him. I know he is rejoicing right now!
Having read your other note about wanting to focus on your manuscript, no rush. I love any and all spiritual reflections that Jesus pours from you, Jillian. 🧡
I am so grateful that we get to have someone's books after they're in heaven. Praise God for Keller and his impact.
My favorite way to pray is with written prayers, whether reading or actively writing them. I got a great book called Praying The Scriptures Back to God by Ken Boa that I've been using daily for a few months, and I love it.
I do feel a little awkward with impromptu group prayers, coming up with words for it in the moment verbally is more challenging for me! Some of my friends pray aloud beautifully and I love praying alongside them though.
Over the years I've been in many different types of prayer meetings. There are certain people that just stand out with the beauty in which they pray aloud.
I definitely do not think I have that gift. Mine are always heartfelt, but sometimes also awkward. I've come to lean into it because it's just how God's made me. Since I also prefer to write out and journal. I know my gifting lies more in the written word, but definitely appreciate the power of two or more gathered in Jesus’ name.
I have to often practice the truth of praying until I'm really praying. Especially when I'm praying with other people.
Thank you for sharing that book with me, Whitney. 🧡
Meister Eckhart, whom I love, said, So many people come to me asking how I should pray, how I should think, what I should do; and the whole time, they neglect the most important question, which is, how should I be? And I think when you slow it down, then you find your rhythm. And when you come into rhythm, then you come into a different kind of time, because you know the way, in this country, there’s all the different zones? I think there are these zones within us, as well. There’s surface time, which is really rapid-fire, Ferrari time...over-structured, like, and stolen from you, thieved all the time. And then if you slip down — like Dan Siegel, my friend, has this lovely meditation: you imagine the surface of the ocean is all restless, and then you slip down deep below the surface, where it’s still and where things move slower. - John O’Donohue, 'The Inner Landscape of Beauty'
I love this AJ. In many ways, learning to pray has been like learning another language. At first you have the emotions with no idea how to verbalize them. Then you have a basic vocabulary but thinking on the right word to use takes you out of the moment. Then, it all comes together in one heart-felt expression. Thank you for sharing this.
My parents prayed about everything, so I grew up thinking it was normal to talk to God all through the day. I am so grateful he tells us to come to him like little children, so I lean into that incessant need. I also love praying Scripture. Thank you for this thoughtful look at prayer amd rounding up so many resources. Bless you, AJ💚
I’m 67. At about 5 years of age I remember praying to find a lost kitten.
We did. I told my mother I had prayed that we would.
She said, quietly beaming, “I did too.”
So beautiful, Kelly! I am grateful we serve a God who declares the lost will be found. Thank you for sharing that precious memory.
I heard someone on the radio talking about prayer today. They were talking about a prayer concern involving someone's lost luggage. Another DJ made light of it and how they actually thought about praying about something as trivial as that in the overall scheme of things. I almost called in and said that the Bible says to pray without ceasing. I take that to mean pray about everything. I have prayed about lost car keys, sick relatives, financial issues, and so many other subjects that run the list of 1-10 in some eyes. I tell my kids to come to me with any of their issues, no matter the size or issue. I feel that God asks the same of us. He loves us.
I’m the same with my kids. I want them to come to me with everything, not only the “important” stuff.
And I want my kids to see me go to God with everything too. Lost items. Conversations. Timing. Stress. Sick kids.
Because that’s just real life. It’s so easy to separate the “big spiritual things” from the small ordinary parts of life, but God is part of all of it.
Plus, I think the more we naturally bring everyday life to God, the more natural it becomes to run to Him when life really hurts.
Talking to God throughout the day reminds us we’re not alone in any part of life.
Loved that you added all this, Maury!
No problem. I enjoy reading.
I agree with you 💯 % on this Maury. We shouldn't be afraid to bring to God ANYTHING in prayer.
Even what may seem small and insignificant to others.
If its important to us, it matters to God.
Yes, it is, Nelson.
When we (my wife & I) were serving at a church/retreat ministry as young believers, there was a “Prayer & Praise” meeting every Friday night. So many lessons & experiences during those 5 years shaped not only our prayer life but our sense of the Body of Christ as a community. There is a powerful synergism of prayer when a body of believers come together in a humble & unified bond. We saw some powerful answers to prayer in those days!
When I have time I'm coming back to this comment. Love that, Trip!
I actually found it very jarring the first year when people would ask to pray together. The honesty of that admission in the middle of a piece about prayer is doing everything. Because so many people carry that same discomfort and never say it out loud. Prayer becoming a relationship we experience instead of an idea we believe in is the whole journey and you named it so well. 🤍
Thanks, Joy. 🧡
Prayer for me has always been something deeply personal. I interact with God in prayer all through the day. One thing you said that I really resonated with and have started doing myself is, if I tell someone I am going to pray for them, I don't wait. I used to wait and then forget. I feel such a responsibility to pray if I say I am going to pray. I also keep a journal of those I say I'm going to pray for. My greatest struggle is putting aside a block of time to pray which I think is super important. I need to work on this part. This was so good. Also, a book I love to go back to again and again on prayer is, E.M. Bounds on Prayer! I love it! Also the book, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.
Thank you, Laura. I'm with you. 🧡
Thank you for this. I've been reading Timothy Keller's book on prayer and have been really sitting with it. It's been on my mind to really understand the power of prayer more. One struggle I've been wrestling with for years is understanding the difference (within my own heart) between habitual and faithful prayer. I'm slowly unlocking the beauty of prayer in my own lived experience, but it's a process for me.
This was timely, thank you. <3
I love that prayer’s been on your mind and that you’re seeking the Lord for deeper intimacy and understanding with Him in it. I legit can’t wait for your coming post on prayer, and honestly all the others I know Jesus will lead you to write. What a gift it is to have a prayer friend like you.
And I loved Prayer by Tim Keller too. Especially his point about prayer bringing clarity like cresting on a mountain. That image will probably stay with me forever. The whole book felt so rich and full. But I mean… of course. It’s Keller.
If you have one thing from the book that especially stood out to you, I always love capturing the little images, ideas, or phrases that stay with people and why.
I'm actually considering writing a series that summarizes the book! I've had little time to read lately, and when I do I'm slowly savoring it while writing notes. You are such an encouragement to me, as I've said before but I'll say it again. Thank you. <3
And yes, Keller. My husband always felt like he was a spiritual mentor to him with the amount he learned from him. I know he is rejoicing right now!
Having read your other note about wanting to focus on your manuscript, no rush. I love any and all spiritual reflections that Jesus pours from you, Jillian. 🧡
I am so grateful that we get to have someone's books after they're in heaven. Praise God for Keller and his impact.
You are such a gift, thank you. 🫂🤍
Also, I love that vision of having the time to read all the books in Heaven. Beautiful.
Prayer is connection - loved that line.
and such a good reminder to pull us out of self -reliance
Self-reliance only goes so far. Grateful for every reminder Jesus uses to connect us with His unlimited love and resources. 🧡
Loved this! I've read and loved " The Praying Life" by Paul Miller.
The Praying Life by Paul Miller was one of the first books I read on prayer. Transformative!!
It's been so long.. I really need to go back and read it. For the encouragement and the spiritual prompt. 🧡
My favorite way to pray is with written prayers, whether reading or actively writing them. I got a great book called Praying The Scriptures Back to God by Ken Boa that I've been using daily for a few months, and I love it.
I do feel a little awkward with impromptu group prayers, coming up with words for it in the moment verbally is more challenging for me! Some of my friends pray aloud beautifully and I love praying alongside them though.
Over the years I've been in many different types of prayer meetings. There are certain people that just stand out with the beauty in which they pray aloud.
I definitely do not think I have that gift. Mine are always heartfelt, but sometimes also awkward. I've come to lean into it because it's just how God's made me. Since I also prefer to write out and journal. I know my gifting lies more in the written word, but definitely appreciate the power of two or more gathered in Jesus’ name.
I have to often practice the truth of praying until I'm really praying. Especially when I'm praying with other people.
Thank you for sharing that book with me, Whitney. 🧡
This was such a great and encouraging reflection, AJ! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Wonderful article AJ!
Thank you, James!
Meister Eckhart, whom I love, said, So many people come to me asking how I should pray, how I should think, what I should do; and the whole time, they neglect the most important question, which is, how should I be? And I think when you slow it down, then you find your rhythm. And when you come into rhythm, then you come into a different kind of time, because you know the way, in this country, there’s all the different zones? I think there are these zones within us, as well. There’s surface time, which is really rapid-fire, Ferrari time...over-structured, like, and stolen from you, thieved all the time. And then if you slip down — like Dan Siegel, my friend, has this lovely meditation: you imagine the surface of the ocean is all restless, and then you slip down deep below the surface, where it’s still and where things move slower. - John O’Donohue, 'The Inner Landscape of Beauty'
Wow. Thank you for sharing this quote and book with me.
Sure. It's actually an interview, not a book: https://onbeing.org/programs/john-odonohue-the-inner-landscape-of-beauty/
Thank you!!
I love this AJ. In many ways, learning to pray has been like learning another language. At first you have the emotions with no idea how to verbalize them. Then you have a basic vocabulary but thinking on the right word to use takes you out of the moment. Then, it all comes together in one heart-felt expression. Thank you for sharing this.
Every word you wrote. Yes. 🧡