Jesus would withdraw to lonely, deserted place to pray. (Luke 5:16)
Prayer is a conversation with God. Over time, we learn to do more listening than speaking.
We become more open to when and where and the way God speaks to us.
People want to talk about all kinds of different experiences as prayer. “I pray when I walk my dog.”
Yet something more happens when we focus on setting aside 20 minutes a day to be in an intentional relationship, intentional prayer with God.
People who pray for 20 minutes or more a day, express the highest levels of intimacy and connection with God; a deep sense of prayer satisfaction. Getting into a habit of prayer is like taking on a new diet. We know it’s good for us, but it’s hard.
Like Jesus, find a quiet place and set aside some time for intentional prayer. If 20 minutes seems too much, set your phone timer for 5, 10, or 15 minutes.
Follow this simple ACT of prayer:
ACTS
A – Adoration – praise God for who God is
C – Confession – own up to our sins
T – Thanksgiving – thank God for all God has done
S – Supplication – make requests for ourselves and others.
Then, sit quietly and listen for God. Quiet your heart & mind.
Today’s reflections inspired by Christopher Martin, an Episcopal priest, writer, pastor, and founder of The Restoration Project, a nationwide movement that helps people deepen their faith.