Psalm 17:6 – I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
According to Dr. Caroline Leaf, “It has been found that 12 minutes of daily focused prayer over an 8 week period can change the brain to such an extent that it can be measured on a brain scan. This type of prayer increases activity in brain areas associated with social interaction compassion and sensitivity to others.”
I love this. Prayer changes us.
Quite a few years ago I did a half day of prayer. It was 4 hours of time. To prep I had a prayer journal, snacks (of course), some prayer books, and some soft music. Basically, I spent that time in prayer just letting God speak. I’ll tell you this. It is really hard to sit still. However, there were a few things I learned that have helped me in my prayer time and maybe they will help you too.
There isn’t only one way to pray. Try praying in different ways.
- Sometimes I’m having a stream of conversational prayer throughout the day with God.
- Sometimes words are few and I can only simply cry, “Lord, help.”
- Sometimes I crave sitting still and praying for a more extended period to just remember how to be still.
- Sometimes I need song lyrics to pray through or verses in the Bible because the words simply won’t come.
- Sometimes I get together with coworkers or friends to pray together.
It is easy to have a wandering mind. If you are praying for an extended period of time, it can be helpful to keep a small notepad next to you. If something unrelated pops into your head, just write it down so you can move forward. If you spend all your time trying to remember it you are more likely to stay distracted.
Start with prayer. I find when I start my day with a simple prayer of “Lord, direct me.” It can calm my heart. Build a habit of starting with prayer.
12 minutes a day. Think you can do it? Give yourself a goal for 8 weeks of praying each day for 12 minutes and see what God is ready to reveal to you and how your heart and mind can be changed.
If you are looking for prayer support, we’d love to pray with you. Join our Facebook group and join us in prayer or leave a comment right here and we will pray over you.
