LIVE A LIFE OF PRAYER
It is not possible to develop a strong faith without learning to pray. But you may say: “I really do not know how to pray.” Then you must learn. And that is not as difficult as it may seem. We learn by doing, by praying.
The first thing to do is just to pray and pray regularly.
How much time each day are you now devoting to prayer—five minutes, two minutes, or none at all? Let’s be honest about it. How can you meet the problems of life with faith, if you are giving such a meager amount of time to prayer? Your daily program should make a place for a few minutes of prayer and meditation every morning and every night. Pray regularly.
But there is another method that some have found useful. It is, in effect, carrying out the Biblical advice to pray without ceasing. Dr. Frank Laubach used what he called flash prayers. If he was about to make a telephone call, he offered a quick prayer asking for guidance in the conversation. In signing a letter, he offered a short prayer for the person to whom it was addressed. When you read a tragic story in the newspaper, say a brief prayer for the persons involved.
Another method involves “shooting” prayers at people. For example, you pass a man on the street who looks discouraged. “Shoot” a prayer for him as you pass. Dr. Laubach said he had people turn in surprise and look at him, indicating that the prayer reached them. As problems or decisions arise, turn for a flashing second or two to God, asking advice and guidance.
This practice causes exciting things to happen. But beyond that, it gets you into the habitual psychology of prayer. Few procedures will so quickly and effectively build faith. Soon you will become a walking, living personification of prayer and faith.
Faith Passages
Pray without ceasing. (I Thessalonians 5:17)
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (Mark 11:24)
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. (Luke 18:1)
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)
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² How To Make Jesus Your Best Friend
² A Prayer For Every Need
² Amazing Promises
² What To Do When
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