Learning to Pray More

Sometimes, we tend to think “real” prayer has to be spontaneous. But throughout church history, believers have leaned on written prayers in a manner that has helped deepen and support authenticity instead of replacing it. In fact, there are times when having a structure for prayer can actually help create and protect intimacy:

 1. Structure can remove decision fatigue  

In the midst of all the decisions you need to make every day, structure can help you simply begin. 

2. It can steady scattered thoughts  

Structure gives your heart a pathway to follow when your mind feels all over the place. 

3. It expands your language  

Borrowed words can stretch your own.  

4. It carries you when you’re tired  

On low-energy days, structured prayer can give you extra legs to stand on.  

5. It turns intention into rhythm  

What you repeat starts to shape you, and you’ll find yourself, even subconsciously, returning to the language of these prayers. 

6. It can help you be honest. 

Sometimes, it can be hard to confront ourselves or even God. This can provide guidance on how to do both honestly and humbly. 

7. It can remove distractions 

With so many other things vying for our attention, structured prayers give you specific words to focus on. 

 8. It can connect you to other Christians 

If you ever feel like you’re the only one going through something, structured prayers can help you remember that hundreds of people have prayed this very same thing! 

Using words that have already been written can help deepen your prayer life. We’ve put together a collection of over 200 of our favorite prayers to help. 

Click here to download a free excerpt from our new book: Prayers for Ordinary Life.