Prayer Tips: Suggestions to Make Your Prayer and Devotional Time More Successful

This is in no way going to be a sermon. If you are not a believer, simply don't continue to read. I'm not a religious fanatic by no means, but I truly believe in God and pray often. Sometimes I think he's listening, sometimes I think he's not. What I have come to terms with is the fact that I think He knows when He needs to be listening, when we are actually requesting something He thinks we need. For the longest time, I've questioned whether or not I was praying correctly. Or, even if there was a correct way. I've heard of the ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanks, Supplication) method of prayer, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stick to the formula. I tend to ramble. So, I decided to research the matter a little and I came across some suggestions I consider wonderful and wish to share them.

Do not let a guilty heart keep you from praying. Jesus Christ died for a reason. He took away your sin. Nothing you've done, no matter how bad should ever keep you from talking to God. Anything can be forgiven.

When talking to God, realize the control he has. We are utterly helpless without Him and not acknowledging that fact could come across arrogant.

Understand that even though you may be asking for something, God may have a different plan for you. Accept that and be patient with your requests.

Your emotional state is unimportant. You can be happy, sad, or angry. It doesn't matter. In fact, an emotion other than happy is more likely to produce a prayer that is true to the heart. (Of course, He knows what's in your heart anyway)

Remember you are a child of God. It's okay to act like one. There is no need to keep prayer formal or sophisticated. It makes no difference. What matters is the communication. If you want to cry like a baby, go right ahead.

Stay realistic even if it makes you feel worse. Believers are forgiven, but that doesn't mean God thinks it's cool for you to go running all over town sinning. Keep this in mind.

Schedule prayer if necessary. Our busy lives can make it difficult to find the time we need with God. Working prayer into your schedule will assure you have time to devote to Him. Pray in a quiet, comfortable place.

Write a letter. Writing your prayers is a great way for some people to get their thoughts across to God. I know, for example, I am very scatter brained and trying to concentrate on prayer has been a challenge for me in the past. When I write, (or type on the computer) I tend to stay more focus which leads to a more successful prayer.

Do not let a lack of love for God stop you from praying. Believing is what's important. A strong love for someone you've never seen can be challenging. God understands this. Not praying for this reason can prevent a person from ever feeling love for God. It's something that has to build, just like any other relationship. What matters is that God loves you... no questions asked.

Several years ago I was in a serious relationship that I really wanted to lead to marriage. I believed I had the best man for me and I so badly wanted it to work and I knew beyond any shadow of any doubt he wanted the same thing. We were together for more than a year and really in love. There was only one thing that held us up. He was a strict Christian and I was a smoker. It affected the relationship in many ways. I felt I couldn't be accepted into his life as a smoker. So, I prayed daily for God to give me the strength to give up cigarettes. My prayer was not answered then.

We finally split and moved on. Today, I am married to a wonderful man who is absolutely my life. I can't imagine my life any other way. We have a beautiful daughter. I'm so happy. And, I was accepted as is. There was no need to change. I'm am so sure this was God's plan for me, I've never once questioned it. And, guess what? I did finally quit smoking. The prayer was eventually answered. Took a few years. But, I'm pretty sure God knew exactly what He was doing and I love Him for it.