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One of the most freeing concepts of praying is the lifestyle kind of prayer.  Coupled with embracing the Word of God (Bible) lifestyle prayer has taken my relationship with God to continuing higher heights and deeper depths. 

What is lifestyle prayer?  Simply a continuing conversation with God throughout the day and any waking periods of the night.  I believe the Bible is refers to this style of prayer when it states, ”pray without ceasing.” Now this is a concept so simple and natural; its like breathing, but its one that was very hard for me to grasp. Our human nature seems very good at making the uncomplicated, hard to understand, especially when it comes to serving God.

Years ago as a young Mother with small children, I used to beat myself up mentally when I did not give an allotted time to prayer on my knees.  Throughout the day I would keep telling myself I would get to my “sweet hour of prayer” as soon as I got the baby to sleep, or when I got home from the grocery store. You get the picture; there never seemed to be a big enough slot of time for my perfectionist idea of prayer.  Then as the day would come to an end, I would say a simple “now I lay me down to sleep” kind of prayer and fall exhausted into bed.

I would do this day after day until desperate with guilt, I would finally fall on my knees and spend most of the time repenting.  That is a pitiful way to try and build any relationship and to think I was acting that way with my God!  Looking back I see how ridiculous that was.  But God is good and gracious and full of mercy.  His indwelling Holy Spirit and His Word finally penetrated my heart and changed my lifelong miserable habit of waiting for the perfect time to pray.

I now talk with God always.  Yes, I still need those daily times alone to worship Him and to intercede for others.  But through lifestyle prayer I have found new meaning in the words of an old Hymn, “Friendship with Jesus, fellowship Divine. Oh! What blessed sweet communion, Jesus is a Friend of mine.”

“Thank you Lord, for always being so patient with me.  Your Spirit, your Word and your people have had a profound effect on my life, I have learned so much.  Please help me to continue to grow in You and to pass on the things I learn to others. In Jesus precious name, Amen!”