Most

of us realize that prayer is important, but we often struggle to make

it a priority. Busy work schedules, the distractions of technology,

and the demands of daily life can make it difficult to set aside time

for prayer. How can we be more successful in devoting ourselves to

prayer?

Some

people find that praying at set times in the day is helpful. I read

about someone who set an alarm on her watch several times a day to

remind herself to pray. She was surprised to find that after doing

this for a while she no longer needed the alarm to remind her. What

began as a regimented routine soon became a cherished habit.

Many

people find it helpful to read prayers that others have written. Did

you know that the book of Psalms is sometimes called “the prayer

book of God’s people”? For many of us, reading the Psalms or

other prayers recorded in the Bible has energized our devotional

life.

Then

there is the value of praying with others. Gathering with other

believers for prayer and fellowship is a great way to build one

another up and grow closer together in the Lord.

God

is pleased with every ­effort we make to devote ourselves to

prayer. The creator of the universe wants to spend time with us, and

he loves to hear from us. That thought alone can inspire us to make

prayer a greater priority!