10 Cool Prayer Strategies
Jan 12th, 2007 by Kevin Purcell
I really like this. I found it on Beliefnet.com, but it apparently came from the book Grace On the Go: 101 Quick Ways to Pray.
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Here is the list …
- Alarm Clock Alleluia – When your alarm goes off, say a quick prayer praising God for the day. Or use the verse “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
- Shower Prayer – Taking a bath physically might be a good opportunity to take a bath spiritually, so pray for forgiveness as you confess your sins.
- Driveway Mediation – As you get ready to steer your way to work, ask God to steer you through the day with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Remember the Fruit of the Spirit which is your “To-be” list.
- Climb the Stairs – the web site say, “If you work on an upper floor in a multi-story building, skip the elevator and climb the stairs. Make your climb work for your body and your soul. Climb thoughtfully, breathing slowly. Use the time alone to experience a connection with God. Pause at each landing. Catch your breath, and focus for a moment on the blessings in your life. Say thanks before continuing your climb.” I was not as excited about this one, not because I don’t like the exercise, but because I think that we should consider the Psalms of Ascent as an example here. The Psalms of Ascent were individual songs that were song on the way up to the temple. So following that pray your way to God by focusing on the attributes of God: his glory, power, grace, love, creativity, loyalty, etc.
- Elevator Blessings – If you share an elevator with someone on the way to work (or you just walk the stairs with them or enter the door with them) say a prayer of blessing for the person. To add an evangelistic element, if you know them, ask them for a prayer request and then later follow up. It will open a door.
- Prayerful Single-Tasking – the site says, “We all feel too busy. It has become a workplace axiom that multi-tasking is a good thing, but a growing body of research shows that it actually erodes productivity. Instead of dividing our concentration among many tasks, do one thing at a time-prayerfully. Offer your work as a prayerful gift to God. Ask for the grace to do it meaningfully, and without anxiety.”
- Fast for One Minute – “In times of stress, we are often tempted to reach for foods that aren’t healthy for us. Before you reach for the fried foods, sugar or chips- try this. Wait one minute. Offer the minute to God and ask for the grace you need to control your appetite. Chances are you’ll no longer be tempted until the minute is up. If you do give in-just remember, God forgives you. Forgive yourself.”
- Touch the Earth – “Native Americans have this saying: “Never let a day go by without touching the earth with your foot.” If only a couple of times each week, take a five or ten minute break to walk in a meditative way. Give up your usual energized stride to pay attention to the movement of lifting your leg, bending your knee, and placing your foot. Observe your breathing and your body. Look around. Notice the squirrels, the trees, and the sounds of nature. Nature tunes us into God’s presence.”
- Cook Up a Memory – “Next time you cook, pay attention to the memories that are sparked by the dishes you make. Perhaps you have old recipes lying around that you have forgotten about. Bless all those who sweeten your recollections, thanking God for the spiritual nourishment these people have brought to your life.”
- Peanut Butter Minute Prayer – “This is a good one for moms of school kids. When making your child’s lunch, whisper a prayer as though you are sending the prayer right into your child’s meal. You might even tuck in a blessing on a post-it note.” I like this one and would say expand it to any time you do something for your child.
Kind of a neat list. You can probably think of others.