[Editor's Note: This article is the fifth in a series on the theme “Being a Man of Prayer.” Click here to find the first article, second article, third article, and fourth article]
A Simple Guide to a Daily Prayer Time
How easy it is for us to get caught up in the rush of the day and neglect spending time with the Lord in prayer. On the cross, Jesus gave up his life and opened the door for us to enter into his presence through prayer. Each day the Lord stretches out his hand and invites us into an intimate relationship with him and his Heavenly Father. Below is a simple guide for developing the habit of a daily prayer time. If a daily time of prayer is a struggle for you, give this approach a try. Be confident that through the redeeming blood of Jesus, you can enter into the sanctuary where God dwells — right now in part, and in perfect fullness at the end of time.
Choose a Time and a Place.
• Make it a specific time dedicated only to prayer—a time when you are alert and clear. (Psalm 92:1-2).Lay Aside All Other Concerns.
• Make sure it’s a place where you are free from distraction and interruption (Matthew 6:6).
• Examine your conscience and repent of your sins (Psalm 130).Open Your Heart to the Gospel. Consciously say “Yes” to these truths each day:
• Let God’s mercy cleanse your conscience (Romans 8:32).
• Put aside anxieties, problems, and struggles (Hebrews 12:1-2).
• God created me out of love and loves me always (1 John 4:10).Praise God.
• God sent Jesus to give us life (John 3:16).
• By his death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death (John 5:24).
• Jesus promised to be with us and to send the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-16,23).
• Jesus intercedes for us in heaven (Hebrews 7:25).
• Jesus is coming again (Matthew 16:27).
• Express your love and gratitude to your heavenly Father, to his Son Jesus, and to the Holy Spirit (Psalms 95; 136; Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:9).Dwell in the Presence of God.
• Worship God honestly and from your heart (Matthew 6:7-8).
• Listen actively to God in your heart as you read scripture (Isaiah 66:2).Intercede with Faith and Trust.
• Sit quietly in God’s presence and let his love touch your heart (Psalm 131).
• Pray for the world, for the church, for your family, your friends, and yourself (Matthew 7:7-11).Write in Your Journal.
• What has God said to you?(This article by Maurice Blumberg was part of the Catholic Men’s E-zine, Being a Man of Prayer, (March-April 2002 issue) which is available on the NFCM website. You may e-mail them at info@nrcccm.org. Many thanks to The Word Among Us for allowing us to include in this article material from a daily meditation.)
• What do you want to carry into the day to keep your mind fixed on Jesus?
• What petitions will you keep close to your heart?
Reflection Questions on Page 2
Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
1. How important do you believe it is to have a daily time of prayer?
2. Do you believe that spending time with the Lord in prayer can make a difference in how you live out your day? Why or why not?
3. What are some of the obstacles you experience in trying to pray each day?
4. Are you willing to be accountable for a daily prayer time, for example with another man or all of the men in your men’s group? Why or why not? Do you think being accountable can make a difference?
Try this guide, or selected parts of it, in your time of prayer. If you are in a men’s group, share your experience with the men.
