2 min. read
Praying should be natural for followers of Jesus. So let’s make it simple.
1. Eat With Friends
Think of all the meals Jesus ate with others. He made sure that mealtime was community time.In fact, the one action of Jesus recorded most in Scripture is eating. Jesus showed that the simple act of eating and drinking together is an evidence of God’s presence.
Jesus always used the shared meal as a time to listen to those around him and respond in ways that showed glimpses of God’s story and presence.
As you share a simple meal with loved ones, friends, or neighbors, listen for what is important to those around the table. Listen for how God may be speaking to you through these people. And share glimpses of God’s story in your own life.
2. Skip a Meal
In US America, many of us do not need the quantity of food we consume. We can stand to do with less. I know I can.
Instead of mindlessly stuffing your face with more excess food this week, pick a time when you would normally be eating alone. Instead of eating, spend the time communing with God: thanking God for providing for you and your loved ones, sharing your concerns, listening for God’s voice.
You might find this becomes a natural rhythm of your life. You might look forward to this time with your Creator each week.
3. Speak and Repeat
There is a simple prayer that has been handed down for centuries. Sometimes called the Jesus prayer; sometimes called the sinner’s prayer. It goes like this:
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a poor sinner.
Take 2-3 minutes to simply repeat this short prayer over and over again. Take your time. Emphasize different words each time.
Over time, you’ll find these simple words becoming one of your deepest and most sincere prayers.
4. Pray a Psalm
Pick any Psalm … except Psalm 119 (it’s just too long!). Now read it out loud a couple of times, making it your prayer.
How has the writer of that Psalm captured your very thoughts at the moment? You’ll be amazed how prescient these old hymns are.
5. Sit In Silence
This is certainly a simple way to pray, but it’s not easy. Being silent is so difficult for us. We’d rather do anything then shut-up and be still.
Challenge yourself to find a quiet place and sit there for just 5 minutes. It will feel like an eternity. But, with time, you will begin to make some amazing connections in prayer.
So Tell Me Something
Have you tried any of these ways of praying? What have you experienced from them? Do you have other suggestions for simple ways to pray?