Join Me On the Journey Toward Prayer
I don’t understand prayer.
It seems so strange to admit that. I have been a Christian since I was a little girl and you would think that prayer would be such a natural part of my life by now, but it isn’t. I have to work at it. And I really don’t understand it.
So, I’m embarking on a journey…a journey to understand prayer.
To understand something means to to perceive the meaning of; grasp the idea of; comprehend; to be thoroughly familiar with; apprehend clearly the subtleties of; to grasp the significance, implications, or importance of.
I can give a definition of prayer, but I don’t really perceive the meaning of it, or grasp the full significance of it. I can read about other people’s experience in prayer, but I cannot say that I have truly experienced prayer in my life.
I have been very sporadic in prayer over my years as a Christian. There have been times in my life, when I was walking my own way, when I would go days without even thinking about God, let alone praying. Now, I have a prayer notebook where I write down the prayer requests that I have, but it’s hard for me to sit down and really concentrate on those requests. I end up just listing them off, and I just don’t think that is what God has in mind.
I do, however, keep a running conversation with God. When I journal, I am talking to God. My journals are like a letter to Him. And I call on Him many times a day when I feel overwhelmed with life or impatient with the children.
So, I am going to focus on prayer for the remainder of the 21 Day Reformation.
I am going to be rereading the book Let Prayer Change Your Life by Becky Tirabassi. It is a book that I read many years ago and I followed the principles at the time and I had a lot of success in my prayer life, but I wasn’t committed and it slipped away.
I’m determined for it to “stick” this time! So, I’ll work toward that these 21 days…and beyond.
Does anyone want to journey with me? We could form an accountability group…wouldn’t that be fun????? 
Let me know in the comments or by e-mailing me if you are interested. I would really like some company.
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Tamera,
I’d love to join you! What do you have in mind? Accountable… oh no, not accountable!
Well, ok - accountable. I’ll give it a try. Phyllis
April 30th, 2007 | #
Phyllis,
I was thinking of going through the book Let Prayer Change Your Life together. It is a great book and it combines Bible reading and a To Do list with prayer. That’s the reason that I like the book so much.
If you’re not looking for another book on prayer (if you’re anything like me, you have a load of them,
) then just let me know how I can help you stay accountable.
April 30th, 2007 | #
Dear Tamera,
Hey! I can’t believe you are going to do Becky T.’s book on how prayer can change your life! I love Becky T. I met her at a lady’s conference and she is dynamic! I saw her on tv last week and thought several times since then I want to get my notebook out and start doing her hour of prayer faithfully again , like she does!!! And then today I read about your journey, so count me in!!! I think what I’m going to do is the journaling in the notebook ( I have 2 of the notebooks, one I bought and one someone gave me , I think God is trying to tell me something?!) I have given away the book on prayer can change your life, so I’ll concentrate on doin the prayer thing instead. I look forward to being on the journey with you and Phyllis( cute comments Phyliis!). I’ll start now today and we will see what God does.
Love ,
Elaine
April 30th, 2007 | #
Elaine,
Did you see her on Joyce Meyer? That’s where I heard her. I download Joyce’s shows on iTunes and Becky Tirabassi was one Joyce’s show talking about prayer. Joyce Meyer also has a new book on prayer that I am listening to as well.
May 1st, 2007 | #
Tamera and Elaine, Good company to be accountable to. I will check out what books I have when I get home. I may have the one you mentioned but I know I have several. I do keep prayer lists. I would love to pass on some of my prayer lists to you guys if you are interested. I have how to lists for 30 days of prayer for children/husbands and several other things I’ve found helpful. I’ll put it on my home “to do” list!
Blessings,
Phyllis
May 1st, 2007 | #
Dear Phyllis and Tamera and all other fellow prayer pilgrims,
Hey! I’m excited! I started back doing my notebook like Becky designed. I have had the best time with the Lord. It is so amazing when I think of how much God wants to talk to us!!! I think what happens is that when I read prayerfully through the Scriptures, I have a great sense of expectancy that God is going to talk to me, and He DOES!! Yes, Phyllis I saw Becky T. on Joyce Meyer who is so incredible herself. I like that she is who she is and she says what God teaches her, even when it is not popular. I have several books on prayer I inherited from a lady who went to church with my sister who really was a prayer warrrior. I treasure these books and the notes in them and all the underlined passages. For part of my participation in the group, could I read and report on ” How to Pray ” by R. A. Torrey? Or do you think it would be better if I read the Becky T. book? I could do both , or whatever y’all think is best. I also inherited a book by a missionary named Gofourth. (As in go forth and preach the gospel!) And Phyllis I would love to read anyhting you have on prayer!!!!
love to all,
Elaine
May 1st, 2007 | #
Phyllis,
I would love the have that list of 30 days of prayer for your children and husband. Did you get that from Lorrie Flem?
May 1st, 2007 | #
No I didn’t get them from Lorrie. I’ve just collected several lists over the years. I’ll have to wait until I get home since they are all on my desktop computer or in files. I think I’ve typed most of them in but we’ll see. I put it on my to do list so I’ll get them sent ASAP.
We’re having beautiful weather - it usually rains this week for some reason. The guys are golfing and the girls are shopping.
Phyllis
May 1st, 2007 | #
Phyllis,
That sounds great! If you have several lists, I would think that one could pick and choose things that would be specific to your family. I’m excited!
May 1st, 2007 | #
Is it too late to join you in this? I was away for a week and did not get a chance to get on a computer. Did not realize how much you could miss in a week! LOL
I feel the LORD is taking me on a new season/journey in my life and I would really love to join you in this if I can.
May 5th, 2007 | #
Jennifer,
No, it’s not too late. We’re just forming a group to keep each other accountable. Does anyone have ideas?
May 5th, 2007 | #