Paul says, “Pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17). I think what he meant is that your entire life is a prayer to God. Prayer is not just one aspect of your Christian life – it is your Christian life. Prayer is your connection to God – your spiritual oxygen. Without it, you can do nothing good for God (John 15:5). How do you make prayer a lifestyle?
Four Principles for Prayer
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 5:11).
David understood that prayer was his lifeline to the creator of all things — it was his power source — it was his secret weapon. In his prayer song (Psalm 5), David expressed his heartfelt prayers to God. In so doing he gave four strong principles for making prayer a lifestyle.
1. Talk Directly to God.
Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament … for to you I pray” (Psalm 5:1-2).
This may go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway – you don’t have to go through anyone else to talk to God. Jesus has given you direct access. That’s mind-blowing.
The tragedy is to have complete and total access to the God who created everything and never use it.
2. Talk Honestly to God.
“… Hear my cry for help, my King and my God …” (Psalm 5:2).
David may have been the most powerful man in the Mediterranean world when he penned this poem. Yet, in his intimate times with God, he was gut-wrenchingly honest. He never let the enemy see him sweat, but he did plenty of sweating with God.
We all go through life putting on a good public face. There’s no reason to do that with God. He already knows. Tell him everything you’re feeling.
3. Talk First to God.
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you …” (Psalm 5:3).
In Hebrew poetry, repetition served two purposes – it took the place of rhyme, and highlighted words for emphasis. David repeated the word “morning.” This is the key word in the phrase. David talked to God first, before he spoke to anyone else.
For you anti-morning people, don’t worry – he wasn’t saying you have to get up at the crack of dawn to talk to God. The point is not that it was early – the point is that it was first. His first conversation every day was with God.
4. Talk Expectantly to God.
… in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3).
When David prayed he expected God to speak and move. David didn’t always get what he wanted, but he always got engagement – God was always doing something with David.
Try practicing these principles in your prayer life with God. Get ready for God to engage!
