Out of the list of spiritual disciplines, prayer is perhaps the most likely one for a follower of Christ to practice regularly and be familiar with. But to practice it so that it transforms us in the way that God intends takes time and effort!

Simply defined, prayer is communion with God. Communion with God helps to develop intimacy with Him. And as this intimacy grows, God uses it to transform us. “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Transformation comes from seeing and contemplating God’s glory, which happens as we spend time with Him.

Types of Prayer:

Listening: God wants to speak to you! He most regularly speaks through scripture - but that isn’t the only way we can hear from God (though what He speaks through other methods will never contradict scripture). He can speak through other people, impressions, music, nature, pictures, dreams, and visions.

God tailors the way He speaks to us according to our individual personality and temperament. Our unique design makes certain forms of communication more natural for us. This is why it can be so challenging to learn how to listen – there is no formula, and it can look different for each person!

So if you’ve never explored this, take time to reflect on occasions when you’ve heard from God and how He communicated with you in those moments – but to grow in your ability to hear His voice, regularly ask God to help you be able to be sensitive to His voice. Because we know that He wants to communicate with His children, we can be confident that this is a prayer He will answer!

Intercessory: Partnering with Christ in his intention for individuals and the world. Ideally, listening precedes intercessory prayer (listening helps us to hear and know God’s heart and intentions for the world around us to be able to pray more effectively.)

As we grow in intimacy with God, knowing His heart more, it enables us to exercise the authority we’ve been given to help advance God’s Kingdom.

Prayer of Examen: This is a practice to help you reflect on the day and to take time to discern what God might want to highlight, how He is working.

· Presence (Realize and experience God’s presence with you)

· Gratitude (for the good things in the last 24 hours)

· Review (things that happened, your responses and actions, things that God did)

· Response (journaling, praying about the things you’ve reflected on, repenting, etc)

Last week I sent out a prayer exercise worksheet which included intercessory prayer and the Prayer of Examen. (Click here if you need to access it.)

As I practiced these forms of prayer this week, I was reminded of the power of intercessory prayer. It was something I used to do more regularly – and it was a way that God would speak to me. I would often be praying for people and feel like God was leading my prayer, then I would hear from them later that what I prayed for was something they needed and were asking God for. And as an unexpected bonus, as I prayed God's word for others, I was often more easily able to believe and apply these things for myself!

But for some unknown reason, I have gradually gotten out of the habit of regular intercession. As God highlighted this, I repented for neglecting an important way that God speaks to me and committed to building intercession back into my regular practice.

So despite my familiarity with this topic, God was faithful to speak as I took time to slow down and listen. I pray that He does the same for you!

Questions for reflection:

How was this experience for you? What do you find challenging about listening prayer? What are some of the ways that God typically speaks to you?

If you have anything you’d like to share, comment below or contact me!

Next week I will be covering fasting. If you have subscribed, you will have already received the fasting worksheet to help prepare for next week. If you would like to join me on my journey, subscribe and I will send you the fasting worksheet!