The Discipline Of Prayer

Our main scripture is short and sweet: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) — “Never stop praying.”

Prayer — it’s one of the most powerful gifts God has given us, but if we’re honest, it’s also one of the hardest disciplines to stay consistent in. Life gets busy, distractions creep in, and sometimes we don’t even know what to say.

But here’s the truth: prayer isn’t about fancy words or perfect timing. It’s about connection. It’s about talking to the God who loves you and wants to hear from you in every moment.

Today, we’re going to talk about the discipline of prayer — not as a chore or a checklist, but as a rhythm of life that shapes our hearts, strengthens our faith, and brings us closer to the Lord.

Let’s begin by breaking down what prayer really is — and how it fits into our daily lives beyond Sunday mornings.

Prayer doesn’t have to be formal. It’s simply talking to God, like you’d talk with a friend.

I’ve heard so many different ways of prayer in my life — some very formal, some quick and to the point, some long, and some that sound just like regular conversation. Really, that is what prayer is… a conversation with God.

When you pray, do you think of prayer as more of a ritual and habit, or do you think of it as more of a conversation?

The point here is that God doesn’t want rehearsed lines; He wants our hearts — the good, the bad, and the messy. He wants honest, open prayers.

Life is noisy, and we know that to be intentional with our time with God means being disciplined at setting aside time — even just a few minutes — to quiet ourselves before Him.

I know for me, I’ve had to really try to be intentional because of things happening around me or just in my own mind… I can really distract myself and get off topic. I’ve learned that it’s okay, and as long as I continue on with the conversation, God doesn’t care how I get my prayers out as long as I am coming to Him.

What is something you’ve been meaning to pray about, but you’ve gotten distracted or felt like you haven’t had enough time to sit with God and talk about it?

Take that time right now and talk with Him.

Prayer isn’t just talking — it’s also listening.

Sometimes the answer comes in stillness.

I love this because there have been so many times that I’ve sat with something on my heart and mind and just didn’t know where to begin. So, I would just sit, knowing God could hear my heart’s cry because of the Holy Spirit. And because my mind was focused on Him, I was better able to hear from Him.

How often do you pause to hear from God when you are praying?

Don’t just seek Him, ask questions, and then be done. Sit with Him a bit and hear what He has for you.

Our main scripture is short and sweet: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) — “Never stop praying.”

We’ve talked about prayer as conversation and honesty with God. Now let’s look at how prayer shapes us — even more than it shapes our circumstances.

Prayer often changes our perspective before it changes our situation.

When we seek God through prayer, we are better able to see and understand more clearly. With that, our perspective is changed.

So, as we learn about prayer, let’s really listen to how this act of conversation with God can shape us.

When we pray, we need to think about what God has provided for us and be thankful for that. This shapes us to have an attitude of gratitude.

Don’t just go into prayer asking for things and then fail to be thankful when those prayers are answered.

Thank the Lord for His blessings and provision every day.

Prayer is a discipline, but it’s also a gift — a way to carry our hearts to God daily and receive His peace in return. Let’s wrap up by looking at how prayer becomes a lifestyle.

One of the biggest ways we can stay in prayer is by making it a point in every season of life to go to God in prayer. Whether we are joyful or in sorrow, God is with us, and we can go to Him.

Praying short prayers through the day helps us stay connected and hopeful in the Lord.

Have you ever had moments of prayer where you had no words — just silence, maybe even some tears, but no words?

The Bible tells us that when we don’t have the words, the Spirit intercedes for us. We’re never left alone in prayer.

When you are feeling lost for words, just simply pray, “Lord, help me and be with me.”

When was a time you felt God’s strength in response to a simple prayer?

Prayer is never about obligation… it is our choice to talk to God. That is His desire — that we would want to come to Him. He absolutely wants to have a relationship with us and to just have good conversations with us.

Prayer is about the joy of the closeness we have with God.

Look at prayer as a sweet part of your day, where you get to talk to the Father about anything and everything.

How can you shift your mindset on prayer from obligation to “I get to,” and let it fill you with joy?

Prayer is not about perfection. It’s not about saying the right words or filling the right amount of time. It’s about presence — showing up before the Lord with open hearts, again and again.

The discipline of prayer is a lot like exercise — at first, it takes effort, but over time it strengthens us, renews us, and becomes something we don’t want to live without.

So, this week, when life gets busy and distractions try to pull you away, remember: never stop praying. Even the smallest prayer matters to God because He delights in hearing your voice.

Prayer isn’t a duty — it’s a daily invitation to draw near to the heart of God.