So, we already know that prayer and fasting is an important aspect of the Christian walk, right? And if you need a refresher on why, please read “The Hidden Power of Prayer and Fasting” blog post, which doubles as a book review.
Now, the questions is if we know prayer and fasting are so important to our spiritual growth, why don’t we do them more often? Why is it so difficult to pray regularly and just make the time to do it? Why is fasting something we rarely think about?
Well, I know for me, life gets busy and it’s so easy to get overwhelmed from my ever-growing to-do list.
And therefore, it’s easy to get distracted from the things that matter most. We leave prayer at the bottom of the to-do list and get to it if we have time. And if we end up having time at the end of the day, we conjure up some quick, weak prayer that doesn’t really mean anything. We mutter the same repeated words we say every night, and then call it a night.
And fasting, what’s fasting? Fasting is not even on our radars.
So how do we get better? How do we make prayer and fasting a priority in our lives?
How Do We Make Praying and Fasting a Priority?
Well I discovered something that has helped me in recent months with staying on track.
I’ve gotten to the point where praying daily is a necessity, not an after-thought (most days…Jesus is still working on me y’all). And fasting is becoming more and more a part of my spiritual walk, whereas previously, I rarely ever fasted.
But it didn’t start like that. It was hard in the beginning to remember to pray every day, or even to feel like praying if I’m being honest. And I forgot fasting was even a thing.
So, what I’ve started to do is schedule out my prayers and fasts!
Schedule Your Prayers Ahead of Time
If praying regularly is difficult for you because you forget or maybe you just don’t know what to pray for when it’s time, scheduling out your prayers might work for you.
Related: 40 Things to Pray for When You Don’t Know What to Pray
Here are a few ways you can do this:
- Select a time each day you will pray. Make it special. Choose a location, make sure you won’t be interrupted, and keep that appointment like you would any other appointment.
- Add your prayer time to a calendar. If you have a hard time keeping things in your head, write it down. Put it on your calendar each day, and again, keep that appointment like you would any other appointment.
- Assign a prayer category for each day of the week. Maybe your issue isn’t remembering to pray, but having no clue what to pray for when it’s time. This is where I have had the most problems in the past. So, I’ve assigned each day of the week with a different category. For example, Mondays might be the days I pray for my family. And Tuesdays I pray for our nation. This eliminates some of the guesswork on what to pray for.
- Assign a prayer topic for each day of the week. Another thing I do sometimes is brainstorm all of the different things I need to pray for or could be praying for. Then in my prayer journal, I pre-write what I’m going to pray about for the upcoming days. So that way when I sit before God and my mind is blank, I can just open my prayer journal and know exactly what to pray for without having to waste time trying to figure it out.
Schedule Your Fasts Ahead of Time
In the same way that you can schedule your prayers, you can schedule out your fasts.
Decide how often you want to fast. Once a week, once a month, etc. Then on your calendar, write in the specific dates that you plan to fast for the next few months.
In Conclusion
These are just a few methods I use to help me stay on track with prioritizing prayer and fasting.
If we’re truly serious about developing a deeper spiritual life, then we will find a way to make time for the things God asks us to do.
What are some ways you guys stay on track with praying daily and fasting regularly?
Such great suggestions. Prayer (and especially fasting) require structure, diligence, and a deep desire to know God more. Thank you for this post! I would say that having a set time is definitely KEY! Blessings.
Thanks! Yes, fasting does require a deep desire to know God more intimately.
Great reminders about doing these seemingly small but BIG things in the kingdom. Prayer is so vital. God delights in us and wants us to delight in him, too! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for sharing your’s as well. Yes, prayer is so vital, and I try to make a real effort to make it part of my daily walk.
Scheduling is good advice in other aspects of life as well.
I agree.
Having a clear schedule will keep you on track for sure.
Very true.
I love this! Scheduling prayer time seems much but really it is assurance that it gets done! How often do we say we will do something and then time gets in the way. Love the concept.
Exactly. It’s so easy to put things off. I find that if I set aside consistent time, I’m more likely to do it.
Scheduling really is key. For anything. I’m such a planner and I feel like sticking to a schedule is so beneficial for me.
Yes, it is! I’m new to the whole scheduling thing. I bought a pretty planner late last year, and I’m getting much better at using it consistently using it. Thanks for your comment.
I like the scheduling suggestion! Great ideas! Thank you!
Thank you!
I like the scheduling suggestion! Great ideas! Thank you!
Thank you!
Yes to scheduling everything, even smaller things, to make sure they happen!
Yes, thanks for commenting. 🙂
Scheduling is a great to keep on track in all aspects of daily life…great tips!
Thanks for your comment!
I haven’t fasted for a long time- too hard when pregnant or nursing and hunger is a migraine trigger. Praying has become more important the older I get, having children, and developing a deeper relationship with Heavenly Father. I try to pray several times a day. These are some good ideas.
I can understand that. Maybe you could try fasting from other things besides food, or do a juice fast? God would honor it I’m sure. And yes, praying several times a day is a practice I am trying to make a habit. Thanks!
Great tips. Planning ahead can make so many things in life easier.
Yes indeed!
Unfortunately, I have not entertained prayer in quite some time. It is difficult for me. I will try your suggestions.
Thanks for sharing that. It always helps me when I take baby steps when approaching a new habit I am trying to build. Maybe just start by praying for 3-5 minutes each morning. Or even start with praying over each meal. Start small and it will get easier. If you don’t mind me asking, what about prayer is difficult? Is it remembering to do it each day? Or just not knowing what to pray? Thanks!
I find if I don’t plan ahead I very likely will put it off or won’t get to it.
Exactly. I am the same way sometimes.