In this fast-paced world, it’s sometimes difficult to maintain a prayerful habit. But knowing how vital it is in the Christian life, how can you incorporate it into your daily routine?
In this article, you will discover 7 hacks on learning to pray smart in this ever-changing world.
But first, let’s discover how the Bible defines prayer and determine how important it is in a busy life.
What is Prayer Based on the Bible?
Prayer is an expression of gratitude, supplication, praise, and seeking for guidance (Matthew 6:6; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
With that, it is an intentional act of communicating with God that can be spoken or written1.
In other words, it is “the opening of the heart to God as to a friend2.
How Important is Prayer in This Fast-paced Era?
1) It helps you manage stress.
In this fast-paced era, prayer effectively helps manage your stress.
Amid the pressures of life, it allows you to cast your burdens upon Him, giving you solace and reassurance (Psalm 55:22)3.
It also helps release your anxiety and experience divine peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
With this, you can find strength and refuge in times of turmoil, knowing that God is your steadfast Source of comfort and support (Psalm 46:1).
2) It offers rest and renewal.
Prayer offers rest for your soul and refreshes your spirit amid life’s demands (Matthew 11:28-30)4.
Additionally, you can experience a renewal of your mind and strength, providing you a refuge in the midst of chaos (Isaiah 40:31).
Indeed, prayer serves as a way to recharge and refocus. This enables you to face life’s challenges with a rejuvenated spirit.
3) It promotes inner peace.
Prayer serves as a haven of inner peace.
As you address your anxieties and concerns to God, you’ll find a profound peace that guards your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).
It’s the kind of peace that transcends life’s uncertainties and brings you serenity in the midst of chaos5.
With that, prayer gives you a deep sense of calm and assurance. It reassures you that God is in control, even in this hectic world.
4) It protects you from negativity.
Prayer acts as your safeguard against negativity.
It shields your mind against the detrimental effects of negativity. This encourages you to dwell on positive and uplifting things (Philippians 4:8)6.
Indeed, prayer helps you cultivate a positive mindset that aligns with God’s goodness.
5) It helps align your decisions with God’s will.
Prayer serves as your compass in decision making.
Turning to God in prayer encourages you to trust in His wisdom and acknowledge His direction (Proverbs 3:5-6)7.
Through prayer, you obtain divine insight, ensuring that your choices align with His perfect plan. It’s a simple yet powerful way to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and assurance.
6) It helps you balance your priorities.
Prayer serves as your anchor, helping you balance your priorities wisely.
It allows you to seek divine wisdom and discernment, helping you make choices that align with your true values and God’s purpose (James 1:5).
Prayer offers clarity and divine insight, helping you focus on what truly matters in life (Psalm 90:12)8.
This practice ensures that amid the busyness of this world, your priorities remain rooted in purpose.
7) It deepens your relationship with God.
Prayer helps you stay connected to Him like branches are attached to the vine. As such, you can bear fruit according to His righteousness (John 15:5).
In addition, prayer opens the door to intimate conversations with God (Jeremiah 33:3).
This ensures that amid the whirlwind of life, your bond with Him grows stronger, bringing you peace, guidance, and unwavering faith.
7 Hacks on Learning to Pray Smart in This Fast-paced World
1) Set digital boundaries.
Digital boundaries are a set of rules created to help you limit your time on digital devices9.
Here are some ways you can implement this:
- Setting app time limits
- Disabling social media notifications
- Setting your gadgets on silent mode
- Scheduling digital fasts
- Designating a gadget-free zone
Doing any of these helps create a sacred space for connecting with God, especially in this fast-paced era.
It ensures that your time with Him remains a tranquil oasis amid the noise of this world (Psalm 46:10).
2) Create a no-distraction zone.
Creating a distraction-free zone is a smart hack for maintaining a prayerful habit.
Jesus, for instance, would often go to solitary places, such as a mountainside, to isolate Himself from the society. There, He would pray alone (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16).
Just like that, you can find a quiet place that is free from the buzz of technology and other distractions. With this, you can focus on your conversation with God10.
3) Schedule a sacred time for prayer.
Scheduling a sacred time for prayer is a smart move in this busy world.
Jesus, for instance, would get up very early in the morning to pray. Sometimes, He would also do it at night (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16).
But regardless of the schedule, setting aside a specific, sacred time each day for prayer proves your commitment to developing a closer relationship with God.
By making this dedicated appointment, it shows that amid life’s busyness, you prioritize moments of spiritual connection and reflection11.
4) Create a prayer list.
Creating a prayer list is one way of learning to pray smart.
In Matthew 21:22 and Philippians 4:6, God encourages you to present to Him all your requests in prayer. For this, a prayer list does its work of helping you organize your prayer concerns.
On the other hand, in 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul discusses intercessory prayer or praying for other people. For this, a prayer list helps you remember the names of all those you’re interceding for.
Indeed, a prayer list enhances your prayer life by helping you organize your requests and effectively intercede for others.
5) Engage in reflective journaling.
Engaging in reflective journaling is a smart move to enhance your prayer life.
Journaling encourages you to remember God’s works by documenting your spiritual journey and reflecting on His faithfulness (Psalm 77:11-12)12.
It provides a space for self-reflection and growth, aligning your thoughts with God’s wisdom (Proverbs 2:2-6).
6) Whisper short prayers anytime, anywhere.
Whispering short prayers anytime, anywhere is a smart hack to stay connected with God.
As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages praying without ceasing, short prayers serve as a simple yet powerful way to maintain an ongoing conversation with God.
Whether you’re in a crowded subway or a quiet moment at your desk, these brief, heartfelt whispers can be your lifeline to God13.
So, don’t hesitate to offer up your thoughts, concerns, and gratitude, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Rest assured that God listens to them, never missing anything.
7) Pray with scriptures.
The Bible is filled with wisdom, comfort, and promises. Incorporating these in your prayer helps align your petitions with God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12).
It helps you connect with the profound messages of His Word. It deepens your understanding and relationship with Him amid the pressures of this hectic society (Psalm 119:105).
With this, make it a habit to incorporate scriptures into your prayers.
Can We Hear From You?
What have you learned from these 7 hacks of learning to pray in this fast-paced world? Which do you think works best for you?
Share with us your thoughts by commenting below.
To learn more about this topic, check this amazing lesson written by Pastor Vinicius Miranda: How Should I Pray?
- Daniel DeWitt Lowery, 2014, Lexham Theological Wordbook, “Prayer” [↩]
- Ellen White, Prayer, 8.4, 15.2 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 3, 764 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 5, 389-390 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 175-176 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 5, 176 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 3, 955-956 [↩]
- Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 3, 842 [↩]
- Genesis Sampson, 2021, In Its Season [↩]
- Ellen White, Prayer, 212.1 [↩]
- Ellen White, A Call to Stand Apart, 21.8 [↩]
- Prayer Wine Chocolate, 2017 [↩]
- Ellen White, Christ’s Object Lessons, 174.1 [↩]
