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By David Wright Below are five biblical suggestions for stimulating spiritual growth through private prayer: 1. Pray in Unusual Places. Jesus went up into the hills to pray (Matt. 14:23), and Paul knelt in prayer on the beach (Acts 21:5). Praying in an unusual place is invigorating. And that place need not be exotic. Stepping out on the porch at night or even choosing a different room in the house may enhance concentration. 2. Pray at Odd Times. It is easy to make the biblical case for scheduled prayer (Dan. 6:10; Acts 3:1). However, praying at odd times may often prove more refreshing. Jesus, for example, spent “all night […] in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). Anything we do according to a set schedule may begin to feel predictable and boring. 3. Vary the Language of Prayer. Jesus said: “In praying do not heap up empty phrases” (Matt. 6:7). A good prayer may not be flowery, but it is fresh and heartfelt. For example, the mature Christian prays not for “the sick, afflicted, and distressed” but for specific individuals with particular needs. 4. Enhance Prayer by Meditating on the Psalms. It would be difficult to find prayers more rich, varied, and moving than those collected in the OT book of song and prayer. These powerful prayers can become our own. For instance, if we have sinned and feel ashamed, we may find that the words of Psalm 51:9-11 perfectly express to God our sorrow, fear, and longing for renewal. 5. Experiment with Various Prayer Postures and Styles. The people of the Bible prayed while standing, kneeling, even lying facedown. Sometimes they prayed silently. Sometimes they prayed aloud. Does our private prayer life reflect this biblical variety? |