Becoming A Woman Of Prayer

Becoming A Woman Of Prayer.

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Living a lifestyle of prayer is important. It makes your spiritual walk and personal relationship with God grow closer. Prayer to me is just like talking to an individual. I say anything thats on my mind and heart to Poppa God (my personal name I call God). He knows our thoughts even before we speak them. He enjoys spending time with us.

A fast is giving up something that is valuable to you- Many fast food. Some it may be the internet or other media. Anything that would be distracting or takes up alot of your time-Time that you could be using instead to be fellowshiping with the Lord. PLEASE NOTE: If you have medical conditions such as diabetes that would require you to have a certain diet- I HIGHLY recommend talking to your physician first before giving up food. You can always just fast sweets and chocolate or anything pleasurable. I believe God honors the heart more than the sacrifice. Just do what you can to spend more time with God.

As a mothers, wives, workers, ministers- etc. We know how busy life is. You may not have hours in a day to just be on your knees praying. But you DO HAVE minutes- And praying in intervals thru the day can easily add up to hrs. Five minutes of prayer is better than none. JUST BE LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES AND BE PRAYER MINDED. Here's a few exampleas and ideas that I have found that work for incorporating more prayer and Bible reading time:
■In the shower or while taking a bath.
■while putting your makeup on or doing your hair (I talk to God alot while doing this)
■Restroom breaks
■In the car while driving somewhere. even if you have small children in the car you can do this- praying out loud in front of your kids is good for them. They listen and they learn from you.
■In leu of a tv program. Turn the tv off- how many hours do you normally watch programs? Use it for prayer instead.
■In the waiting room of doctors or school appointments
■Stopped at a red light or waiting for traffic to clear
■While working out at the gym or on a walk. (I talk to God alot during those times)
■While cooking dinner...(The best tacos are made while worshipping God or praying)
■In leu of a nap- (Trust me- You will be more refreshed and energized by spending time with GOD than you would with sleeping)
■while cleaning or vaccuming. (I spent lots of times talking to God while doing this)
■Lunch breaks at work or school

These are just a few ideas...But See ? There are more than enough opportunities for us to spend time in prayer with GOD.

A few tips I have found helpful when fasting:
■Don't try to give up your normal cup of coffee int he morning. You don't want to start your fast with a headache. If you decide that you want to give up caffeine..do it gradually. Such as one cup the first day- a half cup the next day...until you have slowly eliminated it from your intake.
■Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated.
■If your giving up meat- You can eat mushrooms,beans,eggplant, etc. These are good alternative and you still will get some protein inyour body.
■Nutritional shakes that contain vitamins are helpful if you are skipping meals.
■Keep away from the media..TV, Internet, Radio, etc. Whatever keeps your focus away form meditiating on the Word.
■Keep your house an atmosphere of worship- Play worship music, light candles- This makes it inviting for peace and quiet.
■Include your children in prayer and Bible reading. This brings everyone together.
■Be searching, reflective, and repentant. Ask God what areas of your heart and life that need to be dealt with.This leaves room in your heart for MORE OF GOD.
■Meditate on the WORD... Place scriptures on your wall, mirrors, places where you will see it often.
■Keep your Bible handy. And a paper and pen in case something speaks to you- You can write it down.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Remember to forgive yourself if you blow it one day. This isn't suppose to be legalistic and full of condemnation on yourself. IT"S THE HEART THAT MATTERS MORE THAN THE SACRIFICE.

~Jenny williams