Summer of Prayer 6: The Practice of Prayer
What if prayer didn’t have to be complicated or intimidating? What if it was actually simple… but still hard to do?
In this message, we explore how one of the most important spiritual practices is both incredibly powerful and surprisingly accessible, and yet many of us still find it difficult to prioritize.
We’re in a season of intentional prayer at Word of Life because we believe God moves through the prayers of His people. We want to be people marked by prayer—not just for ourselves, but for our families, our church, and our community.
The Problem: Prayer Is Easy… and Still We Struggle
Prayer is just talking with God. It's not complicated.
And yet many Christians feel distant, inconsistent, or even bored in prayer.
It’s not usually because we don’t care. Often, it’s because we say the same old things about the same old things, and we quietly assume we must be doing it wrong.
So why don’t we pray more?
We live in a world full of urgent distractions. Our days are packed with demands, noise, and constant motion. Prayer, while deeply important, often isn’t loud or pressing. It gets crowded out.
But here's the truth:
Urgent things scream for your attention.
Important things sit quietly and wait.
The Solution: Let Scripture Guide Your Prayers
We were never meant to figure out prayer alone. That’s why God gave us His Word.
“When you align your heart with His desires, there’s no end to what can happen in prayer.”
—Learning to Follow Jesus (Quality One, Step Four)
A Simple and Biblical Method: Praying Through the Bible
From Donald Whitney’s book Praying the Bible, this practical method helps eliminate prayer boredom and deepen our connection with God.
How It Works:
Choose a passage (like a Psalm or part of a letter from Paul).
Read a phrase or sentence.
Pause and pray about what it brings to mind.
Repeat until you've prayed through the whole passage.
This method:
Keeps your prayers fresh
Aligns your heart with Scripture
Helps you pray honestly, deeply, and specifically
Works for short moments or long seasons of prayer
Examples to Try This Week
Here are a few sample verses to use as you begin praying Scripture:
Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s…” → Praise Him for His ownership and control.
Psalm 25:4–5 – “Show me the right path…” → Ask for guidance in a specific decision.
Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light…” → Confess any fears and ask for courage.
Psalm 28:7 – “I trust Him with all my heart…” → Express thanks and trust.
Key Scripture: James 1:22–25
“Don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says...”
Scripture is not just for reading. It’s a mirror that reveals, corrects, and calls us into deeper obedience. When we let God’s Word shape our prayers, transformation begins.
Why This Changes Everything
You don’t need perfect words. You don’t need hours.
Prayer is about intentionality and connection, not performance.
This approach helps those of us who get distracted, bored, or overwhelmed.
It’s not a rigid formula. It’s a framework for focused, Spirit-led prayer—one that can fit any lifestyle, schedule, or level of spiritual maturity.
“God's Word becomes the wings of your prayers.”
—Donald Whitney
Real-Life Application
Do this every day:
Set a regular time (morning, midday, or evening)
Keep your verses in a note on your phone
Make the most of waiting moments—when you’re in line or between tasks
Try praying out loud:
It keeps you focused, helps your heart engage more deeply, and reminds you that you’re in a real conversation with your Father.
What If We All Did This?
YOU
Your relationship with God would grow deeper and more authentic
You’d become more aware of His voice and more in tune with His desires
You’d see how prayer changes you—from the inside out
Our Church
We'd become a people marked by intercession, boldness, and spiritual maturity
We’d see breakthroughs, healing, provision, and answers to prayer
Green Circles would multiply as testimonies fill our community
Our Community
What could happen in Baldwinsville if we all prayed faithfully for our neighbors?
Every spiritual awakening in history started with prayer. Why not here? Why not now?
Recap: How to Pray Through the Bible
Choose a passage (start with Psalm 23!)
Read a line at a time
Pause and pray what comes to mind
Keep going until the conversation with God naturally ends
👣 Next Steps
Try praying through the Bible this week using a Psalm
Join a prayer group (Monday nights maybe!!)
Watch this message again or share it with a friend
Visit the Next Steps center in the lobby for more resources!
