We make prayer too hard.
We load it down with theological concepts and mystical practices that often do little to help and much to scare off those who just want to connect with God. But prayer is simply talking to God, so let’s simplify and fun-ify (I just made that up) prayer a little bit by making it as easy as ABC:
A Don’t “wish” for things; ask for them (Matthew 21:22).
B Breathe in and breathe out slowly, thanking God for your daily breaths.
C Next time you clap your hands, thank God for whatever prompted your applause.
D D is for “door.” When you enter or exit, thank God that he knows your “going out and coming in” (Psalm 121:8).
E Eat more slowly than usual, savoring each bite, as a way of enjoying God’s good gifts.
F Fast for a meal, a day or from some habit and spend those moments talking to God.
G Give away something you treasure to someone else as an act of sacrifice and prayer.
H Take a hike, in the woods or in a park, and enjoy the beauty of God’s Creation.
I Use instant coffee? Instant oatmeal? Instant anything? Use the preparation time for any “instant” food to pray for patience.
J Say “the Jesus Prayer”: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:38, NIV).
K Keep an object in your pocket or purse that, every time you see or touch it, will remind you to pray.
L Light a candle, an ancient and modern way to pray for someone.
M “Make music from your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19, NIV).
N Let the coming of night prompt awareness of God: “By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8, NIV).
O Open a window (as weather permits) and remind yourself to be open to the Spirit of God’s movement in and around you today.
P If you’re able, park a little farther from the store or gym and use those extra steps and extra moments to talk to God.
Q Spend five minutes in quiet, listening for God’s “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12, KJV).
R “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4, KJV).
S When you smell something lovely, inhale deeply and gratefully, as a form of prayer.
T Tie your shoes while singing a hymn such as “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.”
U When you open or close an umbrella, pray (in word or song) for showers of blessing.
V Open a vein. Literally. Give blood, if you’re able, while praying for the recipient of your donation.
W Whenever you wash your hands, ask God to cleanse your heart, mind and soul.
X The letter X (or “chi” in Greek) is an ancient symbol for Christ; try whispering Jesus’ name each time you write an x.
Y Say “yes” to God as often as possible.
Z Every time you zip something open or closed, ask God to zip your lips when you are tempted to say something you shouldn’t.
