What Grade Would You Give Your Prayer Life?

Last time, we discussed our time spent with The Lord’s Prayer, and more specifically, the importance of our prayer life in communicating with God. Building on that, this week we continued our devotion time in the Bible about prayer, spent time together in prayer, and even prayed specifically for and with a few of you guys.

If you were to assess your prayer life right now, what kind of grade would you give yourself? Let’s be honest! Remember the discussion on the “Two Chairs" book by Bob Beaudine? God wants to hear from us & he also wants time to talk to us in return!

As we mentioned last week, we often end our prayers with the Lord’s prayer. So much power in that prayer, and it’s a great blueprint that Jesus used to instruct us how to pray.

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.” Matthew 6:9-13

We commented this week that we both grew up using “trespass” instead of “debtors.” Even if you critique the version included in this fist bump, you will notice a blend of biblical versions and some small differences in how we have come to pray the words. At the end of the day, though, it’s the meaning behind the prayer that matters!

So, going back to our own prayer lives…how are we doing? It’s a marathon, not a sprint! We thought of a few things that we have used that might offer some assistance as you consider your prayer life.

⏰ → Set aside some time in your day on your calendar dedicated to devotion and prayer; for many, that might be early in the morning before others wake up. Recently, we have set aside time on our calendar, first thing in the work day, for prayer and devotion (which allows for a bit more sleep in the morning). Maybe it’s over a lunch hour, or perhaps time before bed?

📓 → Start a prayer journal to record the topics and people you are praying for. With phone apps these days, there are great and convenient options to track requests. One example is the “Prayer PRO” app. It allows for the tracking and grouping of prayers, as well as the recording of answered prayers. It’s actually a great reminder and encouragement to look back at past responses to prayers as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. We can look back at a prayer request in 2016 for our Bible Study Fellowship connection that ultimately led to our relationship and business partnership - we might even call it the first “Seven24” connection!

🙏 → Speaking of relationships, we have found great value in the power of prayer when coming together. It’s great accountability to be consistent with prayer life. And as Jesus shared with us, when two or three gather, he is there with us and wants to answer our prayers!

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20

Ok, maybe we are working hard on consistently talking to God. Listing in our two Chairs for what he is saying to us. But we suspect that many of you are like us, with LIFE throwing curveballs at us. Maybe you are going through something right now?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Most of us are probably familiar with the verse, but how do we put it into action? What if God doesn’t respond to our needs when we want him to? What if we don’t get the answer we are hoping for? Is God evening listing? YES HE IS! We believe God has a plan for us, even when we are unsure of it ourselves. At Seven24, we want to be a support and resource for you as you navigate life.

We would love to pray specifically for you. Please reach out!

🎯 Key Takeaways for Men

• Prayer is both talking and listening to God.

• Consistency beats perfection.

• Journaling and apps can help track God’s faithfulness.

• Praying with others builds accountability and power.

• God hears us even when answers feel delayed.