Every once in a while, before I pray I make a quick list of people or situations that need prayer. Not only so I can remember them during the prayer but mostly so I can focus before I pray. It seems to help me recall the conversations I’ve had, the people I am scheduled to meet later and tasks I need to accomplish. It makes for a better prayer time because I meditated on what the day presented to me and prepared me for what may come. Continue reading
Author Archives: Tom Wise
31 DAYS TO A BETTER PRAYER LIFE | DAY 11: EMOTIONS
Our emotions are given to us by God. The spectrum our emotions cover is incredible.
We may be completely overjoyed that expressive words pour out of us, or we may be so crushed with despair that words fail us. Most days we won’t find ourselves at those extremes. Somewhere in the middle is where we live. Depending on our personalities and circumstances we may deal with our emotions in different ways. Emotions are powerful, they can give us hope or they can deflate us. Continue reading
31 DAYS TO A BETTER PRAYER LIFE | DAY 10: DISTRACTIONS
I am easily distracted. In fact I struggle to stay on task with one project because I suddenly think of something completely unrelated I need to do. The other day I noticed that I am almost always in multitask mode. I’ve also noticed I have unfortunately become addicted to distraction.
No matter where I go, I seem to always have some form of media filling the silence. When I am driving, sometimes I have music playing but more often I have the news or a podcast playing. When I am at work I generally have a sermon or a comedian playing in the background. At home with two kids, the distractions create themselves. I have a very difficult time with silence. I have even started listening to podcasts at night, I have my earbuds (similar to headphones for us older people) in while I fall asleep. Continue reading
31 DAYS TO A BETTER PRAYER LIFE | DAY #7: LEARNING FROM OTHERS
We hope this series is encouraging and equipping you towards a better prayer life. It’s important in so many ways to keep the line of communication open with our Father. Prayer is an incredibly personal thing for all of us. You won’t and you shouldn’t pray exactly like anyone else. Your personality, your experiences and your season of life will all influence how you pray. Continue reading
31 DAYS TO A BETTER PRAYER LIFE | DAY #4: MANY WORDS
Many writers long ago were paid by the word. There may be some who still are today. But the practice of rewarding every written word monetarily worked very well for certain writers. Actually it worked so well for them personally because some would intentionally stretch out sentences just to make a little more money.
Far be it from me, myself, personally to practice such a grandiose endeavor, such an obvious attempt to profit financially, such an egomaniacal… See what I was doing there. Continue reading