Surveys indicate that most Christians spend five minutes or less each day in prayer. A meaningful time with God is vital to a vibrant spiritual life, but many don’t know how to get started. Here is a simple pattern for organizing a daily time with God. Spend five minutes on each of the following:

 

1. Confession. Sin is the greatest roadblock to prayer; early in your prayer time, confess—agree with God about your sin. (Psalm 139:23-24; 51:10-11; 1 John 1:9)

2. Praise. Dwell on God’s attributes. He is an awesome God! (Psalm 34:1-3; 63:3)

3. Waiting. Quiet your mind and heart before God; focus on Him, being quiet in His presence. (Psalm 37:7; Isaiah 40:31)

4. Scripture. As you open your Bible, ask God to bless you with concentration and understanding as you read His Word. (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 19:7-8)

5. Intercession. Develop a list of names of others to uphold in prayer. (1 Timothy 2:1-2; Psalm 2:8).

6. Petition. Make a list of your own personal needs, and check them off as God answers prayer. (Matthew 7:7; James 4:2)

7. Thanksgiving. Thank God for what He has done. We have so much to be grateful for! (Philippians 4:6; Psalm 100:4)

8. Singing. Sing Scripture back to the Lord, or use your favorite hymnal or worship CD. (Psalm 100:2; Ephesians 5:19)

9. Meditation. Actively ponder and digest a passage of Scripture or a character trait of God. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-2)

10. Listening. Ask God for specific direction concerning the day’s activities. (1 Kings 19:11-12; Psalm 46:10)

11. Psalms. Read a psalm, and pray back portions to the Lord. (Psalm 95:2; 147:1)

12. Praise. You began your time with praise. What better way to end it? (Psalm 150:1-2; 50:23)