The 4 Amazing Benefits of Daily Prayer
There are so many benefits of daily prayer it would be hard to list them all. Praying daily, writing in a journal, and enjoying the presence of God is now an important part of my routine.
It was not always that way; when I was younger, I thought going to church once a week was enough.
I was fortunate to grow up in a home busy with love. My parents had 7 kids, so by no means were things easy or perfect. When my siblings aggravated me or it was too chaotic, I had an escape.
My grandmother and my aunt lived next door. There was a door in my kitchen that led straight to their breakfast room: the “other” side.
4 Benefits of Daily Prayer
A benefit is something that produces good results and promotes well-being. Prayer has been a huge promoter of well-being for me. Here are 4 benefits of daily prayer I have experienced in my life:
1. Prayer Provides Positive Reinforcement and Love
The “other” side was calm; everything was so neat and organized! My grandmother also had interesting activities; they raised birds: a minor bird and canaries. Additionally, they had an entire room just for plants. I was “allowed” to water them and clean bird cages before I knew these were laborious chores.
I think I relished the time I spent with these two people who gave me their full attention and responded with lots of positive reinforcement and love. That is similar to what a life of daily prayer provides. One of the benefits of daily prayer is positive reinforcement and love from God.
We have God’s full attention and He responds; through prayer, God provides positive reinforcement and love.
2. Prayer Provides Quiet from the Busyness of Life
Now, don’t get me wrong: my house was full of attention and love and definitely activity! There was always something happening!
We had a shed that was just for Hot Wheels tracks. The kind that smelled of electricity burning when we raced the metal cars around the track.
My siblings and I once tore up the side yard because we were obsessed with playing Croquet.
We spent summers staying up all night playing marathon Monopoly or Risk games or built houses made out of playing cards.
I think sometimes the entire neighborhood came to my house. My parents couldn’t find a dinner table big enough to fit everyone, so they put a picnic table in the middle of our kitchen.
It was great: but, very chaotic and not without bickering.
Everything was noisy and fast, like those speeding Hot Wheels cars. Similar to how life is for most of us.
We tend to have fast lives similar to the cars speeding around the track; another one of the benefits of daily prayer is it provides quiet from the busyness of life.
3. Prayer Provides Calm
When I was young, I didn’t realize spending time in prayer would make a difference. But, when I spend time on the other side…God’s side, I am amazed at the rejuvenation I feel.
As an adult, I often think fondly of these two “sides” of my life. My house was very “real”, accepting, and fun. It reminds me of life with people: also, fun, bustling with activity, not without conflict, and noisy.
The “other” side is one that reminds me of being in the presence of God during my prayer time.
Another benefit of daily prayer is that it provides calm and silence that you didn’t know you needed. Calm also comes through reading the Bible and spending time reflecting.
4. Prayer Provides Guidance
Another one of the benefits of daily prayer came to me recently when I retired from teaching. I was praying for guidance and for God to lead me to a new purpose. I got a job that I liked, but I was just answering the phone.
I was given the opportunity to work remotely to earn extra income while working as a receptionist.
I decided to study medical coding and began the research at my desk. I was still unsure of the field, and I continued praying to God for guidance.
One day, out of the blue, my office manager came to my desk. She didn’t know me very well, but she knew I was studying medical coding.
She said, “I have something to tell you. I was formerly a forensic handwriting analyst for the court systems. Can I explain something about your handwriting?”
I chuckled a little, “Do I want to know this, Ms. Lois?”. She said, “Your handwriting has what we call hidden ‘es’.” She showed me how my letters and numbers had this quality.
She continued, “That means you have a gift to be a writer. You see this number stuff you’re doing? You could do it, but it’s not going to satisfy your soul.”
I suddenly felt goosebumps, because I had always had the desire to be a writer! But my head responded in disbelief,
“Ms. Lois, I don’t know about that. Writing seems like a difficult field to break into.” She shook her head no, “When I decided to become a handwriting analyst, I didn’t know how I was going to do it. That’s for God to open those doors.”
I began to realize that my prayers for guidance were being answered.
An Answer to Prayers for Guidance
I can’t remember if I have ever had a more direct sign from God to do something that I didn’t think I could do. Since then, I have put the medical coding books aside, and I started writing often. Ms. Lois was right.
After studying medical coding all day, I would go home exhausted. After I spend my day writing, I am rejuvenated.
That is why I know it is God answering my prayers for guidance.
The decision to write has brought me peace, and opportunities have followed. Even though I am not making a lot of money in this vocation yet, I have faith that God is going to lead the way.
I believe an answer to prayer for guidance came through daily prayer and a conversation with Ms. Lois.
A Daily Prayer Routine
I am not sure what changed my mind to begin a daily prayer routine, but I think mostly I developed an affinity for the time of stillness with God. Additionally, I look back in my journals, and I am amazed at how God has answered so many of my prayers. My prayer time is rewarding.
Billy Graham wrote,
“In the morning, prayer is the key that opens to us the treasures of God’s mercies and blessings; in the evening, it is the key that shuts us up under His protection and safeguard.”
I believe these are just some of the benefits of a daily prayer routine.
Daily Prayer Makes a Difference
Daily prayer makes a difference and I have seen God move through many trials and struggles in my life. But I have to confess; my prayer journals aren’t together in one cute little notebook. I tried that, and it didn’t work for me.
I think it is okay if our prayer journals are in a few notebooks, with grocery lists in between. I have a file on my computer too. My prayers are a little scattered, not unlike life!
However, regardless of my filing system or journal organization, my prayers are prolific. I wish someone had told me sooner that daily prayer makes a difference in life.
How Daily Prayer makes a Difference:
- Daily Prayer helps me remember to stay close to God.
- Daily Prayer helps me reflect on my motives and direction.
- Daily Prayer reminds me of how great my God is. I realize He is, in fact, providing guidance and weaving a detailed plan for me.
I just need to listen.
ACTS Daily Prayer Model
In the Bible Study “Identity in Christ” a prayer model is discussed that has provided structure and accountability in my prayer time. It has been one of the most helpful benefits of daily prayer.
“ACTS” Prayer
Adoration: Telling God how wonderful he is.
Adoring and worshiping God helps remind us of how great His power is.
All things are possible through Him. Luke 1:37
Confession: Admitting weaknesses, asking forgiveness. If we want to emulate the humility of Jesus, we should be reflecting on our behavior daily.
Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology, writes, “Gratitude heals, energizes, and transforms lives.” (Thanks! The Science of Gratitude)“‹
Supplication: Praying for the needs of others and your own needs.
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
God responds to prayers in many ways. When I spend time in daily prayer on His side, I see answers to my prayers in my daily life. I am re-energized to face whatever burning problems are laid on life’s tracks for each day.
How about you? Do you have a daily prayer life? Have you discovered the benefits of daily prayer? Has it provided guidance in your life? I would love to hear your story in the comments.
