Prayer is our greatest privilege – we have friendship with GodPaul prayed continuouslyAnd pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.– Ephesians 7 Instructions on PrayerPray in the SpiritAt all timesWith all kinds of prayersAbout everything – requestsAlways be ready – alertNever give upPray for everyoneDevelop Two Key HabitsKeep a running conversation with GodLike breathing – son’t think about it, just do it.Like any habit – with practice you get better at itPray on every occasion, as the Spirit leadsOccasion – talk with God about anything, anywhere at any timeLeads – When you get an impression or idea – pray about itIf I don’t feel like praying, it means I’m not praying what I feelPray continually– 1 Thessalonians Schedule prayer times throughout the dayThis has been common practice for 1000’s of years-Jesus prayed at set times through the day – fixed hours for prayerDaniel prayed 3 times a dayRoman cities had bells in the forum to help them keep time through the dayNoon – 6th hour: Lunch timeChristians used these bell times as prayer times throughout the dayMonks added bells in the monasteries to help them keep their times of prayerMonks were the first to invent mechanical devices to ring the bellsOld Latin word for bell is CLOC – clocks were created as reminders to praySeven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.– Psalm A Daily Schedule of Prayer – Built around the Lord’s PrayerGet up with GratitudeNot with grumbling, griping, groaning, growling or grunting!Doctors: the healthiest human emotion is gratitude. APPRECIATION– To get started, make a gratitude list & keep it by your bed! (SHOW)– Make a Playlist of songs of thanks – & Wake up with Worship!Start the day by focusing on the goodness of GodBless God’s name at breakfast (Praise)To bless means to honor, give respect, and to praise (ADORATION)It’s the 2nd phrase of LPHallowed be your name– In Psalms, God’s Name is praised about 80 times!– What’s the big deal? Bible: Your name is your charactero I review God’s names & the promises they imply (few examples)GOD SAYS “I AM…”Abba I am Your Loving Father!El Deah I’m your God who knows you & knows everythingJehovah Rapha I’m your God who heals you!El Shaddai I’m Almighty God – with all the power you need!Jehovah Jirah I’m your ProviderJehovah Shalom I’m your PeaceAt midmorning remember what matters most (Dedication)Is it easy to get distracted by busyness? Forget your priorities? lose your focus & miss the big perspective?Your Kingdom come and your will be doneI align myself with God’s purpose and plans for my lifeGod has promised to help you with your work you do this!But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.– Matthew List my needs at lunch (Petition)You may be eating a sandwich and that can remind you of the 4th phraseGive us this day our daily breadBread represents everything that you need to liveSo what do I do? 2 things:– I ask for ANYTHING I need.– I ask for what other people need too. (Intercession) 
Note – Give us not give meSometimes, by noon, you’re already stressed out:Ask for forgiveness in the afternoon (Confession)Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against usLISTEN: there is no rational reason for carrying around guilt!Just confess it!Ask God to help you make wise decisionsAnd lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil oneI don’t know about you, but my worst temptations come in the eveningthrough the refrigerator and the TV. Maybe computer for you)But God has given us a great promise:No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.– 1 Corinthians End my day with an encouraging truth (Benediction)For yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever1. God is in control2. This is not the end of the story3. God, and his family, win in the end.That will help you sleep better!Here’s the secret sauce: Get a prayer partner to pray with you during at least one of your prayer times.EXCUSE: “I don’t have time to pause and pray!”Then you’re too busy!The Lord’s Prayer is not just a pattern for praying, it is a pattern for living!