So I took a taxi to church today and as I always do everytime I have to take a taxi, I simply tell the driver “I’m going to the Church at X, it’s by the Total filling Station at the roundabout”. I have no idea why I always expect them to know it, because they often don’t. And I say to myself ”You really should just give them the name of the street and the postcode.” Anyway, we finally figure it out and half way through the 12 minute journey the taxi driver said “So are you going to church to pray or to work”. I’ll admit I was a bit baffled as to what the second option was.
To work? For a second, I wondered if he was asking if I was a worker in church. Then I realised he meant if I was some manual worker – perhaps going in to earn a living. I responded, “To Pray” and the rest of the trip was in silence, till I had to show him the directions right by the fuel station because alas, the postcode online was wrong. I’m so sticking to my initial description next time.
Prayer is Talking to God.
It was interesting that the topic at church was also about prayer. As a Christian child, one of the first things we may learn is “prayer is talking to God”. As an adult however, it seems that we tend to forget that that’s all it should be. Talking to God – about everything. Our good days and achievements, our fears and our worries, our thoughts and hopes for others. Our needs.
The Need for Support in Prayer
We referred to the reading in Exodus 17: 8 – 13 when the people if Isreal were at war with the Amalekites. As long as Moses held up his hands in Prayer, success was theirs. But Moses was only human and so his arms grew weary (I can totally relate because my arms are the laziest part of my body, hence the bingo wings. If I hang them up for 5 seconds, I feel so much pain). There was a way around it though. Moses sat down, while Aaron and Hur helped hold up his arms. It reminds me of the need for a community of helpers and believers. Alone in this walk, we may grow weary. Who do we then turn to?
I’m one of those people that looked forward to getting married because I believed my prayer life will skyrocket. After all there will always be someone beside me and God will be in our midst, because where two are gathered… (Matt 18:20). I believed this because for years, the husband almost always started his day with a reading from the YouVersion Bible App and then he’d email this to me everyday. I thought this could only get better when we got married. Alas, cuddles, early morning conversations and a rush to work do get in the way. But on days I get weak, I know he’s there. Asides our spouses, we must look to our larger community. Our church. Our friends. Are these people you can pray with? Are these people you actually pray with? I recently had a prayer session on Whatsapp with my few of my girlfriends and though we are separated by distances and time zones – it was such a beautiful one. I’m definitely trying to find a few more faith support networks.
Persistence in Prayer
We also referred to the parable of the widow and the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8). Honestly, everytime I hear that story I just think of the need to be more persistent in prayer. I mean if the unjust Judge will give her justice only as a result of her persistence, how much more will God answer our prayers when we ask.
The J.O.Y model of Prayer
It’s from a song “Jesus first, Yourself last and Others in between”. That’s the way I think our prayers should go. Jesus first. We praise Him, we thank Him. We Worship him. Admittedly, many of us skip the O and move to the Y. But let’s retrace our steps. Let’s learn to pray for others. We may often remember to pray for our families and our friends. For our cousins. Our pastors (Heb. 13:18). But how about those who have no ones to pray for them. For the sick. For the dying. For the homeless. For those in war-torn countries. Do we remember to spare them some thought? For our nations and our leaders (1 Tim 2:2)?
I once read an article about why we should stop telling people we’ll pray for them. It easy. Because we often forget. Many times someone says ‘oh I’m trying to get a job’ or perhaps they are ill or depressed. Our response is usually “I’ll pray for you” or “I’ll remember you in my prayers”. But do we really? We often forget. So if possible, let’s take some time at that moment to pray. Right there and then. Either with the person if possible, or on our own. It appears that failing to pray for others may even be a sin.
“As for me, I will certainly not sin against God by ending my prayers for you.”
I don’t need to talk about the Y, You probably remember to pray for yourselves. But if you’re a rare specie of human sticking only to the J and O, please pray for yourself too.
How do you Pray?
Kneeling is probably the most common. Standing up with arms raised may be a close second. Actually, many of us probably fight the urge to say our prayers under the duvet while we battle to wake up. But if we remember that prayer is talking to God, then it should be an activity that we do the whole day! And that’s why I love this verse below.
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.”
It reminds me that in every single thing I can be praying. It’s a model I used to adopt before. If I hated to study sitting up straight for two hours, I’ll make myself do it and say “Lord I offer this 2 hour of proper study (without checking my phone) for all those who are sick / unemployed / hoping for kids”. It’s something I should pick up again – then I’ll see my dish washing as a time of prayer rather than a chore. Another helpful conscious approach of prayer is to pick an activity and choose to say a certain type of prayer every time it happens. For example, every time you shut a door, you say a brief prayer of thanks to God for his mercies / favours till that point. Or you pray for one family member. A good way to deal with distractions in prayer is to pray about whatever is distracting you. If thoughts of your friend creep into your prayer, turn it around and pray for that person.
No one size fits all
There are so many manners of prayer, and the circumstances often determine what mode will employ. Some prayers will involve fasting and tears and high pitched voices. Others may be more mental or soft spoken and calm. In all of this, let’s bear in mind that we are speaking to our Heavenly Father… and there’s no one size fits all. Your sibling may have a different way of speaking to your earthly father than you do. It doesn’t necessarily make one better than the other. Let’s speak to him without boundaries, He wants to know how your shopping went. He wants to know your struggles. He wants to hear you thank Him for your successes.
Finally, let us not limit our prayers to Petitions – to asking. Let us remember to Praise, Worship and Thank Him. And when we ask and he finally grants out desires, let us remember, like the only Samaritan leper, the one out 10 (9 others being Jews) who were healed in Luke 17: 11 – 19, to come back and thank Him again!
I’m definitely making a more conscious effort towards prayer, and I hope you will to!
What are your thoughts? What are your favourite ways to pray?
Love,
Kachee… Xx
pS: I really intended for this to be a short note, hence the title. But I guess that didn’t happen.
ppS: If you’re on the YouVersion bible app, let’s connect. It’s always great and encouraging to see what people are reading!
Omotola Ogunjobi
October 16, 2016 at 16:35Thank you Kachi! This was very insightful and useful. Sometimes, I ask how come you’re so wise.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 17, 2016 at 14:06Awwww. Not even sure I can say I’m wise. Lol! But if you think so, then I definitely thank God.
mide
October 16, 2016 at 18:04This is a great post, definitely opened my eyes to some key things i didn’t know about prayer like the J. O. Y model. I like kneeling/sitting when I want to pray, makes me concentrate more.Welldone Kachee❤Portableisthenewhot.blogspo…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 17, 2016 at 14:07Mide! Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts all the time! Appreciate.
mosimi20
October 16, 2016 at 19:03Awwwwn, I loved this post. I am currently reading the Prayer Plan on YouVersion Bible app.I am going to start praying using the J.O.Y model. Thanks for this post, it was awesome as usual!!!eattechtravel.wordpress.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 17, 2016 at 14:05I feel like I may have read that plan before. I’ll check it out again. So glad it was useful!
Okoro Yvonne
October 16, 2016 at 19:07Thank you for sharing this post Kachee. It made my evening. I love to go on my knees or stand while praying. Sometimes, I pray while walking alone (I mumble the words though). I remember there was a night I laid on the bed to pray and while Praying I slept off. I woke up the next morning and I just laughed. I’m pretty sure God would have smiled and said “See who’s praying😂.As believers, we can’t do without talking to God.www.okoroyvonne.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 16, 2016 at 19:10Hahaha! I’m sure he just laughs at us at that moment in a fatherly way. I’m so glad you liked this post! Have a great week Yvonne! 💗
Oluwatoyosi Bakare
October 16, 2016 at 19:31Thank you for this Kachi…….was talking with someone today and I brought out a book and wrote down what his prayer point and he asked why and my answer was that the book is always with me so seeing it constantly always bring to my remembrance to pray everytime for those things I have penned down.Praying for others as always helped me build a constant prayer life. My praying positions differ though but I try not to lie in bed..that is a straight pass to dreamland.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 20:04“I try not to lie in bed..that is a straight pass to dreamland” — so so true. Ohhhh I like the point of noting it down in a book. That makes so much sense! Something to bear in mind. Thanks for sharing!
Ezinne
October 16, 2016 at 19:38Thank you for this word. It was discussed at church today but this!!! Has given me a clearer picture and has really challenged my prayer life. I’m so blessed
Chykah
October 16, 2016 at 19:39Nice one Kachi. I always enjoy your posts. Keep up the good work 😊. Prayer is sooo important in EVERYTHING that we do. There is always something to pray about especially in the world we live in today. I believe the J.O.Y model is excellent and I use it too.Offering every activity throughout the day as prayer and intentions for various needs, is something I picked up in Imoran (UI). I’ve found it useful over the years because I feel I’m in continuous conversation with God throughout the day 😊. I pray sitting, kneeling, standing, walking, pacing…any opportunity really. I TRY to avoid praying while laying in bed at night because it just ends with sleep! 😃 It’s a daily struggle I must admit, but I keep trying. 😃
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 20:03I picked that up too in UI! Bed + Trying to pray is often = sleep honestly. The struggle. We keep trying. It’s a journey. Thanks for commenting darling!
Abby
October 16, 2016 at 20:03The struggle with dozing when praying under duvets is so so real. 😂This is really a word in season for me. Thanks for sharing!❤️Added you up on Youversion 😁
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 16, 2016 at 20:11We need to overcome! I’m accepting you straight away. Hope you had a great weekend love! Xx
Abby
October 17, 2016 at 15:58Yes I did! Have a blessed week😘
Berry Dakara
October 17, 2016 at 01:07The other day I was chatting with someone, and I was about to say “I’ll keep you in my prayers,” but something said, “Berry you know you’ll forget. Just say a quick word now.” And that’s what I did. It kinda helps to just do that.www.berrydakara.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 17, 2016 at 14:04I totally try to do that as well. A one liner is way better than forgetting totally!
Uju Ayalogu
October 17, 2016 at 01:51I like reading posts about prayer. Most days, if I can manage it, I talk with God through the day. A never ending conversation. While I’m cooking, washing plates, watching TV, reading a book. Other times, when I legitimately don’t have anything to say, I say the Lord’s prayer and praise and worship. Other times I just cry because I’ve never been able to speak in tongues, that’s not my spiritual gift but I trust the verse (Romans 8:26) that my tears are conveying something, anything to God.Nice post. Really.http://insearchofperfecthai…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 20:02Thank you Uju!! I often cry when i’m so into the prayer and I Know God hears.
Ore
October 17, 2016 at 06:16This blessed me so much Kachee! Thanks. It’s reminded me to be more intentional about talking to God throughout my day and glorifying him in everything I do. I’ve been looking for sisters in the faith to connect with so I’ll defo be adding you up on YouVersion.P.s- My apologies for being a ‘silent’ reader. I promise to do better xx
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 17, 2016 at 14:03We all need to be much more intentional! Hahahaha@ silent reader. It’s fine, I understand! But it’s always great to hear your thoughts.
ADAORA NWAJIAKU
October 17, 2016 at 07:11This is so apt and beneficial, thank you Kachi. I learnt firsthand from my mom, that talking to God shouldn’t be so uptight and stiff, and it’s helped me a lot. Sometimes when I pray and say something I don’t mean in a certain way, I laugh, and say “well, God, you know what I mean”. Lol! Praying/talking to God with the mindset that He’s my Daddy, has helped make my prayer times less boring + tasking and helps me speak in earnest. Sometimes, I just half kneel/lay down, speaking through my thoughts or tears. Such a warm feeling. Not forgetting of course, that He’s still the Almighty and should be revered!Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 17, 2016 at 14:02I agree with you – we need to have that mindset and not see it as a task. Thanks for reading Hun!
Phiona K
October 17, 2016 at 08:35Hi Kachee, thanks a lot for sharing. the J.O.Y model is a reminder that it shouldn’t always be about our needs & requests only. Helpful
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 17, 2016 at 14:00You’re welcome Phiona! It def shouldn’t be all about us.
Praise Abu
October 17, 2016 at 09:38Hi KachiVery insightful post, God bless you for sharing. This is a reminder that I need to work on my spiritual life. My Style Look Book Series
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 17, 2016 at 13:59We all need to! God help us and thank you for reading!
Toyosi
October 17, 2016 at 11:36Thanks for this, very beneficial.i use this model, i didn’t even know it was a model lol i just do it that waybeen working on improving my prayer life, and this just came as a reminder. Shared it with some friends and groups too.Thank you 🙂
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 17, 2016 at 13:59You’re so welcome Toyosi! Really glad it was helpful.
Oluwatoceen!
October 17, 2016 at 16:40Love, Love , Love this post! I read it just in time. I say Yes to support groups, I recently have been allowing fear get the better side of me until this morning when I came to my senses like the prodigal child. I immediately sent a whatsapp message to Anita( whom I initially met through your blog Kachi) and she gave me the right support I needed. I am super sure she’s praying for me.I also read about praying right away for your friend at that moment from one of the study plans on youversion Bible App.I need to start praying more often and I love the examples you sighted. I would gladly apply them.Thank you for this post and for hosting that #Becoming2.0 giveaway that made my Neenee win so she could be a blessing to me.Much lovethatinternist.wordpress.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 17, 2016 at 17:05Ah ah Interesting. You all forming friendships without me knowing? Hehehehe. How did you meet? at the conference?We all need to pray more often. And Gold help us all to apply these.
Olaa Bobade
October 17, 2016 at 18:00I love this post so much Kachee. So much truth in it. When I saw the J.O.Y, I actually thought it was the ‘joy’ but I guess reading it out that way doesn’t hurt. Most times when I make a conscious effort to say a word of prayer or two in between, it lasts only for few days. The style of dedicating what we do at various times to others sounds like a perfect idea and I’m really hoping I just don’t stop abruptly. I saw the YouVersion on your instastory once and I actually loved it. Errm, forgive my ignorance but is it available on all devices? LolHave a great week Kachee. P. S : I love your new hair! 6 Life Lessons From My Pancake Fails http://Www.laitanbee.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 20:01Actually I read is liek JOY.. and not like an abbreviation. Like that’s the secret to Happiness. Like I said, I really used to do it before and then I stopped, but trying to pick it all up again. I think Youversion is available on BB, Android and Google Play. It’s pretty common.Thank you re hair!! Hahahaa. It was a quick one.
Tope
October 17, 2016 at 19:04Really need to put these points into actions… what is your name on you version .. couldn’t find kacheetee
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 17:11Hey tope, Not sure if you’ll see this response as you left a comment as a guest, but i’ll send you the details via email.
Bababi
October 17, 2016 at 21:21In addition, do you ever get those moments in the middle of the night when you wake for no reason and find it difficult to sleep?…..maybe that’s God trying to catch a moment with you. I’ve developed the habit of praying whenever that happens to me
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 11:20I do Bababi! (Lol!) And many times when I’m restless or not at peace for some reason, i know I need some alone time with Him.
Sogie
October 18, 2016 at 00:11We should totally connect on you version, i really like the app mainly because of the devotionals and the different bible versions.This post is everything, everything. You are so right, most times when i say i would pray for you i forget.Itsdivadiaries.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 11:19We should. i’ll send you a message on Twitter for your details.
Precious
October 18, 2016 at 00:23I love this post, Kachee!Support in prayer is really important. Nothing like joining your voice with that of another Christian to pray. Thank God for apps that are God-centered. Thanks for sharing dear and I can see how “quick” your note was. LOLPreciousCore.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 11:19Hahahaha. Thank you Presh! And really truly, when I think of apps, I’m grateful for the Bible App – the amazing people that put it together and make it work!
Evita
October 18, 2016 at 10:16I totally enjoyed reading this. Like you rightly said, prayer is actually talking to God. Since I understood this, I pray round the clock. Most times they’re really short prayers and it feels like God is just standing right next to me and listening. One thing I learnt from my mum is praying for those who have nobody to pray for them. I was happy to see that you included that.Thanks for sharing with us Kachi.evitainprogress.blogspot.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 11:21Thank you for reading Evita! God bless. Xx
Lara Oseni
October 18, 2016 at 14:16Reading this with comments and listening to Steve Crown’s ”We wait on you” at the same time just got me teary. I’ve been quite lazy in prayer i pray God help me to see Him as a Father who knows and understands everything.Thanks for sharing.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 19:58I’ll check out the song. Not sure I know it. God help us. Amen! and we need to be intentional about it.
Amakamedia
October 18, 2016 at 15:48Wow. KacheeTee, this is quite insightful. (it wasn’t so “little” after all 😉) “There are so many manners of prayer, and the circumstances often determine what mode will employ.” so true. Prayer is indeed talking to God.Like when I’m walking on the streets and simply enjoying a conversation with God.I Met God
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 20:05HAHAHA. It was intended to be little.Thanks Maks!
Nedoux
October 18, 2016 at 17:08Hi Kachee,How’ve you been?I agree with you, prayer is simply talking to God, he does listen to both the loud and quiet requests. LolI once heard something that I try to abide by, “Let your prayer be more of gratitude than supplication”.Great post!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 19:57Yes yes. more of gratitude than supplication. True! I’ve been great Nedu. Thank you so much.
@ilola
October 19, 2016 at 14:01Wow. Thanks for sharing this. This is very insightful. I pray walking to and fro in a straight line pattern.Journey to Marriage 14 – My own kinda wedding
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 23, 2016 at 09:07You’re welcome! Xx
Annie Ejiofor
October 22, 2016 at 19:08You know the part I love the most? It’s the part of picking an activity and choosing to say a certain type of prayer every time it happens. What a great insight it is! I’ll imbibe that.I love being friends with you on the bible app. In fact, I’ve enjoyed knowing you. We can’t thank God enough that becoming made our paths cross. Can we?A very great post.Love,Anita.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 22, 2016 at 19:11I love you more Anita! And I’m so sure our path crossing was not co-incidental at all! Looking forward to greater times! ❤️
Muna
October 22, 2016 at 22:47first of all, I’m going to download youversion. This post gave me some sort of peace or calmness that I actually forgot it was long. On when to pray, I totally agree, anytime is the best time because it’s just like having a conversation with God. I usually just say prayers in my mind as many times as I can during day and I honestly forget to like kneel in the morning or at night (trying to work towards that as well) but I know I have those mini conversations with God during the day. Oh and I like this J.O.Y model of prayer, sometimes mine is J.Y.O x_x I need to start praying more for others who don’t have anybody to pray for them. Okay my epistle should end here lol! Nice post Kachee! xxIt’s Munastiic
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 28, 2016 at 09:10Hahahaha. Many times we indeed pray using JYO! Thanks a lot Muna, I really like the app and it has lots of devotionals! Let me know when you download it!