20 Ways to Add More Prayer to Your Day

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians that it is God’s will for us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks continually.

This is how we abide in Christ. By spending each day in conversation with our Creator and Savior, we become closer to Him.

But, how can we possibly keep up this conversation with God all day, every day?! So many responsibilities and people vie for our attention daily. We shouldn’t just ignore other people or the work we have to do.

Instead, we need to invite Christ into those responsibilities and relationships. We abide in Christ by being consciously aware of His presence with us throughout the day and speaking with Him at all times.

Praying, rejoicing, and thanksgiving are habits we establish with practice. Get in the prayer habit by making connections with God throughout your day.

Here are 20 ideas to help you develop this habit.

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1. Pray before getting out of bed

Thank God for a new day. Thank Him that His mercies are new every day. Pray that He will guide your steps and interactions throughout the day.

2. Praise God while getting ready

Establish a praise routine for the shower. This is a great time to sing your favorite hymns or worship songs to God.

3. Pray when you eat

Most of us are used to saying grace before dinner, but how many of us thank God before a snack? Make it a habit to thank God every time you grab a granola bar or refill your water bottle. Thank Him for His provision.

4. Pray when you get in the car

Make it a habit to pray every time you get in the car. Pray for safety. Ask Him to guide your conversations with others that you will come in contact with at your destination.

5. Praise God while driving

Thank God for His creation. Let the trees, flowers, and fields you see along the way inspire your praise.

6. Pray before school

Whether you homeschool or send your children off to school, praying with them is a must. Pray that God would clear their minds and prepare them to learn. Pray for their interactions with others. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment.

7. Make a prayer list

Compile a weekly prayer list and set aside time every day to pray through it. On Mondays, you could pray for your church. Tuesdays you could pray for your extended family. Category ideas for a prayer list: your child’s school or homeschool co-op, your community, the nation, the world, you or your spouse’s co-workers. The possibilities are endless.

8. Pray for random people

As you go about your day, pray for random people you see, whether you actually interact with them or not. Pray for the man you see waiting for the bus. Pray for the teenager bagging your groceries. Pray for your neighbor cutting their grass. Pray for their salvation and that they would know God.

9. Set your alarm

Set the alarm or set up reminders on your phone to help you remember to pray. The alarm will interrupt whatever you are doing and remind you to acknowledge God’s presence in your life.

Please check out these other posts in Faith and Family:
What Does It Mean to "Abide in Christ"?
How to Pray for Your Husband
Bible Verses to Pray Over Your Son

10. Confess your sins

Confess your sins as you notice them throughout the day or as the Spirit convicts you. Don’t hold on to them till later. Acknowledge them, confess them, repent of them, and move on.

11. Pray while exercising

No matter if you are walking, running, or lifting weights at the gym, pray while exercising. Since most people exercise alone for an extended period of time, this is a great opportunity to talk to and focus on God.

12. Give your concerns to God

Life throws us curve balls almost daily. It is easy to find ourselves with unexpected concerns… an unexpected bill in the mail, your child’s unexpected argument with a friend, an unexpected stressor at work. Make a habit of immediately handing your concerns to God instead of trying to carry them alone.

13. Pray while cleaning

Chores might be physically demanding, but we clean by muscle memory. There’s not a lot of thinking involved. Like exercise, cleaning is normally done alone for an extended period of time. Another perfect opportunity to spend time with God in prayer and praise.

14. Sing praises while cooking

While preparing dinner, sing along with your Christian playlist. Or use this time to list to God all that you are thankful for. Challenge yourself to spend the entire time doing nothing but listing all of God’s blessings.

15. Pray with your family

Make it a habit to pray as a family every day. Right before bed is a great time. Make it part of your bedtime routine.

16. Pray when you brush your teeth

Make it a habit to pray for your health while brushing your teeth. Thank God for the health you have and pray for your physical weaknesses.

17. Pray with your Christian friends

While hanging out and shooting the breeze with other believers, offer to pray for them. Acknowledge God’s presence in that relationship.

18. Pray through the Bible

While reading your Bible, pray the verses as you read. If you come across a promise of God, thank Him. If you come across a command, ask that God will help you accomplish it. Where you see pronouns, add your name instead and pray the verse.

19. Pray through social media

As you scroll through your Facebook or Instagram feeds, pray for the people posting. If they are posting a happy message about some good news, thank God. If they are posting of a struggle, lift them up to the Lord. Even if they simply post a funny meme, take a moment to pray for them.

20. Pray as you fall asleep

Once all the goodnights are said and all the lights are out, roll over in bed, get comfortable, and close your day with prayer. Thank God for His blessings that day and pray for the next day. Make prayer the last thing you do every day.