The Habit of Prayer
Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 16 September 2025
“One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.”
Prayer is one of the most life-giving habits we can ever develop. It is how we draw near to God, share our hearts with Him, and listen for His voice. Yet many of us carry a quiet sense of guilt about our prayer life. We compare ourselves to others, think we are not doing enough, and end up feeling like we are falling short.
But here is the truth: your prayer life does not have to look like anyone else’s. God is a creative God, and He has made you unique. He invites you to pray in ways that suit your personality and your season of life.
In Acts 3:1, we read that Peter and John went up to the temple at the set hour of prayer. The early believers had regular times when they met with God. This kind of discipline is a good starting point for any of us. A daily slot in your schedule, whether morning, midday, or evening, can help you keep prayer a priority.
But regular appointments with God are not meant to be the limit of our prayer life. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray continually.” That means carrying an open line with God throughout your day. It is the habit of talking to Him in the car, while you are walking, as you are cooking, or even in the middle of a meeting. Prayer can be as natural as breathing.
I like to think of it this way: “Pray your way through the day.” Do not wait for the perfect moment to pray. If something worries you, talk to God about it right then. If someone crosses your mind, thank God for them and ask Him to bless them. If you feel anxious, whisper, “Lord, help me.”
When prayer becomes a habit, it stops feeling like a religious duty and starts feeling like a lifeline. You begin to experience the presence of God in the everyday moments, not just in the quiet times, but in the hustle and bustle too.
God wants prayer to be woven into the rhythm of your life. It is not just about bringing your needs to Him; it is about enjoying His presence, trusting His guidance, and staying connected to Him all day long.
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You that I can talk to You anytime and anywhere. Help me to build the habit of prayer so that I stay close to You all day long. Amen.