This last spring I read the book How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Greig, founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement.
Maybe you’ve heard of the A.C.T.S. acronym for prayer - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. In his book, Greig offers a new acronym: P.R.A.Y - Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield. Through each chapter Greig goes deeper into the ideas behind these words and how they connect with the Lord’s Prayer. I’ve really enjoyed using this format for my daily prayers.
P - Pause
Breathe deeply in and out a few times, quieting the mind and relinquishing our anxieties or troubles to God. We want our prayers to be a conversation with God, not at God. This is the time to be still for a few minutes and listen, letting God have the first word.
R - Rejoice
This portion is for praising God, not just for what He has done but also for who He is. We can thank God for our families and blessings, and we can thank Him for His holiness and justice.
A - Ask
Now is the time to come to God with our requests. Whether you need to ask on behalf of someone else or for yourself. God is ready to listen, Jesus is ready to intercede, and the Holy Spirit is ready to help you pray.
Y - Yield (or Yes)
Confess any sins and receive God’s forgiveness. Finally, be willing to yield or say “yes” to God. Welcome His love, His plans, and His presence into your day.
What I enjoy most about this format is the beginning portion spent quietly listening and the time spent yielding to God’s will. Of course you can adjust this format to your needs, use a different format, or use none at all! I just have found this one particularly helpful.
Here’s a link to How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People
Pete Greig also has a book called, God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer
I really enjoy 24-7 Prayer’s app called Lectio 365. It has a daily morning and night prayer that you can either listen to or read.
For even more resources you can go to the 24-7 Prayer website.