Deepen Your Prayer Life
What if the one habit you’re missing is the one that changes everything?
In a noisy world full of stress and distraction, prayer often becomes the first thing we forget and the last thing we return to. But what if it’s the very thing that would anchor you, transform you, and draw you closer to the heart of God?
In Pastor Brandon’s sermon Rooted in Prayer, we were reminded that prayer is not just a spiritual discipline—it’s a way of life. A way to deepen your roots in Christ and grow in daily dependence on Him.
Prayer Still Matters
Prayer is more than a spiritual routine. It’s the lifeline of your relationship with God. Pastor Brandon defines it this way:
“Prayer is simply this: it is communication and communion with God.”
It’s through prayer that we speak to God, yes—but also where we grow in intimacy with Him. It humbles us, recenters us, and invites us to rely not on our strength, but on His.
As Leonard Ravenhill wrote, “Prayer is another way of telling God that we have all confidence in him, but no confidence in our own native powers.”
What the Bible Says About Prayer
Scripture is filled with direct commands and encouragements to make prayer a daily part of life:
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6)
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16)
Pastor Brandon reminds us, “That doesn’t mean the super Christians. It doesn’t mean the saints. It means anyone who is in Christ.” Prayer is not reserved for the spiritual elite. It’s for you.
A Simple Framework: A.C.T.S.
If you're new to prayer or feel stuck, the A.C.T.S. model is a practical starting point for your daily time with God:
Adoration
Begin with praise. Lift up the name of God. Jesus modeled this when He prayed, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9). Try praying His names: “You are Jehovah Jireh, my provider. You are El Roi, the God who sees.”
Confession
Bring your sin into the light. Pastor Brandon shared, “Unconfessed sin is damaging to the soul… If you want to experience root rot in your soul, then let sin linger longer than it’s supposed to.” God meets confession not with shame, but with mercy.
Thanksgiving
Take time to thank God—not just for what you hope He’ll do, but for what He’s already done. Try listing 3–5 things each morning you’re grateful for. This small habit realigns your heart toward trust and worship.
Supplication
This is where we ask. Jesus said, “Ask and you shall receive” (Matthew 7:7).
Whether it’s wisdom, healing, or provision, bring your needs before Him—boldly and consistently.
Prayer Changes Things—And You
Prayer isn’t passive. It’s powerful. There’s no limit to what God can do through it.
As James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Don’t Just Talk About Prayer—Do It
Prayer can’t stay theoretical. It has to become habitual.
As Pastor Brandon put it:
“I have a hard time thinking that Daniel in Babylon, right before he got on his knees to pray, was like, hold up real quick—I need to make sure I tweet that I’m praying for King Nebuchadnezzar.”
Prayer is more than a sentiment. It’s a strategy. And it’s not a substitute for action either. As Saint Augustine reportedly said:
“Pray like it depends on God, work like it depends on you.”
Start Today
Prayer is not about saying the perfect words. It’s about showing up.
As Hebrews 4:16 encourages,
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Start with five minutes. Use the ACTS model. Sit in silence. Lift your needs. Write down your gratitude.
Just start. Because every time you pray, you’re not just speaking into the air.
You have the attention of the One who holds the world.
Watch the full sermon, "Rooted in Prayer," here.
