1. Some prayer time needs to be private. “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone...” Matthew 14:23 A. There are times we pray corporately and publicly but Jesus often is found praying in solitude.
2. It is helpful to have a pattern. “This, then, is how you should pray...” Matthew 6:9 A. A.C.T.S, Adoration (acknowledging, praising God), Confession (confessing need of God & repentance) , Thanksgiving (for what God has done and doing) , Supplication (to humbly plead) B. It is helpful to have some pattern or system of prayer. The Lord’s prayer is Jesus’ example.
3. Don't forget to be persistent. “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives…” Colossians1:9 A. In our microwave quick society we tend to give up on our prayers. Jesus taught the value of persistence in the parable of the persistent widow and the friend at midnight.
4. Don’t forget to bring paper and pen. “My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.” Psalm 62 A. In our rush often we forget to wait after prayer to listen to God. With pen and paper near by you can record what God is saying to you.