When you enter a gym for the first time, it is daunting. There are all these foreign machines and odd contraptions. However, when you learn the function of each machine and become educated on how to use them, suddenly, they become less intimidating. Knowledge is power. When you practice, learn the correct form, and discipline your body, you increase your ability and capacity to lift more weight. What if I told you, prayer functions in the same manner? 

Prayer is a spiritual muscle to be strengthened.

“Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer, throughout each day, offering your faith filled requests to God with overflowing gratitude. Tell Him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:6-7 TPT

Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “Wow, what a prayer warrior!” Warriors are not born, they are made- in repetition of the simple and mundane. It may be daunting to pray bold and audacious prayers right now. But if we start small, our capacity for prayer can increase. Fervency comes with time and consistency. Faithfulness in prayer produces fruitfulness and increases our confidence.

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV

God welcomes us to the throne of grace- boldly and with no hesitation. We have the privilege to approach Him, pouring out our hearts, sharing our deepest sorrows and greatest joys. But God cannot answer us if we do not ask Him. Years ago, I was convicted by this truth. I expected God to rescue me from a situation I never asked Him to deliver me from. I never asked- so how could I expect Him to answer?

If we expect God to show up in the big things, then we need to be willing to submit the small things. We can start with the basics. God, I praise you for… I thank you… I confess… Please help me… Show me… Consistent discipline in prayer builds habits. Habits produce a life saturated in prayer. If we start with the basics, slowly, consistency will help build our capacity. But here’s the key, we need to stick to it. Disciplines and habits can slowly fall to the wayside. We are in training. Our prayer life is preparing us for a greater battle. The battle we may not be currently facing but will someday encounter. If you want prayer be your default in battle, not the last resort, then start small dear one and watch how faithfulness allows God to increase your capacity.

“A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever. For that reason, I don’t just run for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 TPT

Just like exercise, prayer is a discipline of endurance. When we turn to God first instead of last, the small steps produce a lasting endurance in us. If we turn to God in the day-to-day moments, when hardship comes, we will be able to sustain prayerful fervency.

Sis, it is time to increase your spiritual stamina! Start small today and watch God strengthen your muscle of prayer.  

- Kierstin Almstrum, Soul Care + Connections Lead