January 2020
Here are ten guidelines for effective prayer:
1. Set aside a few minutes every day. Do not say anything; simply practice thinking
about God. This will make your mind spiritually receptive.
2. Then pray orally, using simple, natural words. Tell God everything that is on
your mind. Do not think you must use stereotyped, pious phrases. Talk to God
in your own natural language. He understands.
3. Pray as you go about the business of the day. Utter minute prayers by closing
your eyes to shut out the world and concentrating briefly on God’s presence.
The more you do this every day, the nearer you will feel God’s presence.
4. Do not always ask for something when you pray. Spend most of your prayer
time giving thanks for God Himself and His blessings.
5. Pray with the belief that sincere prayers can reach out and surround your loved
ones with God’s love and protection.
6. Never use negative thoughts in prayer. Only positive thoughts get results.
7. Always express willingness to accept God’s will. Ask for what you want, but
be willing to take what God gives you. It may be better than what you ask for.
8. Practice the attitude of putting everything in God’s hands. Ask for the ability to
do you best and to leave the results to God.
9. Pray for people you do not like or who have mistreated you. Resentment is
guaranteed to short-circuit spiritual power.
10. Make a list of people for whom to pray. The more you pray for others, the
more positive results you will note from your prayers.
about God. This will make your mind spiritually receptive.
2. Then pray orally, using simple, natural words. Tell God everything that is on
your mind. Do not think you must use stereotyped, pious phrases. Talk to God
in your own natural language. He understands.
3. Pray as you go about the business of the day. Utter minute prayers by closing
your eyes to shut out the world and concentrating briefly on God’s presence.
The more you do this every day, the nearer you will feel God’s presence.
4. Do not always ask for something when you pray. Spend most of your prayer
time giving thanks for God Himself and His blessings.
5. Pray with the belief that sincere prayers can reach out and surround your loved
ones with God’s love and protection.
6. Never use negative thoughts in prayer. Only positive thoughts get results.
7. Always express willingness to accept God’s will. Ask for what you want, but
be willing to take what God gives you. It may be better than what you ask for.
8. Practice the attitude of putting everything in God’s hands. Ask for the ability to
do you best and to leave the results to God.
9. Pray for people you do not like or who have mistreated you. Resentment is
guaranteed to short-circuit spiritual power.
10. Make a list of people for whom to pray. The more you pray for others, the
more positive results you will note from your prayers.
