Ephesians 6:18 reminds us to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." The verse goes on to say that we should be alert and always be praying for all of God's people. Paul gives this reminder about prayer right after the Armor of God section, effectively saying that we should arm up with the weapons God has given us and then go into battle. And we go into battle by praying.
It's not uncommon to get mired in a rut in your prayer life, though. It's easy to pray for the same things repeatedly and forget that we're to pray for all things. Seniors at The Gardens assisted living community in Springfield might consider incorporating some of the things below into their prayer lives if they want to break out of a rut.
Your city. Pray for the people throughout Springfield, for its leadership and for any endeavors the city is undertaking. Prayer that the city can peacefully resolve issues it's facing or that God will lift up wise and compassionate leaders for the people of the city.
Your home town. If you're not from Springfield, you might also feel drawn to pray for another specific city. Pray the same prayers for cities you've lived in before or come to love.
Your neighbors. Pray for specific people in The Gardens assisted living community and the surrounding area. That might include the people in the assisted living apartments surrounding yours, friends from game or card nights or the cashier at a local gas station.
Local churches. Pray that local churches will hear and obey the will of God as they lead congregations to worship him and spread the Gospel of Christ to others.
Local schools. Pray for the safety of students in local schools and for specific worries you might have or hear about, such as drug use, bullying or even test-taking anxiety.
Your own health. Health and wellness are common worries for many seniors. Give these concerns over to God and pray that he will send his spirit to abide in you. Pray both for healing and for the peace that passes understanding so you may face whatever is ahead.
Little moments in the day. Don't be afraid to lift up seemingly small moments throughout your day, especially in thanksgiving. Praise God and thank him for the people at your card table or for a hot meal in the dining room. Pray for the wellness and spunk to get up and get moving in the morning, and thank him for the beautiful day that you're able to walk through.
Prayer doesn't come with a lot of rules. You simply need to be present and talk to God, sharing your life and worries with him and praising and thanking him for any blessings you have.
