A good friend of mine, Pastor Jerry Dirmann, recently said, "If you change your prayer life, you'll change your life."

Prayer is a fundamental, but often under-utilized, difference maker in a believer's life. Not only is Prayer a privilege, it is our responsibility. Prayer invites and permits God's will to be done here "on earth as it is in heaven."

Peter admonished believers with these words:

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Here are some simple, but essential principles of prayer:

• Pray out loud! I'm not sure why so many believers default to silence or "praying in my heart". While there may be a few occasions when an out-loud prayer may not be conducive, prayer is a verbal activity. God designed our words to be a creative force, and it is our words in prayer that release God's power. Death and life are not in the power of the mind, but in the power of the tongue! (Proverbs 18:21)

• Pray the Word! If our words are so powerful, then we need to be sure we are praying the right words. God's Word helps us pray His will. Find God's promises and principles that apply to your situation and use those Scriptures as a template for your prayers. His Word is the "sword of the Spirit" – our weapon of spiritual warfare! (Ephesians 6:17)

• Pray in the Spirit! Although Scripture helps us target our prayers, it is the Holy Spirit that brings those prayers into razor sharp focus. There are many times when we don't know exactly how to pray, or what the answers are, but the Holy Spirit helps us by praying with us, and through us (Romans 8:26). Prayer "in the Spirit" is a powerful gift available to all believers and will transform your prayer life. My recent series, Empowered, will provide biblical understanding and build your faith to receive God's promises in this area of your life.

• Pray without ceasing! This phrase, spoken by the Apostle Paul in 1 Thes. 5:17, simply means that we are to always be engaged in prayer, praying about everything, leaving nothing uncovered. We keep praying until we see breakthrough. We never give up!

Take a 10 day challenge. Set a reminder on your phone to pause three times each day for ten days. Take time to actually pause and give specific focus to prayer – even if for only five minutes. I expect that you will experience the presence and power of God like never before.

If you change your prayer life, you'll change your life!