Life of Prayer

By Terry Wardle

I teach a course at Alliance Theological Seminary called, Person in Prayer. It is designed for men and women going into pastoral ministry, focused upon the need for them to develop a meaningful and vibrant prayer life.

Here is something I know. Two things best develop the life of prayer: desperation and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Yes, prayer is a discipline and as such needs to be a regular spiritual practice. And it is very important that we all learn the basic principles and practices of prayer.

But learning the principles of prayer does not immediately translate into a meaningful prayer life. However facing some tough challenges in life, and, or being filled with the Holy Spirit, will animate a person’s life of prayer. Rather quickly. I know it has mine. Either one of those will bring a person to their knees and quite often keep them there.