Comments on: I wanna be like Anne Couch.

By: Stacey

Stacey — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:39:22 +0000

Boy oh boy oh boy! Do I ever struggle with this. Big time. My husband does, too. And we pray every night together, but seem to frequently leave it till we’re just too darn tired. I have so enjoyed reading your blog and especially all about your 2-part plan. I am an American living in Scotland with my Scots husband, and it’s pretty much a spiritual desert up here. I miss the faith communities of the American South. I’m a Florida Girl. Anyway, I found your blog through a series of clicking from the (in)courage website. Love it! Thanks for the blessing!
Stacey

By: Merideth Schoolcraft

Merideth Schoolcraft — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:34:41 +0000

What is the name of the book series by Mark Driscoll you are talking about?

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:50:34 +0000

I like the informative subtitle. It leaves me with anticipation for the plan. Prayer is something I need to work on too!

By: Victoria

Victoria — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:23:46 +0000

Annie, I cannot wait to read the plan…I struggle with being devout in my prayer time too. I struggle with getting to that point of praying instead of rambling. I struggle with keeping focused. Girl, I struggle with prayer. I so need a plan and can’t wait to see what ideas your plan will give me!

ps…lovingkindness, my new favorite word.

By: whimzie@Snoodlings

whimzie@Snoodlings — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:22:47 +0000

I’ve known Jesus for thirty-four years and I still struggle in this area.

I look forward to reading your creatively- and informatively-titled two-part plan.

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:42:12 +0000

I traveled alot last week with work and it gave me the wonderful opportunity to listen to seven of the chapters of Daniel from Miss Beth’s Bible study. One of the things that really strikes me about Daniel himself was his obvious devotion to studying scripture and regular prayer. God esteemed him – that message from Gabriel to Daniel always makes me ponder the kind of man Daniel was. And it has also put my pitiful prayer and Bible study habits in my mind.

I like the ideas of writing them down. I think I’ll try it!

By: Kaylene

Kaylene — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:36:56 +0000

“And yet I look at my life and realize that I talk about prayer more than I pray.”

That is *exactly* what the Lord has been convicting me of lately. And everywhere I turn everyone is talking about the importance of prayer and its like God is saying ‘Forgetting can no longer be your excuse.’

Thanks for this post, another convicting reminder from the Lord.

PS… I’ve been reading your blog since your post over at YLCF. THANK YOU for sharing your heart in writing.

By: lucy d

lucy d — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:05:54 +0000

oh, and also, i forgot to include this above, but in our house we have two small dry-erase boards: one that contains a prayer of the day/ list of people to pray for continually throughout the day; and one that has verse of the day/ scripture that is either pertinent to us or pertinent to someone we’re praying for or pertinent to speaking truth into a circumstance we’re floundering in/ etc. they are visual reminders of where your brain should be periodically throughout the day AND if you need help getting started/ getting organized/ not forgetting stuff/ someone, this is a fool-proof way to start/ continue. i love it and every time i walk into our bedroom or the kitchen or wherever it is (we move it around to shake things up) my mind can return immediately to focusing on prayer. very very helpful and conducive to a busy/ moving/ crazy wonderful life style

By: lucy d

lucy d — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:01:35 +0000

a few tips/ things to consider:
1. try it right after your bible study/ quiet time each day. your mind is already communicating with God.
2. try writing it down/ typing it. i have a “dear God” folder on my Mac. this helps me stay focused and keeps me from list-making during prayer.
3. when tired, just expand the Lord’s prayer (ie: our father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name [then insert names you like to use to identify him] your kingdom come [what you're looking forward to about the kingdom/ people who need to understand/ become a part of the kingdom] your will be done [will for your life/ your obedience to it] on earth as it is in heaven [brokenness of the world vs. his will coming on earth as heaven] give us this day our daily bread [all the provisions you need and all those he's given freely] etc….
4. other brain-stimulating/ wake-up-not-yet-thinking-topics: you can ALWAYS make a list of what your thankful for; praising who he is and how he’s good, incorporate favorite scripture/ turn scripture into personal prayer; make a list of all the promises he’s given you and how it’s worked out; list all the times you thought your plan was better, but his will prevailed anyway, and… ummm blew your mind!; list of all the ways he’s really really showed up and thank him for each.

just a few ideas from a creative writer who LOVES prayer

By: Tonya

Tonya — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:51:12 +0000

I can’t wait to read your prayer plan, annie! I struggle with prayer to. I always mean to do it and then other things get in the way. For me I seem to pray best before I go to bed not when I wake up, my mind just doesn’t work then. have you tried nighttime?