I have trouble sitting still to pray. My mind works better when my body is active. Every morning, I walk for an hour. For about forty-five minutes of that hour, I pray. I like to walk the same route. Otherwise, I would be too busy looking at new scenery to concentrate on praying.

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

I start by focusing on what I know will happen during the day; and I commit those times, events, and people to God. Then I pray for my extended family, the people in my church, and my colleagues. I name each person and commit him or her to God. Then I look around and give thanks for what I see: the birds, the people in the houses I pass, the beauty of the plants, the drama of the weather.

I pray at other times too—quick prayers during the day, prayers of review and thanksgiving at night.

Without this discipline, I easily get distracted. With a routine for prayer, I feel closer to and more comfortable with God.

When and where do God’s people pray? 

Read the following passages to find out!

• Isaiah 56:4–7
• 2 Kings 19:9–19
• Daniel 6:10–17
• Mark 1:35
• Mark 14:22–23
• Mark 14:32–42
• Acts 1:12–14
• Acts 2:42–47
• Acts 10:9
• Acts 10:30–33
• Acts 16:13–15