We begin to love our prayer life as we begin to love Who we are praying to.
Speaking from personal experience, I feel like it is very easy to get into a rut in my prayer life, and I have a hard time figuring out how to revamp a sense of vitality into it. But it seems increasingly clear, that the problem does not lie with our commitment to pray harder, or be better, or be more resolute to pray—the problem is of the heart.
And the only thing that is powerful enough to permanently, truly change our heart—and not just our behavior—is the gospel. Going back to the gospel and relishing in God’s worth, His love for us, and unconditional acceptance inspires in us a greater love for Him, thus, spurring a desire pray—with authenticity, not compulsion.
Indeed, change truly comes when our affections change. Change does not effectively occur long-term with the addition of agendas, goals, or resolutions. Rather, we become more resolute, the deeper we are in love. Love establishes resolution, and resolution maintains love. This consideration and delight in the Gospel is what ultimately reinforces and encourages an abundant, joyful prayer life.
As with any problem or deprivation in our life, the issue lies deeper than the behavioral exterior. It resides in the heart. And what the law is powerless to do, the Gospel alone changes the heart with renewed affections for God because of who He is and what He has done (Rom 8:3-4a).
Rest in that truth, reside in it, saturate yourself in it daily, and pray according to the overflow of your heart. That’s what God wants to hear anyways. Not memorized lines, or trite, empty platitudes. Submerge into the gospel, that “love that is better than life”, and pray (Ps 63:3).
