Clear the Way: Simple Steps to Open Up Your Prayer Life

My wife and I bought our first home in an old neighborhood in Everett, WA. The house was a charming little place the owner had occupied since WWII, but as lovely as it was, it needed a lot of work. One of the biggest obstacles was that getting to the home's backyard was seemingly impossible without going through the house. A massive vine blocked the path between the front and back yard.

One day, I decided that the vine had to go. As I started pruning away the long branches, I discovered a gate. Under all this overgrown mess was a way to access the backyard. I pruned back the mess and reset the gate; now what stood was a beautiful doorway in place of mass chaos.

This is a powerful picture of prayer in our lives. Each of us has access to God’s presence through prayer, but many times, the demands of life create overgrowth that blocks our path to him. The path is still there of course, but overgrown.

Good news? Cultivating a prayer life helps clear the path and opens us up to a deeper connection with the peace and power of His presence. BUT: it takes some pruning.

This Week’s Focus: From Overgrown to Open

Just like that overgrown gate, our access to God is never truly gone—but it can feel blocked when we don’t actively cultivate it. Here are a few powerful ways to clear the path and cultivate a deeper prayer life:

1) Respond to God’s Invitation

Prayer is not about getting God’s attention; it’s a response to the God who has already called out to us. Scripture reminds us that Jesus is the Word given to us, and our prayers are the “second word”—an answering response. Begin your prayers by reflecting on the fact that God has already reached out in love, inviting you to connect.

2) Invite the Holy Spirit to Lead You

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit our Advocate, sent to help and guide us in prayer. If you ever feel unsure of what to say, remember that the Spirit intercedes even in our silence and groans. Take comfort knowing that the Spirit is actively involved in your prayer life, guiding and aligning your prayers with God’s will.

3) Pray in the Name of Jesus

Praying in Jesus’ name is a reminder that our connection with God is made possible through Him. His name carries power and authority. As you pray, remember that Jesus stands at the right hand of God, interceding on your behalf. There’s no prayer too small to bring to God in Jesus’ name.

4) Pray the Word of God

Scripture can help us find words when we feel lost in prayer. Try praying through the Psalms or another passage of scripture. Start with Psalm 23, praying each verse as a conversation with God. Scripture-based prayer draws you closer to His heart and grounds you in His truth.

Action Step: Begin Clearing the Way

5 Minutes of focused prayer.

This week, set aside just five minutes each day to practice one of these approaches to prayer. Over time, you’ll begin to notice that the “vines” that clutter your mind and spirit are starting to clear, making room for God’s presence to enter.

Share the Journey:

If you found this practice helpful, why not share it with a friend or family member who would enjoy it? Just forward them this email and invite them to join us on this journey. They can subscribe here: growgreaterfaith.com.

P.S. Next week, we’ll continue exploring practical ways to strengthen your prayer life and deepen your walk with God. Don’t miss it!

Blessings,

Joshua Weisbrod

Grow Greater Faith