Repetitive Prayers vs. Creative Prayers

Much of my growing up years took place in Mt. Holly, New Jersey where my parents moved when I was 8 years old so my dad could take a pastor position at First Presbyterian Church. It was here I remember hearing – then saying – the Lord’s Prayer every Sunday. I’m sure there were times when it had lots of meaning for me and there were other times when I said the words without putting a lot of thought to them.

How’s your prayer life lately?

Do you repeat the same thing over and over again when you pray?

Do the words of your prayers mean anything to you or are you simply falling into a pattern of words you’ve said over and over again as you’ve prayed?

I think it can be healthy to say prayers that others have written, and I would even say that sometimes all we have is the pattern of prayers to hold onto as we navigate everyday life.

But I also think we could be more creative in our prayers. For one, we are made in the image of God, and God is the Creator. He is creative; therefore, we are creative.

Perhaps our prayers should be more reflective of the creativity we have inherited.

Here are some ideas to add creativity to your prayers:

1. Pray in a different location than normal. If you normally pray at the kitchen table or the bed, go to a different room or a different place altogether and try praying.
2. Pray out loud. If you are normally a silent prayer, try talking as you pray.
3. Write out your prayers. Writing your prayers can be a great way to express what’s in your heart and to note what you are hearing from God through your prayers.
4. Ask God for more creativity in your prayer life. This may sound silly, but I think God can make you more aware of the words you say to Him.
5. Pray consistently. This may sound like a trap that leads to repetitive prayers, but I think it may actually cause you to be more creative with our prayers. You may have noticed that I have been blogging more consistently the past couple of weeks. Interestingly enough, the return to more consistent blogging has helped me be more creative in my writing.

I’m sure there are other ways to add creativity to your prayers. In fact, I’d love to read your ideas for adding “spice” to your prayers.

Share your ideas for creative prayer in the comments below.