Prayer is a help. It is our connection to the great Helper! Prayer is our lifeline to Heaven and the only way to live victoriously on earth. Yet, as surely as I know that prayer helps, it seems that many days I need help to pray!

My problem is not that I don’t believe in prayer. Belief does not always behave as it should. I cry out with the disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk. 11:1).

If this describes your prayer life may I suggest three simple ideas…an AID to your prayer life.

• A – Adopt a prayer verse.

There is power in the Word of God! One verse of Scripture can be used to motivate prayer and increase faith. Claim a great prayer verse from the Bible. Memorize it and meditate on it daily. Quote it to yourself and pray it back to the Lord.

You may want to put the verse it in some prominent place where you will see it frequently. For years my verse has been, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jer. 33:3). Have you ever pondered how much you do not know? And how much HE does know? God says if we will ask He will let us in on that which we do not know! That excites me and encourages me to pray.

Another good practice is to choose a verse for the day to motivate and guide your prayers. Take a look at this example for 30 days of prayer. However you do it, the Word and prayer must always be connected.

• I – Identify a prayer partner.

How wonderful it is to pray with another believer! If you are married, begin with your spouse. It is also good for men to have another godly man they can pray with, and women to have another godly woman. Share burdens and encouragement.

A prayer partner will provide agreement in prayer and increase accountability each day. If you do not see your prayer partner a brief phone call or text may serve as your means of communication. Prayer is deeply personal but it can be a great blessing to partner with another believer in prayer.

“A word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Prov. 15:23) An encouraging word from a fellow pray-er can be a timely challenge and comfort. Meditate on a few of these prayer quotes.

• D – Develop a prayer list.

A prayer list should never become “vain repetition” of names and needs. Instead, it should serve as a reminder, a prayer prompter, each day. While there are some individuals and requests that you may pray for every day, it may be helpful to have a different prayer list for each day of the week. Concentrate on some various prayer emphasis on Monday, another on Tuesday, etc.

Click here for a plan that I have used in my own prayer life. How thrilling it is to see specific prayers on your prayer list as they are answered. This will stir you to keep praying and to pray for much more.

Remember that the greatest aid we have in prayer is the aid of the Holy Spirit! He is praying for you and in you (Rom. 8:26-27). He will guide your prayers if you will depend upon Him. Use every aid at your disposal but rest on the divine aid as you pray.

Are you tempted to quit praying? This is the time to push the spiritual reset button and pray more intensely! “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Lk. 18:1).

My friend, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).