You Must Have a Prayer Life

Chris Rhinehart
Sep 26
3 min read

Prayer is not optional. It is vital. That is why we are commanded to pray without ceasing, because prayer is talking to God about everything all the time. He wants to be part of every detail of our lives. Prayer is how we tell Him what is on our hearts, and it does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it is as simple as, “God, I need help!” or “God, thank You.”

Prayer is the foundation of your journey to wholeness. Wholeness will never be complete or sustained without prayer. Prayer is our first line of offense and defense. It is where we receive our directives and our direction. Proverbs 3:5–6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

When we find ourselves worried and scattered, it is usually because we did not consult God first. He has every answer we need. Philippians 4:6 reminds us: "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.”

Journal Entry

I have learned that prayer is not about perfection but about presence. The times when I prayed simple words like “God, I need You” became the moments where His peace met me the strongest. Prayer does not need to be fancy. It needs to be real.

What I Had to Unlearn

Prayer is not about posture. It is about practice. It is the act of doing it.
Prayer does not have to be long to be powerful. Simple prayers still move the hand of God.
Without prayer, I try to do life in my own strength, and that always leaves me empty.

What Restoration Taught Me

Prayer is my prelude to destiny. It prepares me for what is ahead.
Prayer is communion with God. It puts me in His presence and moves His hand.
Prayer keeps me whole. God cannot fill vessels that are leaking. Prayer restores my brokenness so He can use me.

Restoration Reminders

Prayer aligns me with His will, not the other way around.
Prayer is where peace becomes real. “My peace I give to you, not as the world gives…” (John 14:27).
Prayer is surrender. It is laying down my will so God can mold me into who He has called me to be.

Mirror Moments – Pause and Reflect

Do you treat prayer as preparation or as an afterthought?
What part of your life have you been trying to manage without God?
When was the last time you prayed first instead of worrying first?

Heart Check – Be Honest with Yourself

Are you treating prayer like a ritual instead of a relationship?
Are you only praying when you are in crisis?
Do you believe God really cares about every detail of your life?

Let That Go – Release the Weight

Write down the areas you have been holding back from God — your fears, your disappointments, even your unanswered prayers. Then speak this declaration out loud:

“I declare I will not worry about anything but pray about everything.”

Journal Prompt

Take ten to fifteen minutes and write your prayer raw and unfiltered. Ask God: “What do You want me to bring to You in prayer that I have been carrying on my own?”

Scripture to Meditate On

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.” Philippians 4:6 AMP