Are you longing to pray more consistently? As we prepare to enter the new year, Dr. Sri explains how to cultivate the habit of daily prayer so we can deepen our relationship with God.

Shownotes

Scripture References

John 15:5

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Luke 18:38

“And he cried out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’”

Philippians 2:9–10

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”

Tips for Developing the Habit of Daily Prayer

1. Make daily prayer a non-negotiable priority.
If we truly believe Jesus’ words—“without me you can do nothing”—then prayer cannot be optional or squeezed in only when convenient. Daily prayer is foundational to every other goal in our lives.

2. Treat prayer as a relationship, not a task.
Prayer is not about checking a box, following the perfect method, or feeling the right emotions. It’s about showing up to spend time with Jesus, who loves you.

3. Schedule prayer like an appointment.
Good intentions are not enough. Choose a specific time each day and protect it, just as you would any important commitment.

4. Choose a consistent place for prayer.
Ideally, pray before the Blessed Sacrament—but don’t let the ideal prevent the essential. A living room, bedroom, office, car, or airport can all become sacred places if prayer is intentional.

5. Have a simple plan before you begin.
Avoid uncertainty by deciding in advance how you’ll pray:

• The daily Gospel reading
• A short passage of Scripture with reflection
• Silent prayer
• Repeating the holy name of Jesus
• A spiritual book or writing from a saint

6. Learn to listen, not just speak.
Prayer is a dialogue. After sharing your heart with God, make space for silence so His word can sink in and speak to your life.

7. Bring everything to Jesus.
God wants your fears, frustrations, sins, hopes, dreams, and questions—not just polite prayers or quick requests.

8. Let prayer shape every other area of life.
Daily prayer allows Christ to live and act through you, transforming how you love, work, parent, struggle, and grow.

9. Recognize busyness as a spiritual warning sign.
Claiming to be “too busy” for prayer can subtly reveal self-reliance. Prayer is how we acknowledge our need for God.

10. Renew your commitment regularly.
Especially at the beginning of a new year, recommitting to daily prayer sets the direction for deeper conversion and reliance on God.