“Pray creatively. Sigh. Shout. Sing. Or try something else.”

A thought by Craig Groeschel from his book, Dare to Drop the Pose (p. 96). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Creativity and variety can make activities more meaningful.  Because doing things the same way can lead to boredom. 

Craig says, “You might try: 

“Writing your prayers. That’s what I do on Mondays. After a hard weekend of preaching, I sit at my computer and talk to God in writing. Some weeks I write a thank-you letter to God. Other weeks it’s more like a complaint letter. Sometimes it’s like an e-mail to a close friend. If you’ve never tried writing your prayers, grab a pen, paper, laptop, iPad, or iPhone and pray away.

“Praying during routine tasks. Praying while commuting to work can make a long drive pleasurable and valuable. (Just don’t close your eyes. Remember, Jesus said, ‘Watch and pray.’) Maybe you can pray while you’re grocery shopping, doing the laundry, or working out at the gym. Turn your common activities into uncommon time with your Father.

“Praying in different places. I’ve got a favorite prayer chair. I also have a special place in my yard that’s holy to me. You may enjoy praying in your office, in your shower, or in your bed before sleeping or after you wake up. You can clean out a closet and make a private altar. Get out of the box and turn an ordinary place into an extraordinary place for God.

“Varying your body’s position. Onetime, pray sitting. Another time, try standing or walking. At times you may enjoy the reverence of kneeling. Sometimes you may be so overwhelmed by the glory and presence of a holy God that you fall face down on the floor.”

He goes on, “I’ll never forget an awesome moment I had with my oldest daughter, Catie. When she was seven, she burst into my home office, beaming with excitement. ‘Daddy! Daddy!’ she shouted. ‘God will tell you He loves you, if you listen closely enough.’

“I didn’t understand, but I respected her passion and enthusiasm, so I asked her to tell me again. Smiling from ear to ear, she repeated herself word-for-word: ‘God will tell you He loves you, if you listen closely enough.’ Then she got very quiet and looked toward the heavens.

“Pause. (Still pausing.)

“Then, glowing, she said slowly and deliberately, ‘See, I told you He would! You just have to listen closely.’ I’ll be honest. I didn’t hear anything at that moment … but I’m convinced that my sweet seven-year-old did.

Craig then says, “God will speak to you, too. If you listen closely enough.”

Maybe trying something different would make a difference?

Yes, yes!