Why Plan a Prayer Time?

Think about how we treat important meetings or deadlines. We put them in our calendars, block out time, and make sure nothing interferes. If we are that intentional about business tasks or social commitments, how much more should we prioritize time with the Lord?

When we don’t set aside specific prayer time, prayer can easily become rushed, distracted, or forgotten. But when we discipline ourselves to plan it, prayer becomes a non-negotiable part of our daily life.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

Even Jesus, the Son of God, planned time to be alone with the Father. If He needed it, how much more do we?

Prayer Time and Intimacy with God

Without prayer, it is impossible to truly know God. Reading the Bible teaches us about Him, but prayer is where relationship deepens. It’s in prayer that:

• We learn to recognize His voice.
• Our hearts are shaped and aligned with His will.
• We experience His peace, even in trials.
• We receive strength to resist temptation.

Believers who neglect prayer often find themselves distant, discouraged, and powerless in their walk with Christ. But those who commit to regular prayer time experience closeness, clarity, and joy.

Prayer Time and God’s Power

Many Christians long to see miracles, signs, and wonders. They want to be used mightily by God. I used to be the same. I believed and genuinely desired for God to use me mightily. I wanted to pray for my sick friends and see them miraculously healed. I wanted to share the gospel and prove that Jesus is real by showing signs. And when I prayed, I genuinely thought I was praying in faith and power. Nothing happened most times. Sometimes randomly, a person got healed, but with time I learned that this was because the Lord wanted to do a work in the other person and not in me. But here’s the truth: there is no power without prayer.

And my prayer life wasn’t so great. Yes, I did pray. My prayers were short for a few minutes and before eating a meal. I also prayed when asked to pray in a group setting. I hid behind the convenient excuse of a busy work schedule and that God sees the heart.

I began to see a noticeable difference in my walk with God and in answers to prayers when over the years, I learned to set aside a daily quiet time for prayer and structured bible study all by myself. I began to love the Lord so much more. I began to see “sin” for what it actually is and began to wage war on my sinful self. I began to realize what living a Christian life really meant.

Friends, God loves you BUT He will not commit Himself and His power to you if you are not fully committed to Him. We cannot have one foot in the world with all our worldly affairs and one foot in Christianity and still expect all the goodness and power of God to flow through us. We HAVE to turn our backs to the world and live our lives fully committed to Him and His Word, if we are to really experience His power in our lives. And that starts with a discipline of personal prayer time and focused Bible Study. There are many Bible Study Plans and Bible Study Apps to help you with this.

Remember, The disciples once failed to cast out a demon. Jesus explained:

“This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.” (Mark 9:29, NKJV) (Some versions include “fasting”). Both are equally important and the emphasis here is not whether fasting is included or not. It speaks more to your level of commitment to follow Christ than anything else. This page is addressing the issue of “prayer time” and that is certainly included in this verse.

God’s power flows through vessels who spend time with Him. Without prayer, dreams of being used mightily remain just that — dreams. But with prayer, God shapes us into instruments He can use.

How to Plan Your Prayer Time

1. Set a specific time – Morning, midday, or night. Choose when you’re most alert and consistent. I usually have my personal prayer time early morning as well as late night before going to bed.
2. Choose a place – A quiet spot free from distractions. It could be a room, a corner, or even a park bench.
3. Start with Scripture – Use a Psalm, a Gospel passage, or a verse of the day to guide your prayer. Use one of the bible study plans from your favorite app if that helps.
4. Follow a pattern – Try ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. Check out how to study the Bible if you need ideas.
5. Be consistent, not perfect – Don’t get discouraged if you miss a day. Pick up again tomorrow.

Prayer time isn’t about rigid rules — it’s about relationship. It’s about meeting your Heavenly Father and hearing His heart for you. When you plan your prayer time and guard it as you would any important appointment, you’ll discover deeper intimacy, greater faith, and renewed strength.

Make prayer time the priority of your life, and watch how God transforms not just your day, but your entire walk with Him.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2)