The three Rs
According to author James Clear, in order to create a habit, there are three basic parts. There is a reminder, a response, and a reward. The reminder is the trigger, the response is the action, and the reward is the benefit you gain. If you’re a Christian, you know that having a good prayer routine is very important. However, many of us find it so hard to set aside the time to do it correctly. However, it is actually quite easy to start a daily prayer habit.
An example of its use.
In the three Rs, an example can be taking medication. I have acid reflux and it’s very difficult to sleep at night sometimes because of it. I have medication that helps. I’ve developed a habit of taking the medication as part of my nightly routine. I always brush my teeth before going to bed, regardless of whether I’d brushed them directly after dinner or not. So, I keep the medication near my toothbrush. The reminder is the act of brushing my teeth. It leads to the response of taking the medication directly after. The reward is that I’m not up all night dealing with the effects of acid reflux. Because I already am in the mode of brushing my teeth before bed, I added the medication directly following. Now I do it without even thinking about it.
How can you apply it?
In that same vein, I realized that I was able to develop a prayer time routine without even thinking about it. I pray every night before bed, but I’m often tired and feel as if I sometimes rush through it. I wanted to also pray in the morning when I feel refreshed. So, I decided to start a daily prayer habit of praying every morning as well.
I don’t have a particular routine of waking up. Sometimes I jump right up when the alarm goes off and sometimes I hit the snooze button until I can no longer snooze. So, it was hard for me to get in a decent prayer habit at that time. However, every day, the first thing I do after washing up and getting dressed is make a cup of coffee and come into my office. I decided to make that time my prayer time and made a conscious effort of praying after I sat at my desk. I keep a Bible near the desk as a reminder. Now, it’s become a habit and if I ever start working without praying, I can tell that something is off.
A good routine helps us communicate with God.
Let’s look at a few passages that show how people had a routine in their prayer.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
We’re not being asked to pray constantly without stopping but to pray often. We should make it a habit. It helps up maintain communication with God.
10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.
Daniel 6:10 (ESV)
Daniel prayed three times a day in the same area. This was his custom; he made it a routine. He continued to do so even after he knew it would cause him trouble.
6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6 (ESV)
Jesus is telling them to go into their inner room when they pray. Going to a certain place daily helps you start your habit. It’s just like when I sit at my desk, the first thing I do is pray because I made it part of my routine and I come here every day.
What is your reminder?
For you, it can be in the shower in the morning or during your children’s nap time or even the time before bed. Find a trigger or reminder to help you get started in your routine. If it helps, think of something that you do every day, and use that as your reminder.
What’s the goal or ‘reward’ in this case? Prayer gives us time with the Lord. In my case, it’s my time of thanksgiving, praise, worship, and guidance. I get renewed and refreshed every time I come before the Father.
It’s easy to start a daily prayer habit. Find your reminder, set up your response, and get your reward.