Many people come to me with this very question, and I understand why. We want to pray, we truly desire God, but life pulls us in so many directions. The heart asks, “How can I make prayer a real part of my day, not just an occasional moment?” Asking this is already a sign that the Holy Spirit is stirring something beautiful within you.
When I think of a lasting prayer routine, I often return to Jesus’ own example. In the Gospels, we see Him slipping away early in the morning or withdrawing in the evening to be alone with the Father. His prayer was simple, steady, and woven into daily life. The Church invites us into the same rhythm—not complicated, not burdensome, but rooted in love. Prayer lasts when it becomes a home for your heart, not a task to perform.
One thing I often tell people is to begin gently. Choose a small, realistic time—five minutes, maybe ten—and treat it as a sacred meeting with God. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for faithfulness. A short passage of Scripture, a whispered “Lord, I’m here,” or simply sitting in silence with Him can be enough. What matters is not the length, but the sincerity. Over time, the desire to linger will grow naturally, because God meets us in those little moments and draws us deeper.
And then, let your routine be flexible enough to breathe. Some days you may pray with joy; other days you may feel dry or tired. That’s normal. What makes a routine last is choosing to show up anyway—trusting that God treasures your presence even when you feel nothing. As this habit settles into your life, you’ll begin to notice that prayer is no longer something you “do,” but a place you live from.
Reflection
May your prayer life become a quiet path where your heart meets His heart each day. And may every small beginning open you to the simplicity and peace of God’s love.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way.