A pastor friend of ours recently encouraged a group to practice praying in the moment, rather than saying, "I'll pray for you". Do it then and there. As we talk to one another, we are able to petition our Father. The difference is, talking has limited power. The Lord has unlimited power and says He works through the prayers of His people. It is also, so deeply encouraging to the one for whom and with whom you're praying.
The second discipline is purposeful daily thanksgiving. I lead a Catechism review online, and we're currently studying the section on gratitude. Gratitude is the third element in the paradigm of the Christian life. It is the natural outflow of having understood our guilt and then finding forgiveness of sin, consolation, assurance of pardon, and life everlasting in our generous Savior and Triune God. So, taking the time to think of our daily blessings can help motivate our praise to God, and spur us on to love God and neighbor more and more. The heart and intentional practice of gratitude to God can free us from complaint and bitterness.
