The key to making your prayer journey successful is establishing prayer and fasting routines that work with your real life. We're creatures of habit, and our goal is to establish healthy spiritual disciplines we can carry with us through our lives.

Your strategy should consist of three things - a time, a spot, and a plan.

What time of day can you realistically commit to prayer? If you have young kids, it might need to be before they wake up or after bedtime. If you work shifts, maybe it's during lunch break or right when you get home. It doesn't matter when it is; just pick the time that's going to be easiest for you to stick to and put it in your calendar right now.

Your prayer times will be way more consistent if you designate a specific spot for them. Maybe it's a certain chair in your living room, your back porch, or even your car during lunch break. Some people use a closet for privacy, others prefer their kitchen table. It doesn't matter what spot you choose; it only matters that you pick one and stick with it.

The best way to have success during your prayer time is to go in with a plan. Don't just wing it—you'll end up staring at the ceiling wondering what to pray about. You can find a Bible Reading plan on The Bible App or browse Bible Studies on Rightnow Media. You can create a free account through Hope, just click the button below. 

Fasting is withholding from something we want so we can set our minds and attention on God. Food is an important part of life, but Scripture is full of invitations to go without it for a period of time to connect with God and be more mindful of our reliance on Him.

Fasting helps us realize how much we depend on God for everything—not just spiritual things, but even our basic needs. When we feel hunger or miss something we've given up, it reminds us to pray and refocus on Jesus.

In this type of fast, you drink only liquids for a set period (maybe one day, or from sunrise to sunset). Drink plenty of water, and add juice or protein shakes as needed for health. This is intense, so start small if you're new to fasting.

This involves skipping certain meals or not eating during specific hours. For example, you might skip breakfast and lunch, eating only dinner. Or you could avoid eating from sunrise to sunset. This is more manageable for people with busy schedules.

Remove certain types of food from your diet. The "Daniel Fast" is popular—you eat only fruits, vegetables, nuts, and drink water. No meat, sweets, bread, or processed foods. This is easier to maintain for longer periods while still being meaningful.

Perfect if you can't fast from food due to health reasons, or if you want to address other areas of dependence in your life.
Fast from:

• Social media, TV, or entertainment
• Coffee, soda, or other beverages you rely on
• Shopping (except necessities)
• Complaining or negative talk
• Technology (beyond what's needed for work)

Whatever you choose, the goal isn't to impress God or others with how "spiritual" you are. It's about creating space in your life to focus on Jesus and remember that He's what you truly need. When you feel the absence of what you've given up, let it remind you to pray.