The Daily Prayer

Today I wanted to revisit prayer, and meaning of the daily prayer. We often get questions about prayer life, so we want to make sure this resource is available for you whenever you need.

What Prayer Is: Aligning Ourselves with God and His Kingdom

Prayer is not merely a ritual or a list of requests—it is, at its heart, the soul’s alignment with the King and His Kingdom. When we pray to the God of the universe, we are acting upon our relationship with God, and in that posture our interior life is synchronised with the life of Him. As Dallas Willard said, the Christian spiritual life is not primarily about doing things for God but being transformed by God; prayer is the pathway into that transformation.

The Call of the Kingdom

Jesus says in the Lords Prayer in Matthew, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” In prayer we invite the Kingdom of God to invade our day, our work, our relationships, and our thoughts. We do not merely ask for things — though that may be part of it — we ask to be joined to God’s agenda. Charles Spurgeon called it "a majesty in paradox: we approach the throne of the great King, and yet He draws near to us." It is the precious tension of humility and boldness: humble in our need, bold in the victory declared in Christ.

Prayer Is Personal, Continuous, and Kingdom-oriented

The apostle Paul urged believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The image is not one of exhaustion, but of constant orientation—like a hacking cough that keeps us aware of what’s happening inside. So too prayer keeps us conscious of what’s happening in our hearts and in God’s realm. We don’t reserve it for Sundays or crises; it is the breath of our souls.

Every day, through every moment, we can say: “Lord, I turn my heart toward You. I acknowledge Your rule. I invite Your Spirit to guide me.” Then, as Jung might say, our “shadow” (the neglected parts of ourselves) comes into light; our will is renewed; our habits begin to line up with our heart.

Why It Matters

1. Restores Relationship: Prayer reminds us we’re not independent. We’re deeply connected to God—Father, Son and Spirit.

2. Renews Purpose: It re-roots our identity in Him and places our lives under the banner of His Kingdom.

3. Transforms Daily Life: Whether we’re consulting in business, engaging family rhythms, playing tennis, or helping in ministry, prayer keeps our work soaked in the presence of God.

4. Prepares for the Battle: As “regeneration ministries” know, we do not only fight flesh and blood, but principalities, powers and spiritual forces (Ephesians 6). Prayer aligns us with the King of the battlefield.

A Daily Prayer Written by John Eldredge

Here is a prayer to help you root your day in Christ’s Kingdom. I encourage you to bookmark the full version and use it every morning. It is also available in the Wild at Heart app.

Daily Prayer – John Eldredge 

My dear Lord Jesus, I come to you now to be restored in you, renewed in you, to receive your life and your love and all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day… 

A Practical Rhythm

• Morning: Begin with a short surrender: “Lord, I give You this day.”

• Midday: Pause, breathe, realign: “Your Kingdom, Your will. What do you need from me.”

• Evening: Reflect and thank: “You were with me; let me be with You in the night.”

Study Questions:

1. How might you integrate a simple “hacking-cough” style prayer rhythm (constant awareness of God’s presence) into your family life?

2. What are the specific idols, habits or hidden parts of your life that need to be brought into this daily prayer alignment with God’s Kingdom?