In such a busy and chaotic culture, it is so hard to find space and time to make prayer a daily, moment by moment habit. In the craziness we call life, so much is calling for our attention and effort. Honestly, even during my Bible study, it can be hard to talk to God, for so many reasons.

Prayer is a hard thing to wrap our heads around, a hard thing to do, and a hard thing to make a habit.

I have struggled with prayer for as long as I can remember. Some days, I'm praying all day long, asking God to guide me and thanking Him for all He's done for me. But most days, I'm so distracted that I barely think about God. Most days, I'm so busy that it doesn't feel like I have any brain space to set aside for prayer.

But, sweet girl, please, please, please do not give up on prayer just because it feels hard. Please do not give up on prayer because you're struggling to hear from God. Trust me when I tell you that it is worth the struggle and that you are not alone. Keep praying, because God does hear you and He cares more than you'll ever know. I know it's hard, and I can't fix it for you, but I truly hope that these 3 simple tips will help you with your prayer life.

1. Set up reminders

We all have our phones constantly with us, so why not use it productively? Especially during the school year, keeping prayer at the forefront is a big challenge, so I set up reminders on my phone and make cute sticky notes to help encourage me to keep praying. It doesn't take much effort, and it's enough to gently prompt me to thank God or lay down something that's on my heart. Now, I have specific encouragements for when I go into class, work on a homework assignment, or take a test.

When I make my sticky notes, I love to write Bible verses on them or specific encouragements that are speaking to me at the time. These are meant to be personalized and not necessarily aesthetic, so make them what is meaningful for you. But, here are a few examples of reminders I've made for myself:

• "The joy of the Lord is my strength" - Nehemiah 8:10

• "Breathe, love others, and keep praying"

• "Hand it over to God"

• "You are the light of the world" - Matthew 5:14

• "Remain in the Word and on your knees"

I've also written on sticky notes an overview of important notes from my Bible study the night before so that I can continually refresh my mind with Scripture and really let it soak in.

You can put sticky notes wherever you will see them, such as mirrors, computer screens, desks, or lockers. You could also create a cute lock screen that cues you to pray, or set up hourly reminders on your phone that say "thank God for 3 things!" or "pray about something on your heart".

2. Get a prayer planner

This might just be my favorite method to keep me accountable with prayer. It simplifies praying so it doesn't feel like such a big feat. As you can see in the example above, I wrote down a few names/situations under each day that I would pray over. And how you pray over those few people/situations can vary as well. I often journal my prayers, but you can pray silently or out loud.

I also use my prayer planner as a gratitude journal. Beside each day, I draw a little box that I fill with things I'm thankful for. And, sometimes, I jot down a goal or challenge I have for myself above each day on the planner. This has been such a good practice for me, because not only does it help me keep praying for people and circumstances in my life, it also challenges me to stay grateful and intentional.

And: if you are one who tends to forget about prayer requests that you committed to praying for, this is perfect for you! This will help you stay intentional and "plan your prayers", so you won't forget. If you struggle with motivation to keep up with your prayers, then set mini rewards at the end of the week (like a special treat or event).

3. Find accountability partners

Image 1: One of my best friends, Madi, and I keep each other accountable daily! I encourage Madi to do her Bible study every day, and she reminds me to keep trusting God, especially when I'm anxious or overthinking. Image 2: Madi and I also love when we can each other accountable by going to youth group together and worshipping! Image 3: My boyfriend and I often pray together over text, and not only does that bring us closer together, it keeps us accountable!

Sometimes, the above two methods are enough to keep me praying and motivated on my own. But in some seasons of life, we can't do it on our own. Maybe you've already tried so hard, or these tips aren't speaking to you. If so, that's okay. If that's you, I challenge you to find at least one friend who can help encourage you on your prayer journey. Maybe you guys can pray together over text every morning, or check up on how the prayer journaling is working for you. Take each other to youth group or plan a monthly Bible study together. Whatever it is, support each other. That's what the church is supposed to do!

Prayer can be hard. Consistently praying can be even harder. But please remember that you are not alone in the struggle! Maybe you can try setting up reminders, creating a prayer planner, or finding accountability partners. Whatever works for you, please don't stop praying.

Comment below any prayer requests you have, and we can lift each other up together. :)