When God tells us to pray continually (1 Thess 5:17), He wants us to know we could converse with Him wherever and whenever. Such is His desire - to hear from us, and that we hear from Him. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" - James 4:8.

But how do we go about this? Starting out in disciplined prayer is always tough. But if you persist, you will certainly enjoy it. Use the acronym ACTS (Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication) to help you. And while there is no fixed way to approach your F.I.R.E. day, any of these might help you:

• Prayer Retreat – If you are willing and able, why not plan an entire prayer day alone with God? Apply what you learn from any good book on prayer in 2010 (e.g. Joyce Huggett’s “Listening to God”, Bill Hybel’s “Too Busy Not to Pray”, Esther Wong’s “Praying Through the Scriptures”, Dutch Sheet’s “Intercessory Prayer”.)
• Early Bird – wake up 30 minutes or an hour before your usual time (yup, set the clock!) for a more relaxed time spent with God.
• Lunch Time Special – Opt to have lunch alone. Pack a lunch or go somewhere for a quick bite before you pray. You may alternatively be able to skip lunch (eat a good breakfast) for a lunch fast & pray.
• Evening Delight – Turn off that TV, log-off from email or Facebook. Stop tweetering or sms-ing. Grab a beverage. Go to your favourite chair. As you wind down, tune in to Him.
• Exercise Station – as you walk, jog, swim, golf(?) – be aware of His presence as you speak with Him.
• Transit Prayer – pray as you drive, or commute by bus or train.
• Write it, type it or text it – for many, journaling, in whatever form, helps crystallise prayer. Best of all, you can look back in wonder and celebrate how He has answered.
• Timely Reminder – decide now to set it in your phone, blackberry or pda to prompt you to pray. Choose a time or times for your chosen date. Key in “FIRE” not just for that date in Feb, but set it now for every month in 2010. When the alarm sounds, pray for the next 10, 20 or 30 mins!
• Group Therapy – if you have teamed up with others or someone, make a pack when and how you wish to pray. Pray over the phone. Pray with family members.