Don’t treat prayer like an oil change. Prayer is so much more than that.

“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it… In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 14:13-14 and John 16:23)

“It’s been good talking with you. I know You heard me. And by the way…in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Whether the prayer has been a simple conversation with God or was poured out from a breaking heart, how often we hurriedly tack on four words that we presume necessary to make it a “proper prayer”. It’s as if we believe that God must hear us now because we have finished the formula.

In Jesus’ agonizing time in the Garden of Gethsemane, His words were simple, a cry of His heart to a Father He knew loved Him and heard His voice. During heartbreaking, confusing times like those, formulas are useless because they involve only the mind. When hearts are breaking and minds slog through muddiness, words are from the heart, real, desperate and loaded with emotion.

“In Jesus’ name” is not a formula. Praying in His name means praying with Jesus’ authority and asking God the Father to act upon our prayers—in His time and way—because we come in the name of His Son. When we pray in His name, we are praying His will, as if in His stead, much like when we act on behalf of a loved one in a power of attorney situation. We are praying just as Jesus would.

Dr. Mark Roberts says that when he was young, praying “in Jesus’ name” was something like a magic formula, ensuring that God would hear his prayers. He goes on to say that it might be good not to use the words unless—or until—we have given serious thought to what we are praying: does our prayer in some way lie within the realm of God’s will? And for clearer understanding of that will, we must spend concentrated time in discovering the glorious God of the Bible and in careful listening to His Spirit. “In Jesus’ name” then becomes a powerful statement of faith.

Question: How does praying the way Jesus prayed affect your prayer life?

Please open your Bible and read: Ephesians 1:11-16

Ever wonder why the disciples asked the Lord to teach them to pray? Perhaps they recognized that His prayers were on a different level than the ones they usually heard. The apostle Paul had rich communion with God through a strong and effective devotional life. Two characteristics that distinguished his prayers are an active awareness of God and an ability to rejoice in others’ spiritual growth.

Paul was aware of the Lord’s presence and work, and he acknowledged both often. To the believers at Philippi, he described God as the One who would complete the beneficial work He began in them. (Philippians 1:6) To the Ephesians, he spoke of God as the One “who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Many of Paul’s prayers were prompted by the spiritual growth and health of the churches. Delighted to hear of the Ephesians’ growing faith and the Colossians’ love for others, he responded by praising God. (Colossians 1:3-4) The Philippians’ partnership in the Gospel caused him to pray with joy. (Philippians 1:4-5) The Thessalonians’ work and steadfast hope gave him even more reasons for prayer. (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

Intimate knowledge of God and love for the churches fueled Paul’s devotional life. Are you longing for something more in your times of prayer? Follow Paul’s example and spend time meditating about who God is, what He has done, and the spiritual growth He has brought forth in your church. Then, lift up specific praises to Him for these things.

Question: Are you longing for something more in your times of prayer?

About the Author: Charles Stanley

“Fill ‘er up.”

“Yes, sir.”

As a high school student, my first job was a mystifying experience. I was officially a gas emissions technician, but you would recognize me as the guy walking up to your car to fill your gas tank.  If you were really nice, I might have even washed your windows.

“Hey, can you check the fluids?” What a question.

That’s like asking a zookeeper to make you a deluxe pulled-pork sandwich (go heavy on the barbecue sauce, please). The extent of my automotive prowess extended to gasoline and windshield wipers, but I never let that hinder me from going further. That never stopped me from trying to learn more.

With your car.

The helpful secret of automotive engineering is that there are only three or four openings into which one can pour fluids. With faith invested in me as a gas emissions technician, I would pick one of those openings and pour in a can or two of engine oil/windshield wiper fluid/transmission gunk. And then happily fill your gas tank and, perhaps, wash your window.  Nobody ever came back with a greasy windshield.

I was savvy enough to know that oil was important to an engine. I just didn’t know where to put it.

Praying through the seventh inning stretch

I often approach prayer in much the same manner. I know prayer is important. I know that if there isn’t much heart behind my words, or if I’m not praying at all, then my spirit seems to jam up. My relationship with Christ struggles. The difficulty comes in knowing where to “put” prayer within the continuum of my day.

Looking around our culture, the most heartfelt prayers I have publicly witnessed seem to occur during the World Series. Fans, usually dressed in their team’s jerseys, plead with God to give their team the victory. They pray into their baseball gloves in agony and tears, as though somehow God will hear better through the telephone line of broken-in genuine leather.

Stumbling around the unsearchable

In Jeremiah 33:3, God encourages us to call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Really?

I look through the Old Testament, and I see that prayer is a big deal. People cry out to God.

I often stumble over this phrase – crying out to God. It makes me feel guilty or somehow less-than-adequate when it comes to prayer. I watch as other people are able to manufacture tears when they pray, or pray in wonderfully spiritually-moving paragraphs of unbelievable depth. (It helps if they have a deep voice too!) I see great people around me praying throughout the day, or starting and ending their day with prayer, or devoting significantly important portions of their day to prayer.

Meanwhile, in my world, I default to sludging through my telemarketed prayer life. I do my part, say the words, and then end the conversation. (With my kids, I confess that often the ‘amen’ is the most exciting part because we sing it at various pitches and decibel levels). There have been moments of meaningful engagement in prayer — but they are rare enough that they have become highlights in my prayer life. So how do we achieve a deeper prayer life? How does the guy sitting next to me in prayer meeting do it?

Fishing for the shore

Unlike oil, there’s no perfect formula in putting prayer together. Prayer, in its truest form, is not about stringing together perfect phrases, or praying during a certain time (although that can be helpful to make it consistent). Prayer is about conversation with the One who knows your life more intimately than you do. Prayer allows me to tap in to a Spirit who is loving, all-knowing, all-powerful. As one theologian wrote, “Prayer is surrender to the will of God and cooperation with that will. When I throw out a fishing line from a boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to His.”

Perhaps that’s just it. I’ve approached prayer as a merit badge, similar to how boy scouts earn fire-making badges. Maybe the time that prayer demands is something I need to let go of in my own life. Not that I achieve 12 hour prayer sessions, or only pray with words that have more than ten letters in them, but I need to simplify my approach to prayer.

Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to His.

Perhaps I need to grow up, allowing my faith to grow into a Christianity that extends beyond my demand for time. My one-sided appeal needs to stretch to listening for the sound of the shore.

Over the years, I’ve found a few insights that have abundantly helped to deepen my own prayer life. (Please note, these tips don’t include a list of words that will make you more eloquent.)

> Don’t feel guilty for missing a prayer time. Take a deep breath. When you miss a prayer time, the double-edge of guilt will appear. “Not only did I not pray today, but I also missed my prayer time!” How many times have we beaten ourselves up over this? Don’t let guilt become your motivator (or discourager) to pray!

> Don’t restrict prayer to a specific time. Yes, scheduling events into our life does help with consistency, but allow your prayer times to happen throughout the day. Begin by saying “thanks” when you’re walking through the park or looking at a great piece of artwork. Saying thanks doesn’t necessarily mean a ten minute prayer…it’s just one word. It’s a great way to keep a conversation going!

> Don’t restrict prayer to words. When we’re walking with God, often words are not enough. When you’re in a meaningful moment, let your spirit bask in the wonder. Let your heart cry out to God a spirit of thankfulness.

So I continue to walk each day, hoping to learn how to pray a little less eloquently. I hope for a little more conversation, and a little less monologue. I glance the shore and see that it is a little closer today than it was last week.

For further information and helpful tips in deepening your own prayer life, read Gregory Koukl’s 10 Tips to Help Your Prayer Life.

If you’d like prayer, we would love the opportunity to pray for you. Talk with a prayer mentor today.

Connie began to understand the idea of putting on the armor of God.  It changed the way she began her day.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand…

• “Stand firm then with the Belt of Truth buckled around your waist, (Lord, please give me understanding of what is true and right in every situation I walk into today)

• “With the Breastplate of Righteousness in place, (Lord, I thank You that I am loved by you and that you have washed my sin away and covered my doubt)

• “And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace. (Lord, remind me today to be open to what You want me to do, use my hands and feet and show me people you would have me do something for today)

• “In addition to all this, take up the Shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Lord, I thank you that by faith in Your power I can be protected from temptation and wrong desires today.  Guide me and protect me.  Keep me from temptation and increase my faith in You)

• “Take up the Helmet of Salvation (Lord, I celebrate the fact that I am Your child!)

• “and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Lord, give me the desire to read your Word.  Help me not to just read it but to obey it as well.)

• “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Lord, guide my day and gently remind me to bring my problems of the day to You as they arise)

• “With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Lord, keep me alert and focused on You today for You are my hope!)

(Ephesians 6:10-18)

Here are some topics that you may wish to include in your prayer time.

Suggestions:

• That God would lead and direct your prayer time.

• That you would be able to experience His presence during your prayer time.

• That God would anoint your life for His purposes.

• That His presence would move greatly in your church services and touch lives.

• That He would lead, and give wisdom to your children who are raising your grandchildren.

• That He would protect, and direct your children and grandchildren’s lives.

• That your children’s marriages would be blessed, that they would be in unity, and that God’s love would pour through them for each other.

• That there would be unity in the church (yours and the church at large). “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

• That unsaved loved ones and friends would come to know the Lord, that the scales would fall from their eyes and that they would see the truth. “Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,” (Acts 9:18)

• That He would give you a heart for His ways.

• That He would give you direction in the way that He would have you go. “in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

• That He would be your strength, and your wisdom. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” (Psalm 28:7)

• That He would give you opportunities to share His Gospel with others.

• That He would show you where you should be ministering in your local church.

• That He would allow you to be a blessing to those around you. “And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:10)

• That He would mould your character into the likeness of Him. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)

• That your heart would break over the things that break His heart.

• That He would teach you how to pray and interceed for those situations that break His heart.

“One of the most subtle burdens God ever puts on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning other souls.  He reveals things in order that we may take the burden of these souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them.  It is not that we bring God into touch with our minds, but that we rouse ourselves until God is able to convey His mind to us about the one for whom we intercede.” Oswald Chambers – Quote from his book ‘Prayer – A Holy Occupation’

Introduction

At the mention of prayer, many times people are bored with pious-sounding clichés or put under a tremendous load of guilt.

I trust in our time together prayer will be a joyful liberating experience and if you have not already experience it – your time in prayer will become so refreshing and enjoyed.

Our goal

To learn to be more effective in prayer and to gain a greater commitment to personal and corporate prayer.  (Church, in groups)

Prayer is the greatest privilege

A. Access to the throne

1. Share in the ministry of Christ
2. Most powerful resource for change
3. The first and only thing that will work is the last thing we try

B. To many, however, prayer is boring

1. Eyes go half mast
2. A chore
3. Done only out of obligation
4. “Drowsy Prayer” a ritual to be rushed and ended

C. For prayer to be meaningful we must look at prayer as a means to a relationship

1. Speaking to out Heavenly Father
2. Developing a friendship with God
3. Getting to know the way He works in the lives of men
4. Getting to know His character, His precepts
5. Spending time with Him, letting Him speak to you

Prayer patterns to employ

1. Pray in modern language, in six words or less
   • “Thank You” for one thing, e.g. The Lord Jesus, The beautiful day, etc.
   • “Thank You” for something which has happened in your life in the past 24 hours “Please help….” (Yourself or someone else)
   • Ask for one thing for yourself Thank God for how He will meet those desires and requests
2. Choose a Psalm (Psalm 145-150:103) or another passage of praise scripture to pray back to God
3. Choose a specific scripture related to a particular need
   1. Salvation
   2. Illness
   3. Areas of influence
      ·  Government
      ·  The home and family
      ·  The church
      ·  News and educational media
      ·  Entertainment media
      ·  Education
      ·  Judicial system
      ·  Business and commerce
      ·  Medical services
4. Talk to God as your best friend
   1. Philippians 4:5 – The King James version says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The Amplified Bible expounds, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known to God, and God’s peace (be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
   2. Fenelon quote:
      Tell God all that is in your heart
      As one unloads one’s heart, its pleasures
      And its pains, to a dear friend.
      Tell Him your troubles, that He may comfort you:
      Tell Him your joys that He may sober them;
      Tell Him your longings, that He may purify them;
      Talk to Him of your temptations that He may shield you from them;
      Show Him the wounds of your heart, that He may heal them.
      Lay bare your indifference to good,
      Your depraved tastes for evil, your instability,
      Tell Him how self-love makes you unjust to others,
      How vanity tempts you to be insincere,
      How pride disguises you to your self and others.
      If you thus pour out all of your weaknesses, needs, troubles,
      There will be no lack of what to say,
      You will never exhaust the subject,
      It is continually being renewed,
      People who have no secrets from each other
      Never want for subjects of conversation,
      They do not weigh their words,
      For there is nothing to be held back;
      Neither do they seek for something to say,
      They talk out of the abundance of the heart,
      Without consideration they say
      Just what they think.
      Blessed are they who attain such
      A familiar, unreserved relationship
      With God.
5. Prayer requires creativity and concentration
   • Talking to someone you can not see
   • Listening to a voice not audible
   • Can be work and exhausting unless creative, inspirational and productive.
   • Training is helpful – 80 year old after training said, “One hour goes zipping by.”
6. Paul’s pattern of prayer
   1. Colossians 4:2-4 “Devote yourselves to prayer keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open the door for the Word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.”
   2. This passage is obviously related to evangelism
      • It may be to pray for an open door
      • It may be to pray for boldness
      • It may be to pray for an open heart of the non-believer
      • may be to control circumstances
   3. Ephesians 6:18-20 (Put on the whole armour of God) “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chain; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
      • Pray
      • Be alert
      • Be bold
7. Elements of prayer
   1. Adoration – Recognize God’s attributes, His nature
   2. Waiting – Develop a holy stillness in God’s presence
   3. Confession – “Temple cleansing time”
   4. Scripture – Word enriched prayer
   5. Watching – Develop a holy alertness
   6. Intercession – Praying for others
   7. Petition – Personal needs
   8. Thanksgiving – Blessings and trials
   9. Singing – Worship in song
   10. Meditation – mentally evaluate or ponder spiritual themes
   11. Listen – Receive spiritual instruction
   12. Praise – Begin and end with worshipping God·  5 Minutes on each point ·
8. Pray the names of God
   1. Jehovah-Jireh: God, Our provider – Gen 22:14
   2. Jehovah-Rohpe: God, Our healer – Ex 15:26
   3. Jehovah-Nissi: God, Our banner of victory – Ex 17:15
   4. Jehovah-M’kaddesh: God, Our sanctification – Num 20:7
   5. Jehovah-Shalom: God, Our peace – Judges 6:24
   6. Jehovah-Rohi: God, Our righteousness – Jer 23:6
   7. Jehovah-Shammah: God, The ever-present one – Ezek 48:35
9. A Prayer diary
10. Prayer litany – Read Psalm 136

“…but the people who know their God will display strength and take action” (Daniel 11:32).

One of the greatest needs in the Christian community is for Christians to discover and experience the privilege and power of effective prayer. Dr. Bill Bright writes, “History records no significant movement of the Spirit of God that has not been preceded by a very strong prayer emphasis.  And understandably so, because the omnipotent God has chosen to communicate with individuals through prayer as well as through His inspired Word.”  He goes on to say, “Our Savior Himself, to whom all authority in heaven and earth was given, spent much time praying while here on earth.  Now seated at the right hand of God the Father, He intercedes on our behalf.  Since He is our example, we can rightly conclude that the ministry of prayer is the highest calling a Christian can have.  A vast reservoir of power, wisdom and grace becomes available to us through prayer.”

I invite you to join me in praying that God will continue to use the fasting and prayer gatherings as a spark to help set ablaze the Body of Christ and send revival in this critical moment of history for our beloved nation and for the Church.  I urge you to join others who have committed themselves to fasting and prayer and to teaching these disciplines to other Christians, inspiring believers to trust our sovereign God to send revival to our needy nation and world.

A great force of God’s power will be released as we commit ourselves to effective prayer. In Acts 4 we read how the Christians prayed together with one heart, mind and spirit. Then all the believers were united as they lifted their voices in prayer (Acts 4:24).  The result was a great boldness in sharing God’s message.

It is our earnest prayer that you will be directed and enabled by the Holy Spirit to become personally involved in praying for a worldwide revival and spiritual awakening.  Also, that you will be actively involved in boldly sharing God’s good news with people in your sphere of influence.

• The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (James 5:16b NASB).
• The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results (James 5:16b NLT).
• The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16b NIV).
• The prayer of a righteous man has a powerful effect (James 5:16b Good News).
  

“And the word of the Lord came to him, saying…so he went and did according to the word of the Lord”  (I Kings 17:2,5).

In order for us to be effective in our prayers, we must have these two qualities that were a part of Elijah’s lifestyle.  We must be open to God’s will and direction for our lives as is revealed through His Word.

As we read and study the scripture, we will learn what the will of God the Father is and as we know His will, we can pray and ask according to His will.  For example, I Peter 3:9 tells me that it is not the will of the Lord that any perish, but His will is for all to come to repentance.  Therefore, when I pray for those around me who do not know Christ, I can be sure that I am praying according to God’s will.

The Word of God also tells me that I am the Lord’s witness.  ” ‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord”  (Isaiah 43:10).  This means that I do not only pray for the lost, but I also go and tell them what I have seen, heard and experienced of the Lord.  I go and share the Good News of God’s love and forgiveness with them.  When the Word of the Lord came to Elijah, he went and did according to the Word of the Lord.

Hearing and knowing God’s Word and then going and doing according to His Word will result in many answers to our prayers.

“”I love the Lord because He hears my prayers and answers them. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe!”" Psalm 116:1, 2 (Living Bible).

Spending time developing our own personal relationship with the Lord is a valuable investment of our time. God has made it possible for us to communicate with Him through our prayers. He speaks to us through His Word, the Bible. Therefore, the more we pray and read His Word, the deeper our relationship with Him will be.

A simple guide to help us be more effective in our communication with God can be remembered by the word ACTS.

• Adoration - This means I worship God for Who He is rather than for what He does. In adoration we verbalize our worship, praise, honor, and exaltation of God. Many of the Psalms help us focus on the attributes of God, such as His loving kindness, His mercy, His majesty and others. Adoration is expressing our love for Him through our words.

• Confession - As we begin our prayer with a worshipful adoration of God, the Holy Spirit will often reveal any sin in our life that needs to be confessed. To confess means to “”agree with”". In other words, I agree with God concerning my sin – that it is sin. I also agree with God that the blood of Jesus Christ has paid for that sin. This leads me to thank Him for His forgiveness.

• Thanksgiving - Giving thanks expresses faith, and faith pleases God. In giving thanks we are expressing verbally our gratefulness and appreciation for what God does. Thanksgiving is also saying, “”God I trust You.”" It is the opposite of whining and becoming bitter.

• Supplication - Supplication with thanksgiving is letting our requests be made known to God. We are praying for everything that concerns us, as well as for the needs of others. Supplication includes intercession and petition. ACTS helps us to be “”on the alert”" in our prayers.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6.

I am exhorted to make my requests known to God, but how can I pray with confidence? Four key words answer this question.

• 1) Abide
  Abiding is the key to successful praying. In John 15:7, Jesus states, “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.” Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you.”

• 2) Ask
  Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7, 8, “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks it shall be opened.”

  Someone has said, when we get to heaven we’ll find a lot of unopened packages with our name on them because we did not claim them through prayer.

• 3) Believe
  In Matthew 21:22 we read, “Everything you ask in prayer, believing you shall receive.” Faith, which is an attitude of believing, pleases God.

• 4) Receive
  If you are abiding in Christ, and if you have asked, believing, get ready to receive the answer. In other words, when you pray for rain, carry an umbrella. John 16:24 says, “Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.”

Remember four words to pray with confidence: abide, ask, believe and receive.

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John’s widow shares her journey of loss
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The purpose of prayer

Group prayer was a characteristic of the early Christians. We read in Acts 12:12 that Peter went to the house of Mary where many were gathered for prayer. Earlier in Acts, we read that the disciples “went up to the upper room, where they were staying…. These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women” (Acts 1:13–14). Old Testament characters also participated in group prayer. For example, 2 Chronicles 6:13–42 records Solomon praying as all Israel gathered around.

Remember that the purpose of your prayer time is to communicate with God. It should never be viewed as a ritual or as a time to “preach” to one another.

Conversational prayer

During a time of conversational prayer, the group members talk to God the same way they would talk to a friend who is in the room with them. Members should use everyday conversational language. Encourage the group (especially a group unfamiliar with group prayer) to feel free to pray sentence prayers, expressing only a brief thought in six words or so. They don’t have to pray long, elaborate prayers. Everyone is free to pray, or not to pray, as the Spirit directs. Don’t be concerned about silence – allow God to speak to you and the other individuals in the group during times of silence.

Ways to lead conversational prayer

Several different ways of leading conversational prayer are discussed below. You could choose one of these methods to guide you prayer time or use several to provide variety.

1.  Leader-introduced topics
Introduce a prayer topic or request, one at a time. The group will then pray about this topic or request. When finished, the leader will introduce another topic or request. Both the number and types of topics introduced may vary. It is always helpful to designate a specific person to close each time. This helps insure that the prayer time will not bog down when everyone has had the opportunity to pray if they so desire.

Some possible topics for prayer:

• Thanksgiving. Thank God for: His love, His forgiveness, the beautiful day, ways He is working in different lives, etc.
• Thank God for something that has happened in your life in the past 24 hours.
• “Please help… “ (yourself or someone else).
• Thank God for how He will meet those desires and requests.

2.  Shared prayer requests
Allow the group to share prayer requests. As a prayer request is offered, you could ask another member to be responsible to pray for that request during the prayer time. This ensures that each person’s request will be prayed for by at least one other person.

You might want to have group members record on a sheet of paper each request as it is given. They could then refer to the list during the group prayer time as well as throughout the week as a reminder to continue to pray for one another.

You could allow group members to volunteer to pray for requests without assigning them or writing them down. The group would then rely on their memories during the prayer time.

You may wish to pray for each request as soon as it is given, before the next request is shared.

3.  Pray through Scripture
This method allows the group to use one or more passages of scripture as a prayer guide. You can choose any passage that you feel will be appropriate. Here are some examples:

• Choose a Psalm of praise, such as Psalm 103, Psalm 145 or Psalm 150.
• Teach the group to pray using the following procedure:

1. The first person reads a phrase or an entire verse aloud, pausing to pray a simple prayer as inspired by the scripture and led by the Lord.

2. Other members of the group join in audibly or silently agree.

3. The next person reads a different verse, pausing to pray aloud as he is impressed by the Lord.

4. Continue the same way around the group.

4.  Use the “ACTS” acrostic
You can simply describe the format below or you could also explore the concept at length through one or more Bible studies on each word. The format goes like this:

• Adoration
  Definition: Worshipping and praising God, exalting Him in your heart and your mind and with your words.

Some ideas:

1. Praise and Pray through a Psalm
2. Sing
3. Use a list of God’s attributes to praise Him for who He is

Take time to adore God, praising Him for His attributes such as His loving-kindness, His holiness, His compassion, His majesty, etc.

• Confession
  Definition: Agreeing with God concerning any sins He brings to mind in order to restore fellowship with Him. (Note: Always pray silently during personal confession.)

Confession can follow the following steps:

1. Review 1 John 1:5–9.
2. As you spend time adoring God, He will bring to mind what you need to confess.
3. Allow time for confession (let God speak to each person about any unconfessed sin).

• Thanksgiving
  Definition: Giving thanks to God for who He is, what He has done, what He will continue to do in your life and what He is doing in the ministry; a prayer expressing gratitude.

Look at verses such as: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20, Psalm 108:3, Psalm 50:23. Then, spend time in thanksgiving.

• Supplication
  Definition: Imploring God by means of a petition or an entreaty.

Read Philippians 4:6–7; Psalm 116:1–2. Lead the group in supplication by praying aloud.

Be creative!
The above is not a formula or something set in concrete. You can switch the elements around, eliminate some of them or do something completely different. ACTS is a place to start and to spur ideas. Prayer should never be boring or monotonous – try to make it a fun time where those who come leave feeling refreshed and renewed. Use scripture often during the prayer meeting.

5.  Use the “PRAY” acrostic
This may be developed in the same way as ACTS.

Praise
Repent
Ask for someone else
Your own needs

6.  Pray for the fulfillment of the Great Commission, using scripture. Win people to Christ through prayer.

• Pray that God will prepare individuals’ hearts to understand and respond to the gospel (John 6:44).
• Pray that God will motivate believers to share the gospel with the unbelievers (Matthew 9:37–38; Colossians 4:3).
• Recognize that Satan has blinded and captivated the unbeliever, and acknowledge (claim) Christ’s victory over him (Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 4:3–4, 2 Timothy 2:25–26; 1 John 3:8).
• Persist in these prayers (Daniel 10:12–13a; Luke 18:1–8).

7.  Build people in Christ through prayer

• Thank God for them (Philippians 1:3).
• Pray for deliverance from evil (unprincipled) companions (2 Thessalonians 3:2).
• Pray that they will walk worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:10).
• Pray for wisdom and revelation in knowledge of Christ (Ephesians 1:17).
• Pray for them to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner person (Ephesians 3:16).
• Pray for their unity in the Spirit with other believers (John 17:23).
• Pray that their love may abound and that they may approve the things that are excellent (Philippians 1:9,10).
• Pray for boldness and opportunities to present the gospel to others (Colossians 4:3, Ephesians 6:19,20).
• Pray that they may be completely mature and be fully assured in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12)

“Persist in these prayers” (Ephesians 6:18).

8.  Send people for Christ through prayer

• Recognize the problem of the labor shortage in the spiritual harvest (Matthew 9:37–8; Romans 10:13-15).
• Make a list of candidates to be sent by the Lord (Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 9:37–38) and pray persistently for them.
• Pray that laborers will be thrust forth into specific communities and countries.
• Claim the fulfillment of the Great Commission in your area and the world, according to His command and promise (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 John 5:14–15).
• Mobilize and teach others to pray for laborers (2 Timothy 2:2).
• To help expand the group’s world vision, pray for specific country, overseas mission group, or overseas Christian workers. (Your group may want to “adopt” a country to pray for regularly.)

9.  Use hymns
Sing a hymn prayerfully, and afterwards, use the words of the hymn to guide the prayer time.

10.  Use the attributes of God
Select one or more attributes of God and spend the time meditating on those attributes and praising Him for His attributes. Share answers to prayer and spend the time thanking God for the answers and His faithfulness.

Used with permission: ©2000 Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc. Permission granted to copy for personal and ministry uses, provided this credit line is included and content remains unchanged. For more information on the GodSquad and StudentLINC ministries, visit our website at www.GodSquad.com.

Praying to God

If you are at a loss for words these prayers may help you. Remember, prayer is simply talking to God. God wants to be our friend and he wants us to feel comfortable talking to him.

• When you are unsure of where you will spend eternity:
  Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally.  Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins.  I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord.  Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life.  Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.  Amen

• When you are fearful:
  Father God, I am feeling fearful today.  Life seems to be uncertain and out of control.  I recall that the Bible tells me “Perfect love casts out fear”.  You alone are Perfect Love, so would you please cast out the fear I feel and replace it with confidence in your sufficiency. Psalm 121 tells me that you never slumber or sleep, so I will trust you to take care of me – moment by moment, day by day.  In Jesus name.  Amen
• Morning prayer:
  Dear Lord, I give you may hands to do Your work; I give You my feet to go Your way; I give You my eyes to see as You see; I give You my tongue to speak Your words; I give You my mind that You may think in me; I give You my spirit that You may pray in me. Above all, I give You my heart that You may love in me – love the Father and love all humankind. I give You my whole self, Lord, that You may grow in me, so that it is You who lives, works and prays in me. Amen.

• Commitment prayer:
  Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. For it is your business, not mine. You will know every shade of my suffering; You will care for me with your perfect fatherhood. (prayed by George Mac Donald)

• In God’s will:
  Lord Jesus, keep me in Your will. Don’t let me go mad by poking about outside it. (prayed by Corrie Ten Boom)

• When you need wisdom and direction:
  Father God, there are so many decisions to make and I don’t seem to know what is the best for now or for the future. You said if we lack wisdom, all we need to do ask you.  I really need you to pour wisdom into my mind today.  Thank you!

• For success:
  And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.” So God granted him what he requested. (I Chronicles 4:10 NKJV)

• When you are weak or ill
  Father, I am feeling lousy today.  I ache all over and feel very weak.  You said that your grace was sufficient for me.  Please strengthen me.  Give me joy inspite of how I feel physically.  Amen

• For the young women of the world:
  Father God, thank you for all the young women in the world. Give them dreams that are bigger than themselves–so they will have to trust you to make their dream come true. Give them a will and heart to be all you created them to be. Help them to work hard and be successful.Enable them to be generous to those who are less fortunate. Give them hearts full of love and compassion.

  Give them the strength to say “no” to activities that they would later be remorseful about–that they would do what is right for them and for the world around them. Help them to be kind to others.

  Protect them from people who would harm them physically, emotionally and mentally.

  Let them know that allowing You to direct their way is the smartest thing they can do. In Jesus wonderful and powerful name. Amen

• For our children and grandchildren:
  Lord, I am so glad that you know each of our children and grandchildren by name.  I forget sometimes.  Thank you for sending a whole hedge of angels around each child.  Thank you for protecting them all today.  Father, would you please turn their minds and hearts toward You and pleasing you.  Thank you!

• When you are down-sizing (moving):
  Lord, I really don’t what to move.  I like it here – there are so many memories.  I am comfortable here because it is familiar.  I know it is too large for me (us) now – to much work, but I have such mixed feelings.  I don’t like the thought of all the changes.

  I am so glad you never change.  You are and always will be a constant in my life. Help me to remember that when I am packing and unpacking.  Amen.

• When you want to be reflecting Christ:
  Lord, make my life A window for Your light To shine through and a mirror to reflect Your love To all I meet. Amen.

• When you feel like you have failed:
  Dear God, The little plans I tried to carry through have failed I will not sorrow. I’ll pause a little while, Dear God, And try, again, tomorrow.

• For conflict resolution:
  Dear God, when your son Jesus died and rose from the dead, He broke down walls of hostility.  Father, you know that conflict I am having right now.  I don’t know how to resolve it.  You are our Savior.  Please save and restore this relationship.  Amen

• For others:
  Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering ones. Pity Your afflicted ones. Shield Your joyous ones. And all for Your love’s sake. Amen (prayed by Father Timothy Kavanagh)

• Prayer of thanksgiving:
  For health and strength and daily food, We praise your name, O God.  Amen

• A prayer before meals:
  Bless us oh Lord and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, through thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord…Amen

• When you need more faith:
  Teach me to treat all that comes to me with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will govern all. Amen.” (prayed by Elisabeth Elliot)

• When you want to reflect Christ:
  Lord, make my life A window for Your light To shine through And a mirror to reflect Your love To all I meet. Amen.

• When your marriage seems to be falling apart:
  Dear God, our marriage is really shaky right now and I really don’t want it to break-up.  Show me ways I could show (name) I love and care for her/him..  You are merciful, would you please show your mercy by helping us love each other more.  Thank you!  Amen

• For being an instrument for God:
  Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. (prayed by St. Francis of Assisi)

• For a dream:
  Father, Once I had such big dreams, so much anticipation of the fufture. Now no shimmering horizon beckons me: my days are lack-lustre I see so little of lasting value in the daily round. Where is your plan for my life?You have told us that without vision, we perish. So, Father in heaven, knowing that I can ask You to deposit in my mind and heart that particular dream, the special vision You have for my life.

  And along with the dream, will You give me whatever greaces, parience, and stamina it takes to see the dream through to fruition? I sense that may involve adventrues I have not bargained for.

  But I want to trust You enough to follow even if you lead along new paths. I admit to liking some of my ruts. But I know that habit patterns that seem cosy nests from the inside, from Your vantage point may be prison cells. Lord, if you break down any prisons of mine before I can see the stars and catch the vision, then, Lord, begin the process now. In joyous expectation. Amen. (prayed by Catherine Marshall)

• For protection:
  Father God, your Holy Bible tells us that your have assigned angels to be with us and protect us (for those who respect you).  I need your protection.  My family needs protection. Help me to love and respect you more.  Amen.

• For a pastor:
  Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of leadership you have given to our pastor. It is a holy calling. It’s a calling to watch over himself and the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made him overseer. The church has been bought with the blood of your son, on the cross. The responsibility you have given to our pastor is awesome. He too is tempted and tried by the enemy. He has many responsibilities be it in his family or in the community and so it is our prayer that he would be kept from the evil one and that you would empower him to live a godly life, so that out of his fullness he would share the message of the gospel boldly. Help our pastor this week as he searches the Word and Your will for the congregation. Will you grant him the health and strength he needs to share your message in humility and with clarity. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

• For a pastor’s wife:
  Dear Father in heaven, I thank you for my pastor’s wife. I thank you she loves you and serves you so faithfully. I pray very specially for her today. I pray You will help her cope with all the unexpected things that come into her day. Help her to accept the interruptions as opportunities to serve. Help her to support her husband and learn to go with the flow of his full life. Help her to manage her household well. Just fill her with yourself today. Help her to allow your Holy Spirit to have full control of her life and may she take strength from you as she meditates on You and Your Word. Give her a hug today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

• To put on the armor of God:
  Heavenly Father, I praise and worship you because you are God.  I am honored to be your servant and I take my stand today against the devil and his schemes against me, my family and my ministry.  Father, as I take up each piece of the armor, please secure it in place on me.

  I take up the shield of faith and extend it over myself.  It extinguishes all the fiery darts of the evil one. I put on the helmet of salvation, which protects my mind from the enemy’s attacks.  I have the mind of Christ. I put on the breastplate of righteousness, which covers my body with the righteousness of God.  In Christ, every foothold of evil has been washed away and I am clothed in righteousness! I gird my loins with the belt of truth.  Your word, O God, is truth.  Father, sanctify me according to your word and remind me through the Holy Spirit of the truth that destroys the lies of sin. I shod my feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace.  I have peace with God through the blood of Jesus.  I have favor with God and with man.  I walk in my inheritance as an adopted son of God and have authority over evil in Jesus’ name. I will use the Sword of the Spirit by speaking the Word of God as it applies to whatever situation I may face today.  Father, please remind me of your Word via the Holy Spirit.

  I will continue to pray in the Spirit throughout the day, and intercede for all Christians as the Holy Spirit prompts me.  I believe that the Holy Spirit is interceding on my behalf according to my prayers.

  Thank you, Father, for the whole armor of God.  Please surround me with your hedge of protection as I move forward on the spiritual battlefield today.  I praise and worship you now and forever, Amen.”

O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart.  Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams. ~ St Augustine

In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that You will slow us down, for we know that we live too fast. With all of eternity before us, make us take time to live—time to get acquainted with You, time to enjoy Your blessings, and time to each other. ~ Peter Marshall, 1902 – 1949

Accept, O Lord, my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my will.  All that I am and have thou hast given to me; and I give all back to thee to be disposed of according to they good pleasure.  Give me only the comfort of thy presence and the joy of they love; with thee I shall be more than rich and shall desire nothing more. ~ St Ignatious of Loyola

O Lord, that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness. ~ Shakespeare, Henry VI, part 2

Thou has given me so much…Give me one thing more, a grateful heart. ~ George Albert, 1593 – 1633

The effectual fervent prayer of a mother:
“Thou sentest Thine hand from above, and drewest my soul out of that profound darkness – my mother, that faithful one, weeping to Thee for me, more than mothers weep the bodily deaths of their children.  For she, by that faith and spirit which had form Thee, discerned the death wherein I lay, and Thou heardest her, O Lord; Thou heardest her, and despiseth not her tears, when streaming down, they watered the ground under her eyes {he alludes here to that devout manner of Eastern ancients, who used to lie flat on their faces in prayer} in every place she prayed; yea Thou heardest her…Thine ears were towards her heart.  O Thou God omnipotent, who caredst for every one of us, as if Thou carest for him only; and so for all, as if they were but one!” ~ Confessions of St. Augustine
Good morning, Lord! What are You up to today? Can I be a part of it? Thank You. Amen. ~ Norman Grubb

Dear Master, in whose life I see all that I long and fail to be; Let thy clear light for ever shine. To shame and guide this life of mine.  Though what I dream and what I do in my poor days are always two, help me, oppressed by things undone, O thou, whose dreams and deeds were one. ~ John Hunter

Dear God, The little plans I tried to carry through have failed I will not sorrow. I’ll pause a little while, Dear God, and try, again, tomorrow. ~ John Fico

Lord, make my life a window for Your light to shine through and a mirror to reflect Your love to all I meet. Amen. ~ Robert Schuller

Lord, thou madest us for thyself, and we can find no rest till we find rest in thee. ~ St. Augustine

Yes, Lord!
Jesus, I give all of this to you.
Jesus, I just started out a dream for my neighborhood.
I didn’t ask you to make me a messenger to the world.
I just wanted to love neighbors.
But Jesus, here it is.
Here’s my future,
here’s my loneliness,
here are all the pressures,
here are the criticisms,
and I gave Him everything.
And I told Him to take me again and I would try to make “Yes, Lord” the continuing motto of my life. ~ Anne Kiemel