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SIX PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR USING THE WEEKLY ON-LINE PRAYER GUIDES “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” – Jesus (Matthew 26:41) You are about to embark on one of life's greatest adventures: the life-changing discipline of fervent prayer! Each Sunday our worship bulletin will contain a weekly prayer guide so that we may coordinate our petitions as a congregation. In addition, we will be posting the weekly guides online so that our members can maintain their participation even when they are out of town. To ensure your successful completion of the 40 days, consider these practical suggestions: 1. Choose a specific time when you will pray each day (Daniel 6:10); be sure it is a time you will be alert (Matthew 26:40-41). Choose a specific place to be when you pray each day; make sure it is one where you will be undistracted (Matthew 6:6). 2. Each day during your devotional time, read aloud the specific prayer requests for that day. This will help your mind focus on the petitions you will be offering. To track your progress, check off the box by each date after you have completed that day's petitions. 3 . If you are married or have a family, consider praying together (1 Peter 3:7.) Family or couple prayers can not only strengthen our relationship with God but also build closeness between family members.4 . The prayer guide also contains daily "PRAYER PROMISES": that is, scripture readings that assure us of the blessings that come with fervent prayer. Take a moment to read each day's scripture aloud before praying, to clear your mind and prepare your heart for your conversation with God (Psalm 19:14).5 . These guides are designed to expand our prayer repertoire by going beyond routine requests (Ephesians 6:18); therefore, be sure to include ALL of the petitions in your devotions.6 . Finally, remember that our Father wants to speak to US, too! Ask God to help you be sensitive to the leading of His Spirit (Romans 8:12-27, Galatians 5:16-18) and alert to the answers He sends in your life (Acts 12:12-16)!-Dan Williams |
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10/17/2008 |
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College Avenue |
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