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