How's Your Prayer Life?
Are you praying on a regular basis? Are you meeting Him and sharing your heart? Whether you are or you aren't, we all need help when it comes to a consistent and meaningful prayer life.
Prayer is one of the most important things a Christian can do. It is a time we are communicating with God, and while there is deep theological meaning in prayer, it doesn’t have to be something that is complicated or difficult. It’s something anyone can do anywhere at any time.
Prayer Guide
- Sunday, February 1st (Transition Sunday for Asbury): Lord God, our times are in Your hands. You are the One Who established Asbury Church well over 100 years ago. You have given us faithful pastors to lead your people all this way, and we are so grateful. Thank You for Pastor Rick and Mary Lou, who have helped us to keep our eyes on Jesus through very turbulent waters these past 10 ½ years. Thank You for their steadfast courage and leadership in these times. In turn Lord, we ask for a double-portion of Your Spirit to come upon Pastor Clint and Rebecca as they step forward and serve You now. May their eyes be upon You alone. May they too, be strong and courageous. May Your Word be upon their lips and upon their hearts, meditating upon it day by day. Fill them Holy Spirit and guide them in all the decisions they must make, and may we willingly follow as Pastor Clint leads us in the path of Christ, in Whose Name we pray, Amen.
- Monday, February 2nd: Prayerfully read or listen to Philippians 1:3-6 (if you have time, review 1:1-11). Where was Paul when he wrote this letter, and how do you think he felt about the Philippian church? Think about other churches or Bible Study groups, or other Christians you may have known over the years. Can you say these words about them? Take some time to pray over these people, groups or Churches today.
- Tuesday, February 3rd: Prayerfully read or listen to Philippians 1:3-6. Think back over the past 10+ years of Asbury’s time, and Pastor Rick’s and Mary Lou’s leadership. What stands out to you during their time with us? What has changed about Asbury? Spend some time praying for Asbury today, and especially pray for them as they transition into a new phase of life.
- Wednesday, February 4th: Prayerfully read or listen to 2 Timothy 2:1-2. This letter was most likely Paul’s last letter, written shortly before his execution. In this passage, what is he most concerned about? In the end, what are you most concerned about? What matters most to you? Can you put it down in 1-3 sentences? In our English Bibles, Paul’s utmost concern comes down to one short sentence, and one longer one. See if you can summarize your deepest concerns in the same way, and pray about these matters.
- Thursday, February 5th: Prayerfully read or listen to Hebrews 12:1-3. If you had to pick out the key phrase in this passage, what would it be (hint: there are several, so there is no wrong answer!)? Why did you pick that phrase? If you think of that phrase in light of the other passages we have looked at this week, does it fit in, or would you pick another phrase? If you held these verses up next to Asbury Church, do you think we are matching them well, or are we getting caught up in a sin/sins that is/are entangling us? Are we keeping our eyes on Jesus, or are we losing our focus? Do we consider Him, or do we grow weary? As you consider this passage, pray about our weak areas, and ask the Lord to strengthen us as a church!
- Friday, February 6th: Prayerfully read or listen to Hebrews 12:1-3. Take time today and pray this passage carefully for Pastor Clint, Rebecca, and their family!
- Saturday, February 7th: Review each of these Scriptures, questions, and prayers that you have worked through this week. Which one, or which theme, resonated with you? Pray through these things again as the Spirit leads you!
- Sunday, February 8th: Almighty God, King of the Universe, You indeed have brought us to this new day! We rejoice together as we begin a new chapter in the life of Asbury Church. Thank You for all the good pastors who have shepherded this congregation year after year, decade after decade. Our eyes are upon You, and we know You will continue to guide us through the leadership of Pastor Clint by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help us all to be faithfully obedient to our Lord Jesus, in Whose Name we pray, Amen.
- Monday, February 9th: Prayerfully read or listen to Joshua 4 (if you have time, read Joshua 3). Think back to the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10-31). What are the similarities and differences in these two miracles? Why are they both important? Why does the Crossing the Red Sea stand out in the story arc of Redemption (Passover) more than the crossing of the Jordan?
- Tuesday, February 10th: Prayerfully read or listen to Joshua 4. While both the Passover event and this one were a “once in the history of the world” events, God is always “pushing the waters” back in our lives. See Isaiah 43:1-3a. When has God do this for you? When did you feel as if you were drowning (or was it a literal event)? When has it felt as though you were walking through fire? Take time to pray through this with the Lord, and give thanks for how He took care of you!
- Wednesday, February 11th: Prayerfully read or listen to Joshua 4. Unlike the Passover account in Exodus, in this event, the people are commanded to take up stones from the middle of the Jordan (v. 5-6, 23-24). Joshua said the stones would be signs or memorials of what God had done for the people. Do you have memorials in your home that help you remember what God has done for you? What are they? Make a list of what your memorials are. What is your plan for these memorials when the time comes for you go Home to be with the Lord? Make sure this information is in the appropriate place!
- Thursday, February 12th: Prayerfully read or listen to Joshua 4:5-6, 23-24. As you consider Asbury Church, do you think we as a Body of Believers have specific memorial signs (beyond those for individual saints) that help us remember how God has helped us through specific times or seasons? What do you think those are in our church? Can you name some ways the Lord has helped you through Asbury Church?
- Friday, February 13th: Prayerfully read or listen to Joshua 4:5-6, 23-24. How long have you been a regular attender/member of Asbury? Why do you call Asbury “home,” and not some other church (a lot of churches preach the Word of God and exalt the Lord Jesus)? Based on everything you have studied this week and prayed about, what do you think the Lord wants to do in and through Asbury in the next five years? Pray about that for Asbury!
- Saturday, February 14th: Review each of these Scriptures, questions, and prayers that you have worked through this week. Which one, or which theme, resonated with you? Pray through these things again as the Spirit leads you!
