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, July 20th: Almighty God, You alone spoke this world and all of creation into being. You made the mountains and the oceans. You created the birds of the air and the fish of the seas. The wind reminds us of Your Holy Spirit. The sparrow doesn’t fall outside of Your care. Lord, since you count the hairs on our heads, help us to remember that You never lose sight of us. Help us to keep our eyes on You, even as Your eyes are on us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Monday, July 21st (This week, we will revisit the Bible passages the children learned during VBS): Prayerfully read or listen to Matthew 3:1-17. Think about how different John and Jesus were from one another. Why would the people wonder if John might be the Messiah? Why was John surprised that Jesus wanted to be baptized? If you were someone in Judea during that time, would you have wondered if John might have been the Messiah? In John 1:29-34, he said Jesus was the Messiah. Would you have readily followed Jesus? What would you have thought?
- Tuesday, July 22nd: Prayerfully read or listen to Matthew 6:25-33. Imagine this is the very first time you have heard these teachings from Jesus. What would stand out to you the most? What made people of Jesus’ day worried or anxious, and what makes people of our day feel worried or anxious? Do Jesus’ words make sense in our context? Now read Matthew 18:12-14. Have you ever felt as though you were the “one sheep?” What happened during that time? Do you ever feel as though you are part of the ninety-nine? How can that be a good thing?
- Wednesday, July 23rd: Prayerfully read or listen to Matthew 8:5-13. According to Luke 7:1-5, this centurion was highly regarded by the Jews in the area (that in itself was surprising!). Note especially how Jesus responded to this man’s request and what the man said about Jesus coming to his house (see v.10). Consider how Jesus felt about all the man said. Why is this so remarkable (see vv.10b-13)? This is the Creator of the Universe. He doesn’t feel this way about making the world or the stars in the sky or even creating human beings (He said it was “good” and “very good” Ge. 1:10, etc.). Yet this is His response to this man’s faith! Why would this bring out such a response in Jesus?
- Thursday, July 24th: Prayerfully read or listen to Matthew 26:47-27:66. This is a long section of Scripture, but a familiar one! As you review this passage, on the surface of it, does this appear to be a narrative that can bring hope to anyone, if it ended with the grave? What happens when you read on to Matthew 28:1-8? How do you suppose the followers of Jesus felt throughout those initial days – do you think they felt hopeful, even when they heard the grave was empty? How does the truth of Jesus’ resurrection bring you real, concrete hope in your life? Can you articulate it clearly if someone were to ask you? Take time to write it out so you know you can express it. Ask the Lord to help you!
- Friday, July 25th: Prayerfully read or listen to Matthew 28:16-20 with Acts 2:1-12. The Matthew passage has Jesus giving clear instructions to His followers as to what He wants them to do. Have you seen people try to accomplish a big task on their own? How do they do it? Why is it important that Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit, as clearly described in the Acts passage? Are you confident that you have the infilling of the Holy Spirit? What difference does it make in your life that the Holy Spirit works through you?
- Saturday, July 26th: Review each of these Scriptures, topics, and questions that you have worked through this week. How does all of this resonate with you? Pray through these things as the Spirit leads you!
- Sunday, July 27th – Ears to Hear HEBREWS 5:11 “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.” PRAYER: Lord, soften my heart and open my ears. Remove distractions, doubt, and pride. Help me listen – not just with my mind, but with a willing spirit. Give me a hunger to understand Your word and a desire to grow. In Jesus’ name, Amen. REFLECTION: Am I making space to listen to God’s voice?
- Monday, July 28th – Feeding on Truth HEBREWS 5:12 “…you need milk, not solid food!” PRAYER: Father, I know I settle for the basics because they feel safe or familiar. But I don’t want to stay stuck. Help me to crave more of You – real, nourishing truth that strengthens my faith and shapes how I live. I’m ready to grow. Teach me in a way that sticks and changes me from the inside out. REFLECTION: Am I still holding on to elementary truths out of comfort or fear?
- Tuesday, July 29th – Practicing Discernment HEBREWS 5:13-14 “ … solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” PRAYER: Jesus, train my spiritual senses. Let me be quick to recognize what is good and what is false. Help me apply Your truth in everyday choices. I want to be wise, not just knowledgeable, spirit-led, not just information-fed. REFLECTION: What daily choices are shaping my spiritual maturity?
- Wednesday, July 30th – Time to Grow HEBREWS 6:1 “Let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ …” PRAYER: Jesus, I don’t want to stay stuck at the starting line. I’m grateful for the foundation, but I know You’re calling me to grow deeper. Help me take that next step -whatever it looks like – with courage and trust. REFLECTION: Have I been treating faith like a one-time decision or a daily journey?
- Thursday, July 31st – Growing Pains Are Part of It HEBREWS 6:1 “Let us move beyond the elementary teachings …” PRAYER: Lord, sometimes growth is uncomfortable. I like routine and familiarity – but You are inviting me into something deeper. Give me strength to lean into the stretching, knowing You’re shaping me through it. REFLECTION: Where might God be using discomfort to grow me?
- Friday, August 1st – God Leads the Way to Maturity HEBREWS 6:1 “…and be taken forward to maturity.” PRAYER: Father, I can’t grow by trying harder – I need You to lead me. So, I surrender the pressure and invite You to guide me step by step. Take me where You want me to go and make me more like Jesus in the process. REFLECTION: What would it look like to let God grow me instead of striving on my own?
- Saturday, August 2nd – Sealed for Growth HEBREWS 6:1 “Let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity.” PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the ways You’ve been speaking this week. I don’t want to just read or pray – I want to grow. Keep doing Your work in me. Keep drawing me closer. Make me someone who reflects Your heart in every season. REFLECTION: What is God inviting me to carry forward from this week?
