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, May 25th -- Memorial Day Sunday: Lord God, we are so grateful to live in this country. We have freedoms most people in the world cannot even dream of. And we know what we have comes from Your hand. Lord, help us not to take any of our blessings for granted. Our freedoms here on earth are great blessings, but the greatest blessing of all is our freedom from sin that was purchased by the blood of Christ on Calvary. Lord, please help us not to squander what the Jesus bought and fought for us. Help us to be faithful to You all the days of our lives, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
- Monday, May 26th Memorial Day: Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus said there is no greater love than this, than to lay down one’s life for our friends. Today we remember so many who have laid down their lives so that we might be free from tyranny. Help us to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We pray for their families and ask you to comfort them in their grief and sorrow. May they find solace in knowing their loved ones’ sacrifices were for a noble cause, and may they experience Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Tuesday, May 27th: Prayerfully read or listen to Matthew 11:20-30. What – apparently – was on Jesus’ mind before He told the people around Him that He could offer rest to them? What do you think He might have been trying to draw their attention away from, and what do you think He might have been trying to draw their attention to? How might these issues be relevant to your life?
- Wednesday, May 28th: Prayerfully read or listen to Psalm 46, especially take note of verse 10. How does this Psalm compliment Matthew 11:20-30 (and especially Matthew 11:28-30)? What other verses in Psalm 46 speak to you now?
- Thursday, May 29th: Prayerfully read or listen to Matthew 11:29 in your own and The Message versions. The Greek word for “rest” speaks of recreation, intermission, quiet from occupation, and recovery of breath. There is no sense here of stopping altogether, but of pausing, taking a moment or a break, etc. Review how your days go, and imagine Jesus with you. What would Jesus advise you to do in order to “have a moment of recreation,” or “have intermission,” in your day? Are your days following the “unforced rhythms of grace” that Jesus desires for you? If not, what do you believe Jesus wants you to do differently?
- Friday, May 30th: Prayerfully read or listen to Matthew 11:29 in your usual translation as well as The Message version. Jesus is actually quoting a portion of Jeremiah 6:16, which was Pastor Rick’s verse during his Sabbatical. The Hebrew word for “rest” is quite different – it can mean the true rest and tranquility that only God can provide, the security of trusting in God alone. How does this add depth to what Jesus is saying to the people? Do you think your life is following the “unforced rhythms of grace” our Lord desires for you? Why or why not? If not, what needs to change?
- Saturday, May 31st: 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, June 1st – Surrender: Pray that your life is daily surrendered to the Lord. Ask God to search your heart and confess any sins that you may find yourself entangled in. Pray for forgiveness and God’s mercy.
- Monday, June 2nd – Mission: Pray for your church, missions, missionaries, or any venues you serve in or ministries that you are involved in.
- Tuesday, June 3rd – Thanksgiving: Spend time thanking God and praising Him for who He is and what He’s done and is doing in your life. Ask Him to reveal to you ways He’s working around you and in you. Give Him praise and honor for all things.
- Wednesday, June 4th – World: Pray for your nation, its leaders, and our world. Pray for government leaders, your local community, and the spread of the gospel throughout the world.
- Thursday, June 5th – Throne: Pray that God reigns over your life and you walk following His leading. Ask God to show you areas and help you where He needs to be moved to His proper place in your life.
- Friday, June 6th – Family & Friends: Use this day to focus on your family and friends. Pray for your spouse, your children, parents, siblings, friendships, and relationships. Pray for their specific prayer requests or how the Lord prompts you to pray for them.
- Saturday, June 7th – Salvation: Pray for those you know that are unbelievers or for those that are seeking God. Pray for the unsaved and for boldness to share the Lord with those you encounter.
