This week we will focus on preparing our hearts for our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Each day we will focus on an aspect of prayer. We will ask God to soften our hearts and our minds to meet with Him and hear from Him during the 21 days we will spend in prayer together as a church.
Read Psalm 141:2 NIV
May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
If you need help getting started with developing a life of prayer, here are a few suggestions.
Consistency is the key to being disciplined in prayer. Choose a time to pray every day – make an appointment with God and keep it! Choose a comfortable place for the two of you to meet, free of distractions. A friend of mine once suggested pulling up an empty chair to help visualize your engagement.
Have a plan of how you will connect with the Lord. Playing worship music is a great place to start. Reading Scripture on a particular topic or simply sitting in silence listening to what the Lord has to say. There is no right or wrong way to pray. Just do it!!
Here is a model you may follow:
Let’s P-R-A-Y:
Praise -Give God thanks for all he has done in your life!
Repent -Ask God for forgiveness. Ask God to show you something you could do differently to better serve Him.
Ask God for the things you want or need. Pray for others’ needs and desires as well.
Yield -Submit yourself to the Will of God. Take time to listen.
Let’s try it out:
Thank You, God, for my home and my family. Please forgive me for the ways I have taken these things for granted. Lord, I ask that You continue to search our hearts and draw us all closer to You. It is my desire to serve You. Show me the way. Amen
