30 Days of Deeper (Day 7)

“I strongly suspect that if we saw all the difference even the tiniest of our prayers make, and all the people those little prayers were destined to affect, and all the consequences of those prayers down through the centuries, we would be so paralyzed with awe at the power of prayer that we would be unable to up off our knees for the rest of our lives.” Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy, Boston College

I can’t even begin to explain prayer. The Truth that a powerful, Holy, sovereign God bends His ear to listen to me is the most unfathomable thought I could think.

But by George (and by Faith!) I believe it!!

So today…. we pray.

Grab a notepad or a journal or the notes on your phone and let’s first think through the people you want to lift up in prayer. Write down their names and a memory jogger as to why you are writing them down. Then if there are any special appointment this coming week that need prayer, maybe set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself in the moment.

These things aren’t NECESSARY but little practices like to implement to bring my mind, prone to wander, back to prayer.

And I also use a little acronym too if you feel having structure would serve you.

P.R.A.Y.

P – Praise. In the first part of your prayer give praise, gratitude and adoration to God. (This morning I am reading through the psalms to do this. Psalm 104 actually. “O Lord you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty…” v.1

R – Repent. Then repent of your sin and anything that stands between you and the Lord. Psalm 139:24 – See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

A – Ask. Ask anything for anybody. This is a time for intersession.

Y – Yourself. Ask for yourself.

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he was finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray”…He said to them, “When you pray say: ” ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” Luke 11:1-4

Even Jesus disciples needed a little guidance in the prayer arena.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6

I especially love starting with Praise. It is a weapon of strength and power. So even if you aren’t feeling it, give it a whirl anyway. Trust me.

Reflections:

Is the Lord stirring a dream in your heart? I am betting He planted it there! Talk this over with Him and seek the next step.
Do you sense a root of bitterness or unforgiveness in your life towards someone? Read Matthew 5:23 and talk to the Lord about it.
If you need some “prompts” for prayer, no shame in that! Here are a few…

Father, I pray healing over_________________________________.

Father, give me peace today for _______________________________.

Father, I am overwhelmed by ________________________________.

Father, I need wisdom for __________________________.

(P.S. Thank you Wendy Dry for sending me this quote from Peter Kreeft. I read it several times a day. I love you.)