Jesus’ disciples could have asked Him for anything. What they chose to ask Him was to teach them to pray. They knew that prayer unlocks all of God’s blessing and protection. All of His promises are realized through prayer.
In this pandemic, we need God’s blessings and realized promises. We need His protection and power. Set aside a few minutes 3 or 4 times a day to re-center your life through prayer. Or set aside a longer period during these days of quarantine. There is no reason to lose your center during this season.
Here is how Jesus taught His disciples to pray: (Matt. 6:9-13)
START WITH PRAISE- “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name..”
Read your Bible and make a list of God’s character qualities. (Examples: Patience, merciful, and forgiving (Num. 14:18); knows all (1 Sam 2:2); Loving (1 Jn 4:8)). Praise gives us boldness in prayer, and God answers prayers that are based on who He is. Praise Him for what He has done in the past (make a list of answered prayer and blessings you have received in the past). Thank Him. (Make a list of things you are thankful for.)
PRAY WITH PURPOSE- “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”
Pray for God’s will (purpose) to be done in my family, in my church, my ministry, my job, my future, my city, the nation, and the world
PRAY FOR PROVISION- “Give us this day our daily bread…”
“God will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.” Phil. 4:19 (LB)
“Since God did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us, won’t he also surely give us everything else?” Rom. 8:32
“You do not have… because you don’t ask God!” Js. 4:2
Make a list of needs, the promise you are claiming in the Bible, and ask God for them. Record on your list when He answers the need.
PRAY FOR PARDON- “Forgive us our debts…”
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any sin in your life. Confess (agree with God) your sins to Him. Make peace with others if necessary. Ask God for forgiveness and allow Him to help you forgive yourself.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
PRAY FOR PEOPLE- “…As we have also forgiven our debtors.”
Make a list of people you are praying for. You might pray for different people on set days (Monday for leaders, Tuesday for hurting people…)
PRAY FOR PROTECTION- “And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.”
We face spiritual battles every day, and presently we face a great physical enemy. Pray for deliverance from defeat, temptation, fear. Receive the power you need to face the future!
Now is a great time to discover the power of prayer! We each need it more than ever.
Life Change 