If you are like me, your prayer commitments can get overwhelming.  It’s hard for me to count the number of times I have told someone, “I’ll pray for you, or your (blank).”  Jesus told us to pray (Luke 18:1; 21:36).  The Apostles instructed us to pray (Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17).  God’s own Spirit enables us to pray (Rom. 8:26)!

A few years ago, a fellow church member caught me off guard in a way that probably should not have.  He told me before church one day that he prayed for me. I did not have anything in particular going on in my life, nor did I speak with him outside of church on Sundays.  Why did he pray for me, I wondered?  Why did I not also pray for him?  From that time on, I became convicted that my prayer life was lacking; however, I was very busy.  How could I make time for praying like I should?

As I was considering my prayer life I began searching for Scriptures on prayer.   I read what the Apostle Paul said to the church at Colossae (Col. 1:3).  He said he was ALWAYS praying for them!  What?  As busy as he was, he still made time to pray for that group of believers.  He said the same thing to the church at Philippi (Phil. 1:4), Corinth, etc.  More than that, he put himself on the line for Timothy, saying he was not sinning against God by neglecting to pray for him (2 Tim. 1:3, calling back 1 Sam. 12:23).

It was clear that I needed to pray. To pray like I should, it was clear I needed to get organized.  It was during this time that I came up with a way to organize my prayer life.  My prayer for you is that this “how to” guide will help you find the time to pray for those for whom you commit to pray.

This week, Monday, January 30, 2017 through Sunday, February 5, 2017, we will post reminders on social media and our email group to remind you to pray.  If you are not already on our email list, take this as an opportunity to sign up at the bottom of this page.

Mission Monday — Pray for missions on Monday.  I have friends in the mission field and I am also actively engaged in missions work.  I use this day to pray for friends and mission efforts we have through Effects of Grace.  You can do the same, but consider adding the missions groups your church supports.

Family Tuesday: Pray for those in your close and extended family.  I pray for my wife and children everyday; however, I pray for my mother, brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles, aunts on Tuesday.

Witness Wednesday:  I pray for opportunities to witness to unbelievers on Wednesday.  I pay special attention to making sure I’m prepared and looking for opportunities to talk about Jesus.

Thy Neighbor Thursday:  I don’t get to interact with my neighbors as much as I would like.  My job, church, young children occupy much of my time; however, I do try to take opportunities to be a good neighbor.  I pray for my neighbors to know Christ and serve Him faithfully on Thursdays.

Feel Good Friday:  Fridays I pray for those I know who are sick. If it is a sudden and urgent need, I pray for them every day, just as I do my immediate family; however, if it is a chronic illness, I add them to Fridays.

Saints On Saturday:  I take Saturdays to pray for my fellow church members.  Sunday we are going to worship together. I want them to be prepared, protected and filled with God’s Spirit as we offer worship to our Great God. I also pray for our pastor, teachers and elders in our church.

So Thankful Sunday:  After a week of prayer, I am sure I have something for which to be thankful. I can look back on God’s answers, or what I have learned as I give thanks and worship God with my fellow believers.

This is just a suggestion, but I hope this helps you think about how you can actually have a great, productive, passionate prayer life. You will be amazed at our Lord’s work in and around you. Intentionally praying, will help you see what God is doing for those you love.

In Christ and for His glory!