Intentional Prayer
Prayer has been on mind quite a bit this week. I was intrigued on Sunday, in visiting a church in our new city, that they invited people forward for individual prayer just 10 or 15 minutes into the service. We prayed to open and after the sermon as well. What struck me, perhaps because I have been attending a more liturgical church for the last three years, is that there was no intercessory prayer. We didn’t pray for others in a deliberate way to reach those in need, in the congregation or out.
I was touched by the send-off prayers when we left our previous posting. Today I also got a fellow blogger’s newest post, thanks Arabah Joy, and she talked about the prayer of Hezekiah in Isaiah 37. Hezekiah spread out a letter before the Lord and prayed. Then, because he had prayed concerning this, God spoke. This made me consider that there are things that I need to spread before God, surrender, and seek His answers.
Several months ago, I made myself a prayer book to deliberately include elements of prayer that I felt like were lacking. I’m not sure how much intercession I was doing for those around me, friends who were sick or in need, or including deliberate prayer for those I love who have not made the choice for Christ or have distanced themselves. I don’t think I was actively seeking to understand the different characteristics of God in my life. I know I should be more thankful for all things, and I couldn’t remember the last time I said I was sorry and repented. I am pretty sure that I still do much more of the talking than listening even now, when I have attempted to listen more. So, I set out to put these things into a booklet that I could be deliberate about.
Unfortunately, with the move, this is one of the things that got packed. I find that I miss it. I guess that is good. I planned to use a simple notebook, but I like the prompts that I made. So, I need to find a copy shop that will print out and bind my book for me. Deliberately seeking Him, the person of God is meaningful. Intentional prayer has deepened my relationship with our Lord and King.
How about you, do you use a prayer journal or other tools? Let us know in the comments.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV