Ever feel like you don’t have enough time to pray? When you do have time do you know how to pray more effectively?
Ever wonder if God is listening?
In this episode, Phil Mershon explores some of these issues and makes a big announcement about Man in the Pew.
ABOUT THIS SHOW:
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- Why don’t we pray more effectively?
- Big announcement about Man in the Pew
- Challenge activity
HOW TO PRAY MORE EFFECTIVELY
In James 5:15-18 says the following in teaching us to pray more effectively:
15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
Here are some observations:
#1: God answers prayers and forgives our sins.
#2: We are called to confess our sins
#3: Jesus is praying for us even now.
What keeps us from praying effectively?
#1: We’re busy.
#2: We don’t believe God is really going to answer our prayers.
Ray Edwards talks about his struggles with praying for difficult things in this episode.
A great book to help you pray differently is Pray With Your Eyes Open by Richard Pratt.
Join the 7-Minute Prayer Challenge
Day #1: 7-Second Stare Challenge: Stare into a partner’s eyes for 7 seconds straight. Talk about it. Why is it so hard to focus for only 7 seconds?
Day #2: 7 Minutes of Silence: Get somewhere quiet where you know you won’t be disturbed. Be still for 7 minutes. Every time a thought enters your mind write it down. Try not to follow that thought but return to a place of stillness. After 7 minutes notice how many different things you were thinking about.
Day #3: 7 Minutes of Praise:
“Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the nations.
Who will not fear you, Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed. Revelation 15:3-4
Song: Praise to the Lord the Almighty
Day #4: 7 Minutes of Confession
These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word. Isaiah 66:2
Song: We Confess by Glenn Peckiam
Day #5: 7 Minutes of Renewal
Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:3-6 (NIV)
Song: My Life is an Offering
Day #6: 7 Minutes of Intercession
Spend time praying for those God puts on your heart. This could include the following:
- Immediate family.
- Co-workers
- Friends and neighbors
- Your pastor and church
- Issues in your city
- Your country’s leaders
- Missionaries
- Current events
Day #7: 7 Minutes of Thanksgiving
Spend time in thanksgiving. Come up with at least 7 things you are thankful for. Write a note of thanks to someone and mail it to them.
Song: Jesus, Thank You (Sovereign Grace)
What do you think?
I’d love to know what you find difficult in prayer.