A Place of Prayer

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." Colossians 4:2

Prayer is communicating with God about yourself, others, and your relationship with Him. TIPS for prayer: prayer should involve thanksgiving, intercession and petitions (1 Tim. 2:1; Philemon 1:4; Heb. 5:7; Rom. 12:12; Phil. 1:3-19; Phil. 4:6; 1 Thes. 1:2; Col. 4:2). Often people find prayer discouraging due to wait times in between requests and answers. The fact is that God always answers prayer. Yes, No, or Wait. God can do instantaneous interventions, and He does. Often there is an ingredient of time in between the request –and God tells us to persevere in prayer (James 1:2,3; 1 Tim 4:16). This time of waiting, though difficult, does produce increased faith in us as we look to God for answers - if we keep focused on Him, and persevere. For some believers praying for the Valley there has been much perseverance. I know this well. As God has promised this perseverance will pay off – and it has started! There is also times where God brings increase and acceleration. This is that time for the Valley. God’s presence, healings, salvation, and reconciliation will be more evident than ever.

If you are just starting the journey of prayer beyond yourself and for the Valley, where can you start?

Family, Co-workers, Neighbors.
Neighborhoods, Towns, Regions.
Interest groups, Churches, Leaders.
Province, Country, Government, Environment.
Nations, Missionaries, World Issues.

What are you praying for?

God’s purposes to be established on earth. Individual hearts to be awakened to God’s love and truth. Healings of body, mind and emotions. The breaking of addictions. God to bring wholeness and healing to families. Unity in the Church. Visible and tangible expressions of God’s love through lives. God’s presence to be manifest and real to all. Deliverance from personal sin, abuse, insecurity, fear, self-hatred, rejection, failure, stress, anger, apathy, deception or rebellion. For God to fill people and renew in them love, peace, hope, creativity, joy, assurance of salvation, faith, confidence, relationships, skills, opportunities, call to action, and gifts of the spirit.

Practical Expressions:

Since I was a teen I have kept a prayer journal. More faithfully in some seasons that others, but what a powerful tool! I have looked back months later to discover answered prayers in so many creative ways. We are human and have this natural tendency towards forgetfulness. We need fuel and motivation sometimes in prayer. A journal is a good method for that. I sometimes write in a book, but often I have a lot to say (surprise), so I also type – which is faster.

Another thing is, if you are praying for your town or city in particular start making a list of families on your heart. I sat down one day a couple years ago and wrote out 120 family names to pray for just by last name and from my town. We all know a lot of people! Go through your facebook friends and pray blessings over them.

You may want to also narrow down and be more specific as God leads. I also keep a binder with specific labels. One is prayer requests. As you talk with people on a daily basis, you will find them sharing their lives and most defiantly opportunity to ask them if you could pray for them. I’ve not had a person turn me down yet. (And if they do, that’s ok). As God’s spirit leads, follow up with that person, and let them know you have prayed for them. Many people throw the prayer word around…but make sure you DO IT ☺

Jesus taught us to pray:

“May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” Matt 6:10. Heaven includes God’s rule and reign, His purpose, creation, perfection. There is no sickness, hatred, violence, inequality, broken hearts, or sin. This helps give us insight into what to pray for.

Be encouraged the prayer works. Jesus I pray you would lift the discouragement of others in prayer off them, and establish passion in their hearts for talking with you daily. Help them to express their hearts, and to intercede for others. Help them to simply ask you to work in their hearts of others and to heal the broken in body and spirit.

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 [NLT].