encounter god. Live Transformed

prayer is not a last resort. It is what we do first.

Prayer is as easy as talking or maybe a better understanding is worrying. If you know how to worry, you know how to pray. Prayer is a dialogue. You talk to God and then quiet yourself, ask the Lord to speak back and then write down what He says.

We want to give you some simple steps to become effective in your prayer time.

Encounter God. Live Transformed.

Pick a time

If you don’t set a time to pray, you won’t. Put it on your calendar. Make an appointment with God and you can’t miss your appointment.

Pick a place

Go to a specific location. A place where you can get alone with God. A place where you can get quiet and not have distractions.

pick your tools

Get your bible, a pen and a notebook. Walk into your prayer time expecting to hear back from God.

Pick a plan

Look below to “What Do I Pray?” and pick a plan. Read it, quiet your heart and get your attention focused on what you are reading.

ask God to reveal

As you read it, ask God to reveal it to you and then get quiet. Don’t keep talking or reading. Read and then get quiet.

write it down

What you hear, write it down. This begins a dialogue with God and teaching yourself how to hear from God to know if it is Him speaking to you or not.

what do i pray?

1. Ask God to search your thoughts and attitudes

2. Carefully examine your speech

3. Ask God to thoroughly search your relationships

Think of people you may have hurt of offended in some manner.
Are you bitter or holding grudges against people who have offended you?
Are you involved in any improper relationships?
Do you neglect regular fellowship and meaningful service through your church?
Are my family relationships consistent with God’s Word?

4. Confess any sins of omission (when I don’t do something I know I should) and make a definite commitment to obedience.

5. Resolve to fully repent of any known sin of thought, word, or deed.

In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God, built to His specifications, where He would meet with His people, the Israelites. As they entered the Tabernacle, they passed through seven stations, following God’s instructions, to experience His presence.

Today, even though we no longer need the physical Tabernacle to meet with God, these same steps can help us connect with Him. This prayer model will take us through each station of the Tabernacle and use the purpose of each station to guide our prayers.

01. THE OUTER COURT | THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE

The Israelites entered the Tabernacle with thanksgiving and praise, and we can start our prayer time the same way.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalms 100:4

Think of a fresh reason to thank God. You can write down a list, sing your own song of praise, or just spend time reflecting on your gratitude and praise toward God.

02. THE BRAZEN ALTAR | THE CROSS OF JESUS

In the Old Testament, everyone had to regularly bring animal sacrifices to the Tabernacle as payment for their sins. Today, we don’t have to do that because Jesus paid for our sins once and for all with His blood on the cross.

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalms 103:2-5

Thank God for the gift of Jesus. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice and love. Let the power of the cross and what it means settle in your spirit. In addition to expressing your gratitude, claim the power of transformation and healing that the cross of Jesus has in your life.

The cross provides us with five major benefits:

• Salvation—God forgives all my sins

• Healing—God heals all my diseases

• Redemption—God rescues me and restores me

• Transformation—God changes me into his likeness

Blessing—God provides everything I need

03. THE LAVER | CLEANSING AND PREPARING

The next step in the Tabernacle was a bowl of water where people would wash themselves before proceeding any closer to the holiness of God. For us, this represents checking our hearts and motives and surrendering our lives to God as an important part of daily prayer.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can confess our sins to Him and receive complete forgiveness and a fresh start. In prayer, humbly and sincerely turn away from your sins and allow God to cleanse and renew you. Then, surrender your attitude, heart, and mind to Him.

Romans 12:1 directs us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. Take a moment to reflect on the list below and submit each area as an offering to God:

• My Eyes — What I Look At

• My Ears — What I Listen To

• My Mind — What I Think About

• My Tongue — What I Speak About

My Hands — What I Do

04. THE CANDLESTICK | THE HOLY SPIRIT

The next piece of the Tabernacle was a seven-branched golden candlestick. The fire represents the Holy Spirit and how we are called to be light in the world’s darkness.

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of Wisdom and of Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and of Might, the Spirit of the Knowledge and fear of the LORD… Isaiah 11:2

When Jesus left the earth, Christians were given the gift of the Holy Spirit. God calls the Holy Spirit our “Advocate.” We cannot do what He has called us to do without His supernatural power. It is through His Holy Spirit that God comforts us, guides us, and empowers us.

Pray that you will operate daily in the Fruit of the Spirit: (Galatians 5:22-23)

• Love

• Joy

• Peace

• Patience

• Kindness

• Goodness

• Faithfulness

• Gentleness

Self-control

Pray that God will give you the Gifts of the Spirit:

(1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

• Wisdom

• Knowledge

• Faith

• Gifts of Healing

• Working of Miracles

• Prophecy

• Discerning of Spirits

• Different Kinds of Tongues

Interpretation of Tongues

05. THE TABLE OF SHOWBREAD | THE WORD OF GOD

Next in the Tabernacle came a table with twelve loaves of bread. These represented the Importance of reading God’s Word for daily truth.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

• Take time to read and think about the Word.

• Claim God’s many great promises for your life and the world around you.

• Ask Him for fresh revelation of His Word.

• Ask Him for a Word to help you as you go throughout your day.

• Ask Him to show you how to apply His Word in your life.

06. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE | WORSHIP

Finally, a small altar of burning incense stood at the entrance to the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelled. As the people of God entered His presence, they worshiped His names. This altar represents worship to and adoration of God.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

Thank God for making His presence available to you. Praise His names and worship Him personally and specifically for who He is and how He has moved in your life.

• JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU—My Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)

• JEHOVAH-MEKODDISHKEM—My Sanctifier (Leviticus 20:7-8)

• JEHOVAH-RAPHA—My Healer (Exodus 15:26)

• JEHOVAH-JIREH—My Provider (Genesis 22:14)

• JEHOVAH-NISSI—My Banner of Victory (Exodus 17:15)

• JEHOVAH-SHALOM—My Peace (Judges 6:24)

• JEHOVAH-RAAH—My Shepherd (Psalm 23:1)

• JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH—My Present Help (Ezekiel 48:35)

07. THE ARK OF THE COVENANT | INTERCESSION

The final place in the Tabernacle was the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelled. There, the priests would intercede by praying on behalf of the people of God.

In the same way, we are called to intercede on behalf of those around us.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

We can make a difference when we spend time praying for others. Pray for:

• The lost – those far from God

• Those in authority – leaders in church, government, family, workplace/school

• Those who are experiencing hardship – those suffering, the poor, the widowed, and the weak

• My family – both immediate and extended family members

• My church – pastors, small group leaders, members, and missionaries

• My community – people in my city, nation, and world

• My relationships – friends, coworkers, and acquaintances

• My adversaries – those with whom I disagree

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted His request. 1 Chronicles 4:10

01. BLESSING

Jabez begins his prayer by asking God for His blessing. In fact, God wants to bless us, but He is often waiting for us to ask with the right heart. When God blesses us, our lives overflow with abundance in every area.

“Oh, that You would bless me…” 1 Chronicles 4:10

Ask God for His blessing. Recognize your need for His provision, and set your heart toward wanting more than you need so that you can be a blessing to others

02. INFLUENCE

Next, Jabez asks for more influence. As God’s blessings increase in our lives, we can ask for and experience greater opportunity to influence the world around us for Him.

“…enlarge my territory…” 1 Chronicles 4:10

Pray for more influence, and trust in Him to open doors and lead you on the best path for His glory.

03. PRESENCE

As we ask for blessing and influence, we also need to ask for God’s presence, as Jabez did, so that we are not operating out of our own strength, but through the presence of God.

“…Let Your hand be with me…” 1 Chronicles 4:10

Acknowledge your need for God’s presence. Ask for His anointing and for him to put His hand on your life.

04. PROTECTION

Finally, Jabez asks the Lord to protect him. If we are influencing the world for Jesus, we must understand that the enemy will try to stop us. God promises to be with us and protect us, and because He is with us, we have nothing to fear.

“…keep me from harm…” 1 Chronicles 4:10

Trust God to protect you. Tell Him specific areas where you feel the need for His protection and ask Him to cover areas that you can’t yet see.

God desires for everyone to know Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to partner with Him in praying for those who don’t know Him to come to know Him and accept the free gift of salvation.

01. ASK THE FATHER TO DRAW THEM TO JESUS

God draws people to Himself. It’s not something we can make happen based on our own efforts, so we need to be faithful in praying that the Father would draw those He’s placed on our hearts to Jesus.

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them…” John 6:44

PRAYER:

“Father, I pray for the people around me (list specific names), that You would supernaturally draw their hearts to You. Send Your Holy Spirit to them, and give them the desire to give their lives to You. Help them to recognize their longing for more in life as a spiritual thirst only You can quench. Open their ears to hear Your voice.”

02. BIND THE SPIRIT THAT BLINDS THEIR MINDS

The truth can be right in front of some people, and they still can’t see it because something is in the way, blocking their view of God. We can pray against whatever is in their way so that they can see the light of God.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4

PRAYER:

“Father, bind the evil spirits that are blinding the minds of the people around me. In the name of Jesus, I pray that they would be able to see clearly, to recognize who You are, and to give their hearts to You. Remove all hindrances the enemy would use to distract them from Your truth. Open their eyes, Lord, that they might see Jesus.”

03. PRAY THAT THEY MAY HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

God came so that everyone could have a relationship with Him. God wants His sons and daughters to come home to Him. Praying for people to have personal encounters with God makes all the difference.

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father. Romans 8:15

PRAYER:

“Father, I pray that people will understand how much You love them. Loose the Spirit of Adoption for the people around me, so that they come into a meaningful relationship with You. Stir in their hearts a longing to come home, to hear Your voice, and to see You welcoming them with open arms. Let them know You are always running to meet them and hold them close.

04. PRAY FOR BELIEVERS TO CROSS THEIR PATHS

This step is twofold. We can pray for other Christians to influence the people around them positively, and we can also look for opportunities to influence others positively ourselves. God’s plan to reach people is worked out through those who already know and love Him.

“Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” Matthew 9:38

PRAYER:

“Father, I pray for the lost around me to meet believers who will influence them in a positive way. Lord, let my life shine in such a way that people want to know the God I serve. Allow others to see my genuine love and concern for them in all that I say and do. Let me be Your hands and feet to serve them and let them know just how much You love them.”

05. RELEASE THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION ON THEM, SO THEY MAY KNOW GOD BETTER

People need to see their own sin, see what Jesus did on the cross, and see the hope that comes from giving their life to God. We can pray for this kind of spiritual revelation that only comes from God.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, so that you may know Him better. Ephesians 1:17

PRAYER:

“Father, I pray for the people around me to experience the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. I pray that they would truly understand their spiritual condition and see what Jesus did for them on the cross. Help them to have the information and experiences needed to come to You, so they can understand all You have for them.”

God has put us on the earth at this specific time for a reason. Knowing this, we can look at those around us at this time in history and take personal responsibility to pray. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Pray for those in authority and those under your authority. Pray for those in your family and your circle of influence. Write down the names of specific people and pray for them.

Suggestions:

MY GOVERNMENT
PRESIDENT
NATIONAL LEADERS
STATE LEADERS
CITY LEADERS
MY FAMILY
SPOUSE
CHILDREN
PARENTS
SIBLINGS
EXTENDED FAMILY
MY CHURCH
PASTOR
SMALL GROUP LEADER
SMALL GROUP MEMBERS
MY LIFE
EMPLOYER
CO-WORKERS
EMPLOYEES
TEACHERS/PROFESSORS
CLOSE FRIENDS
THOSE WHO NEED GOD
PRAYER REQUESTS DATE
ANSWERED

why pray?

Jesus had twelve disciples He mentored and spent a considerable amount of time with during His three years of ministry on earth. They traveled with Him, broke bread together and learned at His side. They saw Him heal the blind, raise the dead, feed massive crowds miraculously, amaze people with His teachings, and even calm a storm. They knew that Jesus operated from a life of prayer and power that was unheard of at that time. One day, a disciple even asked Him how to pray (Luke 11:1).

The word “pray” or “prayer” is used over 25 times in the Gospels when referring to the life of Christ. Prayer was important to Jesus and His ministry on earth. Much of His time was spent in prayer, communing with His Heavenly Father. He truly understood the correlation between His ministry and prayer. In fact, there are several occasions where the Bible says, “Jesus got up very early in the morning to pray” (both in the books of Mark and Luke). Before Jesus’ ministry began, the Bible clearly says Jesus went alone for 40 days to fast and pray. Spending time in prayer took precedence over everything Jesus did.

Every decision Jesus made was done with a lifestyle of prayer backing and surrounding Him. The interesting thing was that Jesus did not pray because He had to. It was a choice because He wanted to. He wanted to continue to grow in His relationship with the Heavenly Father. And Jesus knew that in order to do so, He had to spend time with God in prayer. Prayer was not an obligation or stumbling block, but rather a privilege and a spiritual boost to do what He needed to do.

want further help?

Join our prayer team. We get together often and pray for our church, our family, our community and other personal needs. We would love to come along side you. The Bible says, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” When we pray together, we are helping each become better pray-ers.

let us know you want to pray