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Chapter Four Chapter Four Christian Intervention–Becoming an Christian Intervention–Becoming an

Intercessor/Prayer WarriorIntercessor/Prayer Warrior Every believer should include something Every believer should include something

eternal in every day. eternal in every day. Believers have priestly responsibilities Believers have priestly responsibilities

including prayer (see 1 Pet. 2:9).including prayer (see 1 Pet. 2:9). Church leaders should model the role of a Church leaders should model the role of a

prayer warrior. prayer warrior. What could happen through a daily, personal What could happen through a daily, personal

quiet time with God? quiet time with God? The postmodern culture The postmodern culture desperately needs each believer to become a desperately needs each believer to become a prayer warrior.prayer warrior.

Becoming a Prayer WarriorBecoming a Prayer Warrior

Most believers are blessed to know a Most believers are blessed to know a prayer warrior. prayer warrior.

Every believer should be such a Every believer should be such a blessing.blessing.

Five characteristics for those who wish Five characteristics for those who wish to become prayer warriors:to become prayer warriors:

1. Prayer Warriors Remain 1. Prayer Warriors Remain Connected to the Vine.Connected to the Vine.

Becoming a prayer warrior begins and Becoming a prayer warrior begins and matures through our relationship with matures through our relationship with Jesus. Jesus.

Jesus is the vine and His followers are Jesus is the vine and His followers are branches (see John 15:1-11).branches (see John 15:1-11).

Jesus alone embodies the complete Jesus alone embodies the complete will and purpose of Godwill and purpose of God..

Pruned to bear fruit (see John 15:2).Pruned to bear fruit (see John 15:2).– A believer’s purpose is to bear fruit.A believer’s purpose is to bear fruit.– Fruit of the Spirit: “Love, joy, peace, Fruit of the Spirit: “Love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23).5:22-23).

– Eternal fruit of helping people meet Jesus Eternal fruit of helping people meet Jesus – Believers will be pruned to bear more fruit.Believers will be pruned to bear more fruit.– We should be willing to be pruned.We should be willing to be pruned.

Abide in Jesus.Abide in Jesus.– Jesus says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. Jesus says, “Abide in Me, and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me” (John can you unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4).15:4).

– John 15:7 adds, “If you abide in Me, and John 15:7 adds, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.”wish, and it shall be done for you.”

– Abiding in God’s Word shows us how to Abiding in God’s Word shows us how to pray effectivelypray effectively..

Jesus as our example.Jesus as our example.– Do not replace God’s Word with the Do not replace God’s Word with the

opinions or teachings of other people.opinions or teachings of other people.– Theological errors often develop because Theological errors often develop because

it is easier to ask someone their opinion it is easier to ask someone their opinion than research the biblical text.than research the biblical text.

– Read carefully. Listen carefully.Read carefully. Listen carefully.

Ask whatever you wish.Ask whatever you wish.– The privilege of asking is determined by The privilege of asking is determined by

abiding in Christ.abiding in Christ.– To ask “whatever you wish,” you must To ask “whatever you wish,” you must

abide in theabide in the Word Word (see John 15:4-6). (see John 15:4-6). – Love and joy are missing from the Love and joy are missing from the

postmodern culture (see John 15:9-11).postmodern culture (see John 15:9-11).

2. Prayer Warriors Remain Grounded in 2. Prayer Warriors Remain Grounded in the Bible.the Bible.

Helps detect decoys and false Helps detect decoys and false teaching.teaching.

Below are seven characteristics of Below are seven characteristics of biblical prayer:biblical prayer:1.1.Recognize the struggle between Recognize the struggle between

emotion and knowledge.emotion and knowledge.– Emotion and knowledge struggle in almost Emotion and knowledge struggle in almost

every prayer and spiritual warfare movement every prayer and spiritual warfare movement worldwide. We can focus too much on worldwide. We can focus too much on emotion or knowledge.emotion or knowledge.

– The issue is to discover, teach, and The issue is to discover, teach, and practice biblical truth.practice biblical truth.

– In Genesis 4:7, the Lord warns Cain that In Genesis 4:7, the Lord warns Cain that “sin is crouching at the door; and its “sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”desire is for you, but you must master it.”

– ““For where jealously and selfish ambition For where jealously and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder” (Jas. 3:16). exist, there is disorder” (Jas. 3:16).

– Luke explains that jealousy caused Luke explains that jealousy caused conflict with kingdom activities (see Acts conflict with kingdom activities (see Acts 13:45).13:45).

– Balance is needed between God’s sovereignty Balance is needed between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. and human responsibility.

– Even professional ministers succumb to Even professional ministers succumb to using manipulation to advance their personal using manipulation to advance their personal agenda.agenda. Now they are unhappy and are Now they are unhappy and are begging God to rescue them. Or worse, they begging God to rescue them. Or worse, they are making life and ministry miserable.are making life and ministry miserable.

– People must train their emotions or they will People must train their emotions or they will be led captive to every passing impulse or be led captive to every passing impulse or reaction.reaction.

– Be careful that knowledge doesn’t replace Be careful that knowledge doesn’t replace faith.faith.

– It is very important for believers to approach It is very important for believers to approach prayer, spiritual warfare, and ministry with prayer, spiritual warfare, and ministry with loving, biblical knowledge instead of loving, biblical knowledge instead of untrained emotional reaction.untrained emotional reaction.

2.2. Pray in Jesus’ name.Pray in Jesus’ name.– Jesus instructs believers to “ask in My Jesus instructs believers to “ask in My

name” (John 14:13-14). name” (John 14:13-14). Praying in Jesus’ Praying in Jesus’ name means asking anything that is name means asking anything that is consistent with His character, nature, and consistent with His character, nature, and personality.personality.

– If people do this, Jesus serves as the If people do this, Jesus serves as the mediator for that request.mediator for that request.

– Jesus paid our sin debt.Jesus paid our sin debt.– Praying in Jesus’ name flows from a Praying in Jesus’ name flows from a

believer’s heart. Unbelievers do not have believer’s heart. Unbelievers do not have access.access.

3.3. Intercede with righteous prayer.Intercede with righteous prayer.– James 5:16 (NKJV.) reads “...pray for one James 5:16 (NKJV.) reads “...pray for one

another. . .The effective, fervent prayer of another. . .The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”a righteous man avails much.”

– Religion often calls for people to act Religion often calls for people to act good.good.

– Christianity calls for us to become holy Christianity calls for us to become holy (see 2 Tim. 1:9).(see 2 Tim. 1:9).

4.4. Practice persistent prayer.Practice persistent prayer.– Luke 11:5-13 teaches more about the Luke 11:5-13 teaches more about the

intercessorintercessor than intercession. This is not than intercession. This is not an example of changing God’s mind to an example of changing God’s mind to agree with us.agree with us.

1) It is a legitimate need, 1) It is a legitimate need, 2) He persisted on behalf of others, 2) He persisted on behalf of others, 3) He persevered.3) He persevered.– Prayer is not an excuse for our cowardice Prayer is not an excuse for our cowardice

or laziness.or laziness.– Luke 18:1 (KJV) says to pray without Luke 18:1 (KJV) says to pray without

fainting.fainting.– Prayer warriors pray unceasingly.Prayer warriors pray unceasingly.

5.5. Include evangelistic prayer.Include evangelistic prayer.– Evangelistic prayer intercedes for lost Evangelistic prayer intercedes for lost

people. people. – Pray to have a broken heart for lost Pray to have a broken heart for lost

people (see Luke 15).people (see Luke 15).– If we who believe in prayer are not If we who believe in prayer are not

praying for lost people, who will?praying for lost people, who will?– ““There has never been a mighty revival There has never been a mighty revival

without mighty praying.”-Torreywithout mighty praying.”-Torrey

6.6. Agonize in prayer.Agonize in prayer.– Praying in Jesus’ name is hard.Praying in Jesus’ name is hard.– Agonize (strive) together in prayer (see Agonize (strive) together in prayer (see

Rom. 15:30).Rom. 15:30).– In Luke 22:44, the same word describes In Luke 22:44, the same word describes

Jesus’ prayer in the garden.Jesus’ prayer in the garden.– Act 12 records the story of the church Act 12 records the story of the church

praying on Peter’s behalf.praying on Peter’s behalf.

7.7. Pray in unity.Pray in unity.– Praying in Jesus’ name brings unity.Praying in Jesus’ name brings unity.– Matthew 18:19-20 describes the Matthew 18:19-20 describes the

importance of unity in prayer. importance of unity in prayer. – God honors unified prayer.God honors unified prayer.– Praying in unity does not mean Praying in unity does not mean

compromising theological truth.compromising theological truth.

3.3. Prayer Warriors Listen for thePrayer Warriors Listen for the Lord to Speak.Lord to Speak.

The Bible often mentions the Lord The Bible often mentions the Lord speaking (see 1 Kings 19;Acts 16:7).speaking (see 1 Kings 19;Acts 16:7).

Much of our prayer is more talking Much of our prayer is more talking than listening.than listening.

Prayer warriors must carefully seek Prayer warriors must carefully seek to hear the Lord’s voice. to hear the Lord’s voice.

Include Bible study time during Include Bible study time during every personal and corporate prayer every personal and corporate prayer time.time.

It is difficult for believers to discern It is difficult for believers to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit from the the voice of the Holy Spirit from the voices of Satan or our own desires.voices of Satan or our own desires.

3.3. Prayer Warriors Listen for thePrayer Warriors Listen for the Lord to Speak.Lord to Speak.

The Bible often mentions the Lord The Bible often mentions the Lord speaking (see 1 Kings 19;Acts 16:7).speaking (see 1 Kings 19;Acts 16:7).

Much of our prayer is more talking Much of our prayer is more talking than listening.than listening.

Prayer warriors must carefully seek Prayer warriors must carefully seek to hear the Lord’s voice. to hear the Lord’s voice.

Include Bible study time during Include Bible study time during every personal and corporate prayer every personal and corporate prayer time.time.

It is difficult for believers to discern It is difficult for believers to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit from the the voice of the Holy Spirit from the voices of Satan or our own desires.voices of Satan or our own desires.

4. Prayer Warriors Pray in Truth.4. Prayer Warriors Pray in Truth. In John 8:44, Satan is described as “a In John 8:44, Satan is described as “a

murderer…and does not stand in the murderer…and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him…truth because there is no truth in him…for he is a liar and the father of lies.”for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Satan consistently seeks to undermine Satan consistently seeks to undermine and dismiss the truth. and dismiss the truth.

Notice how he slowly raises our Notice how he slowly raises our tolerance of evil.tolerance of evil.

Our prayer is empowered by walking in Our prayer is empowered by walking in the truth.the truth.

You shall know the truth (see John You shall know the truth (see John 8:32).8:32).– The nature and source of truth should The nature and source of truth should

become the core of our cultural debate.become the core of our cultural debate.– Satan wants us to believe that truth is not Satan wants us to believe that truth is not

attainable.attainable.– Satan tries to convince humans to Satan tries to convince humans to

exchange the truth of God for a lie.exchange the truth of God for a lie.– Notice how Satan lures the believer into Notice how Satan lures the believer into

the powers of darkness.the powers of darkness.

What is truth?What is truth?– The prevailing relativism has many people The prevailing relativism has many people

looking for truth.looking for truth.– Truth is exclusive of error.Truth is exclusive of error.– Ravi Zacharias writes that “all truth is Ravi Zacharias writes that “all truth is

God’s truth, and truth cannot be in conflict God’s truth, and truth cannot be in conflict with itself.”with itself.”

– In John 12:48, the Word of God is shown In John 12:48, the Word of God is shown as the standard by which humans will be as the standard by which humans will be judged.judged.

▪ The Truth shall set you free The Truth shall set you free (see John 8:32). (see John 8:32).

– Discovering and choosing the truth has Discovering and choosing the truth has become a difficult decision for the individual. become a difficult decision for the individual. Jesus is the Truth.Jesus is the Truth.

– The truth that sets people free is JesusThe truth that sets people free is Jesus. It is . It is not education, technology, social reform, or not education, technology, social reform, or even autonomy from rules. Jesus is the way, even autonomy from rules. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (see John 14:6). Jesus the truth, and the life (see John 14:6). Jesus is not one of many ways, part of the truth, or is not one of many ways, part of the truth, or some of the life. some of the life.

– Satanic influence in the culture wants Satanic influence in the culture wants humans to believe that truth is not humans to believe that truth is not attainable. This eventually can cause attainable. This eventually can cause even believers to pray without faith.even believers to pray without faith.

– Truth is not dependent upon opinion Truth is not dependent upon opinion polls.polls.

5. Prayer Warriors Create a Prayer 5. Prayer Warriors Create a Prayer Plan that Helps Them.Plan that Helps Them.

Some prayer plans become hollow Some prayer plans become hollow rituals. rituals.

In Matthew 6:9-13 and John 17, Jesus In Matthew 6:9-13 and John 17, Jesus provides a model, not a ritual prayer for provides a model, not a ritual prayer for believers.believers.

A prayer plan can provide direction and A prayer plan can provide direction and focus in the believer’s prayer life. It can focus in the believer’s prayer life. It can help to maximize and organize our help to maximize and organize our prayer time. prayer time.

The believer’s desire should be to The believer’s desire should be to encounter the God who answers encounter the God who answers prayer.prayer.

6.6. Prayer Warriors Help with aPrayer Warriors Help with aComprehensive Prayer Ministry.Comprehensive Prayer Ministry.

A comprehensive prayer ministry will A comprehensive prayer ministry will cover every ministry of the church with cover every ministry of the church with prayer. prayer.

It will not happen automatically. It It will not happen automatically. It requires leadership.requires leadership.

Great Commission Praying to support Great Commission Praying to support Matthew 28:18-20.Matthew 28:18-20.

Three Goals in a Great Commission Three Goals in a Great Commission Prayer MinistryPrayer Ministry

1.1. Personal Prayer Goal (see 1 Thess. 5:17).Personal Prayer Goal (see 1 Thess. 5:17).Renew a personal passion for Jesus Renew a personal passion for Jesus through praying unceasingly.through praying unceasingly.

2. Corporate Prayer Goal (see Matt. 21:13; 2. Corporate Prayer Goal (see Matt. 21:13; Luke 19:10).Luke 19:10).Reclaim the church as a house of prayer Reclaim the church as a house of prayer with a passion for lost people.with a passion for lost people.

3. Kingdom Prayer Goal (see 2 Chron. 7:14; 3. Kingdom Prayer Goal (see 2 Chron. 7:14; Matt. 28: 18-20).Matt. 28: 18-20).Respond to God’s call to unite believers in Respond to God’s call to unite believers in focused prayer for global evangelization focused prayer for global evangelization and awakening.and awakening.

A Suggested Process for a Great A Suggested Process for a Great Commission Prayer MinistryCommission Prayer Ministry

1.1. Select (through prayer) a prayer Select (through prayer) a prayer coordinatorcoordinator

2.2. Select (through prayer) a prayer councilSelect (through prayer) a prayer council3.3. Pastor presents a sermon series on prayerPastor presents a sermon series on prayer4.4. Pastor hosts a prayer banquetPastor hosts a prayer banquet5.5. Refocus the Wednesday night prayer Refocus the Wednesday night prayer

meetingmeeting

6.6. Provide a prayer roomProvide a prayer room7.7. Create a prayer chain or watchman networkCreate a prayer chain or watchman network8.8. Provide many ways to involve people and Provide many ways to involve people and

call them to prayercall them to prayer

9. Provide ongoing trainingProvide ongoing training

10.10. Participate in Campus Prayer Journeys/See Participate in Campus Prayer Journeys/See You at the PoleYou at the Pole

11.11. Cover the community with regular Prayer Cover the community with regular Prayer Journeys/ Prayer WalksJourneys/ Prayer Walks

12.12. Encourage individual prayer through Encourage individual prayer through resources availableresources available

13.13. Launch new prayer groupsLaunch new prayer groups14.14. Create praying affinity groups for people in Create praying affinity groups for people in

your congregation and communityyour congregation and community15.15. Develop prayer listsDevelop prayer lists16.16. Participate in North American and Participate in North American and

International Seasons of Prayer for International Seasons of Prayer for missions and missionariesmissions and missionaries

18.18. Create Lighthouses of PrayerCreate Lighthouses of Prayer19.19. Schedule a prayer time during worship Schedule a prayer time during worship

servicesservices19.19. Work with the state and associational Work with the state and associational

prayer coordinatorsprayer coordinators

ConclusionConclusionThe postmodern world needs more believers The postmodern world needs more believers to become prayer warriors. Become a prayer to become prayer warriors. Become a prayer warrior by abiding in Christ, staying warrior by abiding in Christ, staying grounded in the Word, and by praying in grounded in the Word, and by praying in truth. Create a prayer plan that works for you truth. Create a prayer plan that works for you and for your congregation. Include the and for your congregation. Include the personal, corporate, and kingdom goals. personal, corporate, and kingdom goals. Help your congregation cover every ministry Help your congregation cover every ministry and person in the church and in the and person in the church and in the community with prayer. community with prayer.

The next two chapters present more The next two chapters present more information about using the PrayTimer information about using the PrayTimer software for personal and corporate use.software for personal and corporate use.

Chapter FiveChapter FiveMaximizing Personal Prayer TimeMaximizing Personal Prayer Time

Personal prayer time. Renew your Personal prayer time. Renew your relationship with the Lord. relationship with the Lord.

Prayer allows you to be involved in making Prayer allows you to be involved in making an eternal difference.an eternal difference.

Use tools to maximize your prayer time.Use tools to maximize your prayer time. Exceed your “comfort zone” of prayer.Exceed your “comfort zone” of prayer. Consider using some kind of daily Consider using some kind of daily

intercession schedule to remind you of intercession schedule to remind you of prayer needs. prayer needs.

It is not essential to use any software or It is not essential to use any software or schedule to pray effectively. schedule to pray effectively.

Pray longer than you plan your prayer timePray longer than you plan your prayer time

First, Plan A Daily Prayer Time.First, Plan A Daily Prayer Time. The discipline of a daily prayer time The discipline of a daily prayer time

requires commitment. requires commitment. Everything in our daily schedule tries to Everything in our daily schedule tries to

reduce or delete our time with God. reduce or delete our time with God. Set a time for prayer least likely to be Set a time for prayer least likely to be

interrupted. This is one reason many interrupted. This is one reason many prefer an early morning prayer time. This prefer an early morning prayer time. This requires the discipline of going to bed requires the discipline of going to bed early enough to get the needed sleep. It early enough to get the needed sleep. It requires replacing our entertainment-requires replacing our entertainment-driven habits with the desire to make an driven habits with the desire to make an eternal difference. Give the Lord time eternal difference. Give the Lord time when your mind is sharp and you are when your mind is sharp and you are refreshed.refreshed.

Second, Adapt the ACTS acrostic.Second, Adapt the ACTS acrostic. The purpose is to pray for as many The purpose is to pray for as many

specific requests as possible in a day.specific requests as possible in a day. Personal and corporate prayer times Personal and corporate prayer times

can include all four ACTS components.can include all four ACTS components.

Many believers find they need toMany believers find they need to

schedule additional prayer times as the schedule additional prayer times as the

prayer request lists grow longer.prayer request lists grow longer.

Adoration – This is often overlooked Adoration – This is often overlooked during prayer time.during prayer time. – ““Worship” in Matthew 28:17 means to bow Worship” in Matthew 28:17 means to bow

the knee.the knee.– Praise and adore the Lord for who He is Praise and adore the Lord for who He is

(see Matt. 6:9).(see Matt. 6:9).– Cherish His presence and allow Him to Cherish His presence and allow Him to

work in and through your life (see Matt. work in and through your life (see Matt. 22:32-34).22:32-34).

– Be still and know (see Ps. 46:10).Be still and know (see Ps. 46:10).

Confession – Do this daily (see Matt. Confession – Do this daily (see Matt. 6:12).6:12).– Ask the Lord to “search your heart” (see Ask the Lord to “search your heart” (see

Ps. 139:23-24).Ps. 139:23-24).– Accept His forgiveness and cleansing Accept His forgiveness and cleansing

(see 1 John 1:9; Jer. 31:34).(see 1 John 1:9; Jer. 31:34).– Personal confession time is different Personal confession time is different

from corporate confession time.from corporate confession time.

Thanksgiving - Give thanks for all Thanksgiving - Give thanks for all things (see Phil. 4:6-7).things (see Phil. 4:6-7).– Thanksgiving differs from adoration.Thanksgiving differs from adoration.– Thank God for specific things, such as Thank God for specific things, such as

blessings, people, open doors, and serving blessings, people, open doors, and serving Him. Him.

– Thank Him for His goodness, loving Thank Him for His goodness, loving kindness, and faithfulness (see kindness, and faithfulness (see

Ps. 100:4-6).Ps. 100:4-6).

Supplication - We are called as Supplication - We are called as believers to intercessory prayer.believers to intercessory prayer.– We are to pray for others (see Heb. 10:19-We are to pray for others (see Heb. 10:19-

25; Rev. 1:4-6).25; Rev. 1:4-6).– Spend time praying for specific people, Spend time praying for specific people,

including people in states, countries, and including people in states, countries, and involved in events, (see Acts 12:5; Rom. involved in events, (see Acts 12:5; Rom. 10:1).10:1).

– Pray for those in authority (see 1 Tim. 2:1-Pray for those in authority (see 1 Tim. 2:1-6).6).

– Pray for lost people (see John 17:20).Pray for lost people (see John 17:20).– The PrayTimer prayer lists are helpful for The PrayTimer prayer lists are helpful for

specific daily supplicationspecific daily supplication.

Third, Include Prayer List Categories.Third, Include Prayer List Categories.

You cannot cover all of your prayer You cannot cover all of your prayer requests in 5 minutes a day. requests in 5 minutes a day.

Prayer list categories allow believers to Prayer list categories allow believers to remember important requests.remember important requests.

Prayer categories can help believersPrayer categories can help believerspray consistently with the Great pray consistently with the Great Commission.Commission.

Include a Category for BelieversInclude a Category for Believers

Many prayers in the New Testament Many prayers in the New Testament were for believers.were for believers.

Paul modeled and taught this practice Paul modeled and taught this practice (see Eph. 1:15-19; 1 Thess. 3:11-13). (see Eph. 1:15-19; 1 Thess. 3:11-13).

Believers should intercede for each Believers should intercede for each other daily.other daily.

Include missionaries in your daily Include missionaries in your daily prayer time.prayer time.

Include a Category For UnbelieversInclude a Category For Unbelievers

Evangelistic praying should include Evangelistic praying should include prayer for unbelievers.prayer for unbelievers.

Prayer on behalf of lost people is Prayer on behalf of lost people is taught by Jesus (see John 17:20).taught by Jesus (see John 17:20).

Do not presume that people are saved. Do not presume that people are saved.

If we who believe in prayer are not If we who believe in prayer are not praying for lost people, then who is praying for lost people, then who is praying for them?praying for them?

Pray for unbeliever’sPray for unbeliever’s HEARTS to be changed to be changed Pray for unbeliever’sPray for unbeliever’s HEARTS to be changed to be changed Pray for receptive and repentantPray for receptive and repentant HHearts earts

(see Luke 8:5-12). (see Luke 8:5-12). Pray for their spiritual Pray for their spiritual EEyes and ears to yes and ears to

be opened to the truth of Christ (see 2 be opened to the truth of Christ (see 2 Cor. 4:4; Matt. 13:15). Cor. 4:4; Matt. 13:15).

Pray for them to have God’sPray for them to have God’s AAttitude ttitude toward sin (see John 16:8). toward sin (see John 16:8).

Pray for the person to bePray for the person to be RReleased to eleased to believe (see 2 Cor. 10:3-4; 2 Tim. 2:25-believe (see 2 Cor. 10:3-4; 2 Tim. 2:25-26).26).

Pray for aPray for a TTransforming life (see ransforming life (see Rom. 12:1-2).Rom. 12:1-2).

Pray for God to Pray for God to SSend them into His end them into His harvest field (see Matt. 9:35).harvest field (see Matt. 9:35).

Pray for Believers and Unbelievers Pray for Believers and Unbelievers Involved in Evangelistic Missions EventsInvolved in Evangelistic Missions Events

These events allow God to use His people to These events allow God to use His people to influence the lost world for Christ.influence the lost world for Christ.

Prayer for events focuses on praying for Prayer for events focuses on praying for everyone involved in those events.everyone involved in those events.

A biblical mission event will always be A biblical mission event will always be evangelistic.evangelistic.

Three ways to pray biblically for outreach Three ways to pray biblically for outreach events:events:

1. Pray for people before the event.1. Pray for people before the event.2. Pray for people during the event.2. Pray for people during the event.3. Pray for people after the event.3. Pray for people after the event.

Pray for Believers and Unbelievers Pray for Believers and Unbelievers in States, Provinces, and Countriesin States, Provinces, and Countries

Jesus wept over the people in the city of Jesus wept over the people in the city of Jerusalem (see Matt. 23:37-39).Jerusalem (see Matt. 23:37-39).

God must intervene person-by-person, God must intervene person-by-person, state-by-state, and country-by-country.state-by-state, and country-by-country.

Intercession helps soften hard hearts so Intercession helps soften hard hearts so that unbelievers accept Jesus.that unbelievers accept Jesus.

Pray for revival and spiritual awakening Pray for revival and spiritual awakening (see 2 Chron. 7:14).(see 2 Chron. 7:14).

Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest fields (see Luke laborers into His harvest fields (see Luke 10:2).10:2).

Pray for state denominational leaders to Pray for state denominational leaders to increase in God’s wisdom, conduct increase in God’s wisdom, conduct themselves honorably in all things, and themselves honorably in all things, and grow in favor with God and man (see Luke grow in favor with God and man (see Luke 2:52).2:52).

Pray for open doors for the gospel to be Pray for open doors for the gospel to be taken to the lost (see Col. 4:2-6).taken to the lost (see Col. 4:2-6).

Include a Category for Personal, Include a Category for Personal, Spiritual, and Physical NeedsSpiritual, and Physical Needs

Jesus prayed for Himself (see Luke 22:39-Jesus prayed for Himself (see Luke 22:39-45).45).

Jesus prayed for personal, physical, and Jesus prayed for personal, physical, and spiritual needs.spiritual needs.

An important personal need is for each An important personal need is for each believer to share Jesus with unbelievers.believer to share Jesus with unbelievers.

God honors prayers for divine encounters. God honors prayers for divine encounters. Praying for personal, spiritual, and physical Praying for personal, spiritual, and physical

needs is not selfish, as long as you are needs is not selfish, as long as you are seeking God’s face; not just God’s hands.seeking God’s face; not just God’s hands.

Biblical examples of personal prayer Biblical examples of personal prayer needs:needs:Pray in Pray in

repentance and repentance and belief in Christ belief in Christ (see Mark 1:15).(see Mark 1:15).

Pray in Pray in confession of confession of sin (see 1 sin (see 1 John 1:9).John 1:9).

Pray for our daily Pray for our daily bread (see Luke bread (see Luke 11:311:3.

Pray we can forgive Pray we can forgive everyone (see Luke everyone (see Luke 11:4).11:4).

Pray that we will not Pray that we will not be led into be led into temptation (see temptation (see Luke 11:4b).Luke 11:4b).

Include Other CategoriesInclude Other Categories

Under these categories, you can create Under these categories, you can create a number of additional sub-categories.a number of additional sub-categories.

Create a category for people in your Create a category for people in your profession or interest group.profession or interest group.

It is overwhelming to realize how many It is overwhelming to realize how many people we should be praying for.people we should be praying for.

If we who believe in prayer are not If we who believe in prayer are not praying consistently, then who is praying consistently, then who is praying?praying?

Schedule How Often to Pray for Schedule How Often to Pray for Each RequestEach Request

The number of prayer requests require The number of prayer requests require prayer warriors to set up a prayer prayer warriors to set up a prayer schedule.schedule.

Some requests, like the National Day of Some requests, like the National Day of Prayer, are only once a year.Prayer, are only once a year.

PrayTimer provides an import file to PrayTimer provides an import file to place missionary birthdays on your place missionary birthdays on your schedule.schedule.

Create a Daily Intercession ScheduleCreate a Daily Intercession Schedule These suggestions can be adapted to These suggestions can be adapted to

your personal or congregational your personal or congregational preferences.preferences.

Schedule daily prayer requests to Schedule daily prayer requests to maximize your prayer time. maximize your prayer time.

The purpose is to help every believer to The purpose is to help every believer to pray for as many specific prayer pray for as many specific prayer requests as possible on any given day, requests as possible on any given day, week, month, or year.week, month, or year.

Use these suggestions to include Use these suggestions to include specific prayer requests for individuals specific prayer requests for individuals by nameby name..

ConclusionConclusion

• Begin seeking ways to maximize and Begin seeking ways to maximize and expand your personal prayer time. expand your personal prayer time. Plan a time for daily prayer. Seek to Plan a time for daily prayer. Seek to bring balance to your corporate and bring balance to your corporate and personal prayer time. Consider personal prayer time. Consider creating category lists to help you pray creating category lists to help you pray specifically for unbelievers, believers, specifically for unbelievers, believers, and personal spiritual and physical and personal spiritual and physical needs.needs.

Chapter 6Chapter 6PrayTimerPrayTimer®® Software Instructions Software Instructions

The PrayTimerThe PrayTimer®® CD-ROM is available at CD-ROM is available at the back of this book. For more the back of this book. For more information and updates visit information and updates visit

www.praytimer.org.www.praytimer.org.

The PrayTimerThe PrayTimer®® CD-ROM is available at CD-ROM is available at the back of this book. For more the back of this book. For more information and updates visit information and updates visit

www.praytimer.org.www.praytimer.org.

The software provides calendar options The software provides calendar options in daily, weekly, and monthly calendar in daily, weekly, and monthly calendar views. views. It provides tools for individuals, It provides tools for individuals, prayer coordinators, and church staff prayer coordinators, and church staff to manage, print, and distribute to manage, print, and distribute personal, congregational, or small personal, congregational, or small group prayer requests. Page-by-page group prayer requests. Page-by-page instructions are included in this instructions are included in this chapter.chapter.

Motivation for Personal PrayerMotivation for Personal Prayer

A personal prayer time A personal prayer time begins with the begins with the motivation to grow in motivation to grow in Christ. Otherwise, the Christ. Otherwise, the software is just a toy or software is just a toy or another program.another program.

Growing in Christ Growing in Christ requires at least three requires at least three actions on our part:actions on our part:

First, choose God’s will over our will.First, choose God’s will over our will. Jesus agonized over the impending Jesus agonized over the impending

pain of the cross (see Luke 22:42). pain of the cross (see Luke 22:42). Jesus agreed that God’s will was (and Jesus agreed that God’s will was (and is) better than individual will. We must is) better than individual will. We must choose God’s will.choose God’s will.

Jesus stands at the door of our heart Jesus stands at the door of our heart and knocks (see Rev. 3:20).and knocks (see Rev. 3:20).

When the Holy Spirit moves into our When the Holy Spirit moves into our heart, He rearranges the furniture heart, He rearranges the furniture (desires, attitudes, self-made theology). (desires, attitudes, self-made theology). Choose to exchange your will for God’s Choose to exchange your will for God’s will.will.

Second, growing in Christ requires a Second, growing in Christ requires a change of heart.change of heart.

It is difficult to give the Lord access to It is difficult to give the Lord access to every room in your heart.every room in your heart.

The New Testament refers to the The New Testament refers to the “heart” as the seat of human will and “heart” as the seat of human will and emotions (see Matt. 22:37).emotions (see Matt. 22:37).

There are several benefits to allowing There are several benefits to allowing the Spirit to change our hearts.the Spirit to change our hearts.

First Benefit: PurityFirst Benefit: Purity– The culture views purity as an The culture views purity as an

embarrassing word.embarrassing word.– Jesus told His followers, “Blessed are the Jesus told His followers, “Blessed are the

pure in heart” (see Matt. 5:8).pure in heart” (see Matt. 5:8).– Believers need daily time with God for Believers need daily time with God for

cleansing. cleansing. – In Matthew 12:34(NKJV), Jesus gives an In Matthew 12:34(NKJV), Jesus gives an

indicator of a contaminated heart, “...out of indicator of a contaminated heart, “...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” speaks.”

Second Benefit: Pray UnceasinglySecond Benefit: Pray Unceasingly– 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages

believers to pray unceasingly.believers to pray unceasingly.– Hebrews 4:12 refers to the Word of God Hebrews 4:12 refers to the Word of God

discerning the attitudes and actions of discerning the attitudes and actions of the heart.the heart.

– Learn the Word of God.Learn the Word of God.

Third Benefit: Sharing with OthersThird Benefit: Sharing with Others– Romans 10:9-10 says that people must Romans 10:9-10 says that people must

believe in their heart and confess with believe in their heart and confess with their mouth.their mouth.

– We more easily confess to others that We more easily confess to others that Jesus is Lord when He fills and overflows Jesus is Lord when He fills and overflows us.us.

Fourth Benefit: ComfortFourth Benefit: Comfort– Jesus said, “Let not your heart be Jesus said, “Let not your heart be

troubled” (John 14:27).troubled” (John 14:27).– Our time with God provides peace that Our time with God provides peace that

passes understanding. passes understanding. – There is great comfort in knowing God is There is great comfort in knowing God is

in control.in control.

Third, growing in Christ requires Third, growing in Christ requires fellowship with God.fellowship with God.

The heart must become obedient to The heart must become obedient to God, through His Son, Jesus, and in God, through His Son, Jesus, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.the power of the Holy Spirit.

Devote yourself to learn more about Devote yourself to learn more about God and to fellowship with Him (see God and to fellowship with Him (see Acts 2:42).Acts 2:42).

Publicly identify yourself as a follower Publicly identify yourself as a follower of Jesus’ teachings.of Jesus’ teachings.

Every believer should be active in Every believer should be active in church (see Heb. 10:25).church (see Heb. 10:25).

Satan will provide many excuses Satan will provide many excuses about why you do not need to join about why you do not need to join or attend church.or attend church.

Instructions for the PrayTimerInstructions for the PrayTimer®® SoftwareSoftware

Visit Visit www.praytimer.orgwww.praytimer.org for updated for updated versions, updated download files, a versions, updated download files, a Quick Start Guide, online help files, Quick Start Guide, online help files, answers to Frequently Asked answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and printable copies of Questions, and printable copies of each.each.

Load, open, and overview the software.Load, open, and overview the software.

ConclusionConclusion

• Effective prayer requires a commitment Effective prayer requires a commitment that flows from a relationship with that flows from a relationship with Jesus Christ. The challenge is to keep Jesus Christ. The challenge is to keep prayer as a priority of our lives without prayer as a priority of our lives without becoming a lifeless ritual. It does not becoming a lifeless ritual. It does not matter what process or material you matter what process or material you use. Renew a personal passion to pray use. Renew a personal passion to pray unceasingly.unceasingly.