“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” Mark 1:35.
A few years ago, my husband and I had the privilege of working with the Navigator Ministry in Colorado Springs, CO. Living in the apartment below us was a brother in Christ, a humble servant of the Lord, Loren Sanny, a giant in the faith and one who inspired me for further growth in my spiritual life. Although Loren was personal friends with Billy Graham, Chuck Colson and Dawson Trotman, he only talked about himself if you questioned him. Loren was more interested in you and what the Lord was doing in your life! He wrote a booklet, “How to Spend a Day in Prayer” and I would like to share some thoughts on how we can spend a shortened time, perhaps a half day in the Lord’s presence.
There are many examples in Scripture of time given to prayer alone. Jesus spent whole nights praying, Mark 1:35. Nehemiah prayed “certain days” upon hearing of the plight of Jerusalem and Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai alone with God. Often, it is these special times God makes known his ways, his plans and his purposes for us and we need extended time in His presence. Don’t think of a Prayer Day as kneeling by your bed for hours, think of it as a vacation for your soul! Set aside a day, go to a special spot, turn off your phone and spend a half day with the Lord. You will need:
- Your Bible
- A hymnbook
- Your prayer list
- A devotional book or book on prayer
- A Journal and pen
You might begin your prayer time with scripture, Philippians 4 or your favorite chapter. Intersperse scripture with prayer, thanksgiving, journaling, walking, memorizing verses, singing, listening to praise music, and reading. Think of it as a special time just for you and the Lord to enjoy together!
Divide your time into three parts:
- Waiting on the Lord – first to realize His Presence, then for Cleansing. Consider Psalm 51 and 32. Then to Worship Him, Psalm 103-104 are wonderful chapters to praise the Lord for His greatness. This should naturally lead into Thanksgiving as you reflect on the abundant blessings God has given you: family, friends and opportunities to serve Him.
- Intercessory prayer for others – First, ask specific things for them, check your prayer list, use missionary prayer letters, pray for their spiritual strength, perseverance, good health. Picture yourself in the countries where these people live and pray accordingly. Pray scripture, pray Paul’s prayers for the church in Ephesians 1:15-23 and Ephesians 3:14-21.
- Pray for yourself – meditate on verses you have memorized or promises previously claimed from the Word. Ask God to show you areas in your life that need to change. Bring up any problems or decisions you are facing and seek the mind of God for them. Record your thoughts, when the Lord brings a course of action, write it down.
Variety is important during your time in prayer. Read a while, pray a while, walk a little, sing and change your position. The test of the day is not how exhilarated you are at the close of your time, but how it works into your life tomorrow! You will probably ask yourself, “Why didn’t I do this more often?!!”
Your friend, Jean