Stop, Kneel, and Pray

Have you ever found yourself feeling stuck in your prayer life? Maybe you don’t know where to start or don’t know what to say. It’s absolutely normal to feel this way, but part of being a Christ-follower is getting to know Him on a deeper level, which comes through prayer. In I Thessalonians, we are called to rejoice always, pray constantly, and give thanks in everything, because it’s God’s will for us. It’s about as straightforward as it gets – to honor the Lord, we must pray.

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 CSB)

If you don’t know where to start, then these prompts can guide you through different ways to pray for your community, your family and friends, and your own life in ways you may not have considered. As you pray through the list, include other specific areas that need prayer in your own life and community, and keep growing. And of course, ask God to guide you every step of the way.

Pray for your family and your home.
Pray for your spouse (or future spouse).
Pray for your extended family and friends.
Pray for the health of your family, community, the nation, and the world during this time – and always.
Pray about something you need to confess right now.
Pray about someone you are having a hard time loving right now.
Pray for the frontline workers that are keeping communities safe right now.
Pray for schools in your community, teachers, administration, and the students.
Pray for your church, church leadership, and the congregation as a whole.
Pray for other churches and leadership in your community.
Pray for those in your life that you know are going through a hard time right now.
Pray over a big decision you are facing in your life and ask the Lord for guidance.
Pray for our government and political leaders.
Pray for boldness to share the message of God’s love with someone today.
Pray for a fruit of the Spirit that you would like to grow into.
Pray over a situation that you need to seek forgiveness in.
Pray over a fear that you need to face today with God’s strength.
Pray for peace and comfort during uncertain situations.
Pray for strength to have that tough conversation.
Pray for missionaries and their families as they travel spreading the message of God’s love.
Pray for our nation, our leaders, and our government.
Pray for God to show you someone who needs some love and encouragement today.

 

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

If you’re like all other human beings, you’ve experienced some very troublesome and devastating days in your life, maybe even seasons. You might even be living in one right now. It’s hard not to give in to panic and then make decisions out of fear – poor decisions, that is. It’s these times when faith is what everything boils down to. In a split second, you can either get swept up by the swift current before you and hope not to drown, or you can stop and kneel in firm belief that God is with you and will help. He truly is an ever-present help in trouble, and He has the answers and provision you need – all of them. Call to Him. Seek Him with all your heart. He is faithful to those who love Him and believe.

The people began complaining openly before the LORD about hardship… Then [they] cried out to Moses, and he prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. (Numbers 11:1-2)

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed. (Psalm 107:28-29)

The disciples came and woke [Jesus] up saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:25-26)

 

Pray with us…

Lord, we bow to You with a humble heart and fall into Your strong arms. Keep our feet firm and our heart strong no matter what turmoil is around us. Seal us with Your loving touch and protect us from this and all storms. In You we place our faith. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

 

Submitted by Gene Lindsay
Credits: excerpts from DaySpring.com