The Purpose of Prayer
Today, let's prepare our hearts for what God wants to do through our time in corporate worship. We need the Holy Spirit to lead us and show us what He is doing currently and what He wants to do in us. This involves praying and asking Him to make us aware of His activity in our lives.
If you're new to prayer and still trying to understand how God speaks to us, pray the prayer below, expecting that God will meet you where you are.
Let’s pray…
Father,
Thank You that we are invited into Your presence through Your goodness and grace. I am undeserving of Your love and attention, and yet You give it freely. Help me today to not only bring my cares and concerns but also to open my eyes and ears to the things You want to show me and speak to me. Amen.
Prayer is not typically included with the armor of God, but I think that's missing a huge piece of what Paul was communicating! Prayer is possibly the most powerful practice we can do as those who want to follow Jesus. Without prayer, we will never fully know what Jesus wants nor be fully empowered to do it. Prayer is the tool God gives us to connect us to Him, His power, His provision, and His guidance.
As you start to think about this idea, take 4-5 minutes to answer these questions in your mind or feel free to write them in a journal:
Spend some time thinking about your life and pinpoint 1-2 things that have hindered prayer for you.
What is something you desire for your prayer life?
Close your time today by talking with God about your thoughts here. Take time to pray through the following prompts. Feel free to take as much time as you need.
Ask God for tangible ways to know that He is with you and listening.
Talk to God about the hindrances you identified and ask Him to show you a way to overcome these challenges this week.
Stay in this posture of talking and listening to God. As you go to your time of worship and teaching at church today, ask God to speak to you!
If you're new to prayer and still trying to understand how God speaks to us, pray the prayer below, expecting that God will meet you where you are.
Let’s pray…
Father,
Thank You that we are invited into Your presence through Your goodness and grace. I am undeserving of Your love and attention, and yet You give it freely. Help me today to not only bring my cares and concerns but also to open my eyes and ears to the things You want to show me and speak to me. Amen.
Prayer is not typically included with the armor of God, but I think that's missing a huge piece of what Paul was communicating! Prayer is possibly the most powerful practice we can do as those who want to follow Jesus. Without prayer, we will never fully know what Jesus wants nor be fully empowered to do it. Prayer is the tool God gives us to connect us to Him, His power, His provision, and His guidance.
As you start to think about this idea, take 4-5 minutes to answer these questions in your mind or feel free to write them in a journal:
Spend some time thinking about your life and pinpoint 1-2 things that have hindered prayer for you.
What is something you desire for your prayer life?
Close your time today by talking with God about your thoughts here. Take time to pray through the following prompts. Feel free to take as much time as you need.
Ask God for tangible ways to know that He is with you and listening.
Talk to God about the hindrances you identified and ask Him to show you a way to overcome these challenges this week.
Stay in this posture of talking and listening to God. As you go to your time of worship and teaching at church today, ask God to speak to you!
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