A40-dayjourneyinJesus’SchoolofPrayer

“OurFatherinHeaven,hallowedbeYourname;YourKingdomcome;Yourwillbedone,onearthasitisinHeaven.

Giveustodayourdailybread;Andforgiveusourdebtsaswealsohaveforgivenourdebtors.

Andleadusnotintotemptation,butdeliverusfromtheevilone.”

~Jesus(Matthew6:9-13)

Writtenby:DougRowse

ThegreatestneedofthehumanspiritistoconnectdeeplywithGod.Weallknowthatprayerisvitaltothisconnection,yetformostofusprayerisastruggle.PrayerissimplytalkingwithGod.ButGodisinvisible,sotalkingwithHimisdifferentthanwhenwetalkwithanyoneelse.TheSermonontheMountain(Matthew5-7)isprobablythemostfamoussermonthatJesuseverpreached.Itiswithoutadoubt,thesinglemostimportantpieceofScripturethatwehold.Thinkofitlikethis:GodinthefleshsummarizestheentireBibleintowhatHeconsiderstobethemostimportantinformation.Itisnosurprisethen,thatprayerisoneofthetopicstaughtinthesermon.Jesus,theSecondPersonoftheTrinity,teachesushowtotalkwithGod.Youholdthisbookbecauselikeme,youdesiretoconnectmoredeeplywithGodinprayer.Ihavelongstruggledtopray.ThebiographiesofgreatsaintsinspiremetowakeupearlyorstayuplatetoseekGod.Honestly,inmyexperience,IhavetriedthosethingsbutmymindwandersandIfeelguiltybecauseGodseemsfaraway.HowcanIconnectwithGodifIcannotevenlearntoprayforfiveminutes?!Ifprayerismeanttobeenjoyable,whydoesitoftenfeellikeanendurancetest?Thisbookmayhelpyou.Jesustaughtushowtopray.Protestantscallit“TheLord’sPrayer”.Catholicscallit“TheOurFather”.Let’sthinkofitinsteadasaninvitation.JesusisinvitingustojoinHiminspeakingwithourFatherGod.Let’stakethenextfortydaysandattendJesus’schoolofprayer.EnjoyJesus!PastorDoug

Day One: Our Father

Thisthenishowyoushouldpray:“OurFatherinHeaven,hallowedbeYourname...”~Matthew6:9

Attheriskofbeingsimplistic,theentireBiblecanbesummedupinthesetwowords,“OurFather”.Ifyougrasptheirmeaningandburyitinthedepthsofyoursoul,itwillchangeyourlife.Thinkofit:We,theprodigalchildrenareinvitedbackintothefamilybyJesus,theperfectSon.HeinvitesustogowithHimintothepresenceofOURFather.JesusplacesHimselfatourlevel,asonelikeus,andHesays,“Let’sgotalktoourFather”.Breathtaking!Thesetwowordsencompasseveryimportanttheologicalconcept.

Theyspeakofredemption,becauseJesusboughtusback.Theyspeakofreunion,becauseJesusinvitedusback.Theyspeakofgrace,becauseJesuspaidourticketback.

Theyspeakofrestoration,becauseinJesuswecanhaveourFatherback.Theyspeakofforgiveness,becauseJesuswelcomedusback.

Thesetwowordsbringtogetherthelostsoulsofmankind,coveredbyChrist’sbloodandnowgivenaccesstoGod.JesusinvitesustoreceiveHimandgowithHimintoourFather’spresence.Doyouseeit?WecannotstandalonebeforeGod.AnyonewhodarestogoalonewillsurelybejudgedasinnerandcondemnedbeforeHim.ButwithJesuswecanenterrightin:“InHimandthroughfaithinHimwemayapproachGodwithfreedomandconfidence.”(Ephesians3:12)TheLord’sPrayerisnotonlyaninvitationtopraylikeJesus,buttoprayWITHJesus.Itiswhythisprayerjournalhasbeencalled“OurFather”.Wemustunderstandthatintheprecisemomentwhenwebegintopray,wejoinourolderbrotherJesusintalkingwithourFather.Prayer:WhataprivilegeJesus,tojoinYouintalkingwithourFather.ThankYouforinvitingmetobepartofYourconversationtoday.HelpmetolistentoYourheartandtojoinYouinthethingsthatconcernYouaswetalkwithFathertogether.Aswestartoffonthisjourney,pleaseteachmeeverythingthatYouknowaboutprayer.I’meagertolearn!

Day Tw0: Ever Interceding

“Whothenistheonewhocondemns?Noone!ChristJesuswhodied-morethanthat,whowasraisedtolife-isattherighthandofGodandisalsointercedingforus.”

~Romans8:34JesusisalwaystalkingtoHisFather,andyouareoftenthesubjectoftheirconversation.Whenyougotopray,youliterallyjoinintotheconversationthatisalreadyflowing.Thinkofit,assoonasthewordscrossyourlipsorthethoughtscrossyourmind,youhaveenteredintoHeaven’slivingroomwhereFatherandSonconverse.Whatdoyoufindthemdiscussing?It’ssafetoassumetheyarenotdiscussingthescoreoflastnight’sgameorhowawesomethenewestX-Boxis.Thesewordsgiveusaclue:“…isalsointercedingforus.”AsyouenterHeaven’slivingroomyoufindFatherandSontalkingaboutyou.FatherGodlovesyouasmuchasHelovesJesus.(John17:23)So,becomingyourfriendwasadreamcometrueforGod.Howcanwebesure?Jesusdiedtomakeithappen.Hislife,deathandresurrectionbecamethefulfillmentoftheages.YoubecomingHisfriend,madeitallworthwhile.Whenyoucometopray,youwillfindthattheTrinityisdiscussingyouandallthosewhoareneartoGod’sheart.Beginprayerbylisteningcloselytothisconversation.Godisconcernedbywhatconcernsyou.FirstPeter5:7says,“CastallyouranxietyonHimbecauseHecaresforyou.”Youseefriend,yourFatherinHeavenalreadyknowswhatyouneedbeforeyouaskHim.Heisalreadyworkingonit.Soasyouenterprayer,relax.RestinknowingthatGodcaresforyou.Imagineyourselfwalkinginonaconversationthatisalreadyhappening.Father,SonandHolySpiritaretalkingandyouhaveenteredtheroom.Prayer:Jesus,itiswonderfulthatYouandFatherarealwaystalking.ItishumblingtothinkthatYouwouldbediscussingmyneeds.IfeelsosmallwhencomparedtoallthatYouoversee.ThankYouforcaringsomuchaboutme.AsIcometoprayertodayIcanimagineYouandFathertalking.Youlaugh,Yousmile,Youarefullyengagedintheconversationwithoutdistraction.Thereisnojudgment.Therearenohiddenagendas.Allisintheopenandthewordsflowfreely.Wow!Youareamazing!

Day Three: Access Granted

“ForthroughHim,webothhaveaccesstotheFatherbyoneSpirit.”~Ephesians2:18Imagineyouareataconcertwhereyourfavoritebandisplaying.Youarejustoneofthemanyfacesinthecrowd.Thereisnothingthatcausesyoutostandoutandyoureallydonotexpecttostandouteither.Afterall,thisbandisreallypopularandtheyhavethrongsoffans.Youleavetheconcerthalltograbahotdogandonyourwayyoupassbyadiscreet,non-descriptdoor.Suddenly,thedooropensandyouseethefaceofoneyouinstantlyrecognize.It’stheleadsingeroftheband!Youarestunnedbyhispresenceandyouaresurprisedtohearhimcallyourname:“Heyfriend,won’tyoucomebackstagewithus?!”Yousoonfindyourselfinaprivateroomwithjustthebandmembers.You’reeatingshrimpcocktailandblueM&M’s(theband’srequest).Youpinchyourself,“Wow,howdidIgetthiskindofaccesstotheband?!”Thescriptureabovesays,“ForthroughHim…”JesusgaveyouaccesstotheGodoftheUniverse.YouhavebeengrantedabackstagepassintothethroneroomofHeaven.Thisisnotjustaone-timepass.Norisitlikethethreewishesyougetwithagenie.Itis24hoursaday,7daysaweek,365daysayear.Godisforeveraccessibleandavailabletoyou.Yesterdaywelearnedthatwhenyoubegintopray,youenterintoaconversationthatisalreadyhappening.HowwillFatherGodreceiveyou?WilltheTrinityturntheirbacksandspeakinwhisperedtonesbecauseyouhaveenteredtheroom?Absolutelynot!YouhavebeengrantedaccessintotheconversationthroughJesusChrist!Whenyouenter,Father,SonandHolySpiritspeakyournameandmotionyoutocomecloser.Infact,youdon’tevenneedaticketanymore.Godisyours.Prayer:YouhavesaidthatYouaremine.Jesus,IamYours!ThankYouforgivingmeaccesstoGod.Idonotdeservetobehereonmyown.ItisonlythroughYourinvitationthatIamabletocome.WhatanamazingblessingtobewelcomedintoYourconversationGod.Idarenotbargein,andIdarenottrytochangeYourconversation.Itisaprivilegejusttojoinin!

Day Four: YOUR Father

“Butwhenyoupray,gointoyourroom,closethedoorandpraytoyourFather,whoisunseen.ThenyourFatherwhoseeswhatisdoneinsecretwillrewardyou.”

~Matthew6:6Whenyoupray,youaretalkingtoGod.ButGodisyourDad.Sowhenyoupray,youarereallytalkingtoyourDad.ItmaybealittlelikeifyourdadwasthePresidentoftheUSA.Whenyoutalktohim,youaretalkingtothePOTUS.ButsincethePOTUSisyourdad,youarereallytalkingtoyourdadwhohappenstobethePOTUS.YourDadhappenstobetheGodoftheUniverse.HewasGodlongbeforeHewasyourDad.However,HeconsidersbeingyourDadasagreaterhonorthanbeingyourGod.Isthisreallytrue?Yes.Philippians2:6-7tellsusthatHe“didnotconsiderequalitywithGodsomethingtobeusedtoHisownadvantage;rather,HemadeHimselfnothing…beingmadeinhumanlikeness.”PastorKrisVallottonsays,“JesusbecametheSonofMansothatyoucouldbecomeasonofGod.”Makenomistake,GodistheGodofall,butHelovesbeingyourDad.Ofthetwotitles,Hemostcherishesthelatter.Sowhenyoupray,Jesuswelcomesyouto“praytoyourFather”.Oneofmyfavoritetasksasadadwasputtingmychildrentobedeachnight.Likemostkids,minedelayedsleepaslongaspossibleandIusedittomyadvantage.Atbedtime,Iwenttoeachoftheirrooms,satontheirbedsideandwetalked.Manynightstheconversationswerenotverydeepatall.Butthentherewerenightsthatwetalkedaboutseriousissuesandthosewerewonderful!AlthoughIamapastor,mykidsnevercalledme“pastor”.Why?BecauseIamtheirdad.Theyhaveadifferentrelationshipwithmethananyoneelseonearth.Canyoureceivethis?GodwantstobeyourFather.TocallHim“Lord”isproper.TocallHim“God”iscorrect.ButifyouwanttoholdHisheart,simplycallHim“Dad”.Prayer:Father.Dad.Papa.ItstillfeelsstrangethatYouaremyDad.I’vespentsomanyyearsapartfromYou,it’sabitawkwardtobewelcomedbackintoYourhomesoquickly.ButthankYou.Teachmehowtobeyourchild.TeachmehowtorelatetoYouasmyDad.

Day Five: Leaning In

“Butasforme,itisgoodtobenearGod.IhavemadetheSovereignLordmyrefuge;IwilltellofallYourdeeds.”~Psalm73:28

IfGodiseverywhere,whydoesHesometimesfeelsofaraway?TheanswertothisquestionisfoundinyourawarenessofHisPresence.Wecanbearoundsomethingwithoutbeingawareofit.Theoddsaregoodthatyoudrivethesameroutetoworkeachday.Haveyoueversuddenlynoticedahousethatyouhadn’tseenbefore?Itwasthereallalongbutyouwerenotawareofit.God’sPresenceworksmuchthesameway.HeisanOmnipresentGod.ThereisnowhereyoucangotoescapeHisPresence.HeiswithyouathomeandHeiswithyouatwork.Hehaspromised,“Iwillneverleaveyounorforsakeyou.”(Hebrews13:5)ToexperiencenearnesswithGod,youmustleanin.Let’ssaythatyouaretalkingwithagoodfriendataparty.Theroomiscrowdedandfilledwithvoicesandlaughterandpeoplehavingagoodtime.Inordertohearyourfriendmoreclearly,youleanin,andperhapseventiltyourheadtoonedirectioninordertolistenwithoneear.Byleaningin,youfocusyourattentionandtuneyoureartoyourfriend’svoice.Asyoumovethroughtoday,practiceleaningintoGod.ToenjoyHisnearness,youneedtoenlistyourawareness.ThewriterofHebrewschallengesusto“fixoureyesonJesus.”(Hebrews12:2)YouliveinGod’sworld.YougotoworkinGod’sworld.KeeplookingforHishandatworkineacheventofthisday.Exerciseyoursenses.UsethemtoperceiveGod’sPresencewithyou.PracticetiltingoneeartowardsHeaventoday.YouwillfindthatyourHeavenlyFatherisconstantlytalking.Prayer:Father,whatareYousayingtoday?IwanttohearYourvoicespeakingasthisdayunfolds.HolySpirit,YouknowhoweasilydistractedIcanbe.Pleasekeepmeonashortleashtoday.PleaseremindmetocontinueleaningintoFatherGod.WhenIgetsidetracked,pleasepullmeback.ThankYouGodforthejoyofspendingthisdaywithYou.

Day Six: The Invitation

“Thisthenishowyoushouldpray:‘OurFatherinheaven,hallowedbeYourname.’”~Matthew6:9

TheLord’sPrayerisnotaformula,itisaninvitation.Didyoucatchit?Jesussays,“Hifriend!Let’stalktoOURFatherinheaven.”JesushasplacedHimselfonyourlevelasyourbrotherandHeinvitesyoutogowithHimtotalkwith“our”Father.Checkoutthefirstperson,pluralpronounsusedthroughouttheprayer.“OurFatherinheaven,hallowedbeYourname,Yourkingdomcome,Yourwillbedone,onearthasitisinHeaven.Giveustodayourdailybread.Andforgiveusourdebtsaswealsohaveforgivenour

debtors.Andleadusnotintotemptationbutdeliverusfromtheevilone.”YouareactuallynotprayingtoJesus.YouareprayingWITHJesus.Thisiswhatitmeanstopray“inJesus’name”.TheotherdaywetalkedabouthowJesusisalwaysintercedingforus.HeconstantlytalkstoFatheraboutyou.ImaginehowdelightedHeiswhenyoushowuptopray!It’sasifJesussays,“Father,thisistheoneIwasjusttellingyouabout!Andnowheisrightherewithus!”WecanfollowtheLord’sPrayernotasarecipeoraformula.WecanfollowitasaninvitationfromJesustospeaktoFatherwithHim.SowebeginbyimaginingthatJesusandFatherarealreadytalking.JesusseesusatthedoorofHeavenandHeinvitesustocomein.“Let’sgotalktoOURFathertoday!”Ifyouareuncomfortablewithusingyourimaginationinprayer,considerthis.Godcreatedyouwithanimagination.Anunsanctifiedimaginationcanbegivenovertofearsandfantasiesandallsortsofunhealthythings.UsingyourimaginationinprayerasawaytoconnectmoredeeplywithGodisactuallywhyHegaveittoyou.Romans12:2tellsustobetransformedbytherenewingofourminds.Prayerfulimaginationisapowerfultooltoaccomplishthistransformation.Prayer:Jesus,thankYouforextendingyourhandtomeandinvitingmetojoinYouinprayertoourFather.ItisanincredibleprivilegetospeakwithYoutoourFather.ItisamazingtothinkthatthissaintgetstotalkinYourcircle!HangingoutwithYouandourFatheristrulyathrill.PleasecontinuetoteachmehowtopraywithYou.

Day Seven: Like Jesus

“HowgreatisthelovetheFatherhaslavishedonus,thatweshouldbecalledchildrenofGod!Andthatiswhatweare!...”~IJohn3:1

GodisourFatherthroughadoption,notnature.JesusisthenaturalSonofGod.WearetheadoptedchildrenofGodthroughfaithinJesusChrist.(John1:12-13)SoitisagreattruththatGodhaschosentolavishHisloveuponusasHisadoptedchildren.HehassetHisaffectionstowardsus,Hehasdeclared“YouareMineandIamyours!”Inorderforustofullyenterintothe“our”ofOurFather,weneedtobecomelikeJesusinoneimportantway:JesuslivedforthegloryofHisFather,andsomustwe.Withoutapology,Jesusconfessed:“IdonothingonMyownbutspeakonlywhattheFatherhastaughtMe…IalwaysdowhatpleasesHim.”(John8:28-29)ThegreatestwaytobelikeJesusistolovetheFatheraboveallelse.(AndthegreatestwaytolovetheFather,istobelikeJesus!)Whenwepray“OurFather…”wejoinJesusinseekingtheFather’sultimategood.JesuswantsHisFathertobeglorifiedandsomustwe.ToseekGod’sglorymeansthatwewantHimtogethonored.WewantHimtobeproperlyrecognizedinallsituationswherewefindourselves.ImaginethispracticallyinJesus’life.He’satalakeandHeseesahungrycrowd.HisfirstactwastowhisperaprayertoHisFather,“Dad,whatdoYouwanttodohere?Dad,howcanIdrawthiscrowd’sattentiontowardsYou?”ThenHetookaboy’slunchandfedthemasses.Prayerissomuchmorethangettingstuff.It’smostlyaboutgettingmywillmergedwithGod’ssothatwhatHewantsbecomeswhatIwant.(Andviceversa.)Prayer:GodhelpmetoseethatwhatYouwantisbest.Isetasidemywants.Mostofthemarefortemporaryandlesserthingsanyway.Jesus,YoulivedYourwholelifetopleaseourFather.EverythingYoudidandsaidwastobringhonortoHim.IwanttobemorelikeYouandhonorourFatherinthesameway.Jesus,YouhaveshownmehowtoobeyourFather.(YouevenobeyedHimbydyingonacross!)I’dliketolearnhowtoobeyHiminthesameway.Teachme,BrotherJesus.Ihavemuchtolearn!

Day eight: Our Family

”’IwillbeaFathertoyou,andyouwillbemysonsanddaughters,’saystheLordAlmighty.’”~IICorinthians6:18

Christianityisateamsport.Prayerisagroupeffort.Youmaybephysicallyalonerightnowasyoupray,butspirituallyyouarepartofamuchgreaterfamily.Whenyoupray,youjoininthechorusofeverysaintwhopresentlyseeksGod.Revelation8:1-4depictsabreathtakingscenefromHeaven’sgreathall.Verse4tellsus,“Thesmokeoftheincense,togetherwiththeprayersofthesaints,wentupbeforeGodfromtheangel’shand.”Yourprayers,combinedwithmineandeveryothersaintarecarriedonangel’shandstothethroneofourFather.Youseefriend,prayerismuchmorethanaskingGodforstuff.PrayerishowyouworkwithourFatherandourfamilytoexpandHisKingdomonearth.Prayertimeisfamilytime.Spirituallyspeaking,youareneveralonewhenyoutalkwithGod.YoujoinangelsandsaintsinHeaven’slivingroom.Whenourchildrenwereyounger,weplayed“sharksandminnows”inourfrontyard.It’sasimplegameplayedbetweentwotrees.Onechildis“theshark”andtherestare“minnows”.Theminnowslineupatonetreeandmustruntotheothertreewithoutbeingtaggedbytheshark.(Inourcase,thesharkwasoftenmeandIwouldgrabthem,ticklethemandwrestlethemtotheground.Fun,fun!)Sometimesprayerfeelslikesharksandminnows.WedesperatelywantthesafetyofGod’sembrace,butthatnastyshark,thedevilstandsbetweenusandhome.Remember,youdonotfaceoffagainstthedevilalone.ThereissafetyinnumbersandyourprayerjoinswiththeprayersofmanyothersasincensebeforeGod.Inthis,youcanbeconfident:theenemy,whilethreatening,isnotathreattoyouwhenyoustickwithyourHeavenlyfamily.Listen(beforeyoupray):Beforeyousayanythinginprayertoday,listen.Trytoheartheprayersofsaintsaroundtheworld.Canyouhearthesaintwhoislivinginpersecution?Canyouhearthesaintwhohasjustlostachild?CanyouheartheoneabouttoconfessJesusastheirSavior?Canyouhearthesaintwhoisworshipping?WhateveryouareabouttopraywillbecombinedwiththeseanddeliveredasincensebeforeGod.

Day Nine: In Heaven

“Thisthenishowyoushouldpray:‘OurFatherinheaven,hallowedbeYourname.’”~Matthew6:9

Todayis“bringyourkidtoworkday”andGodistakingyoutotheoffice.Heisour“FatherINHeaven”.HeaveniswhereHeworks.Therefore,heavenisopentoyoubecauseyourDadworksthere.IfyourdadwasthesecurityguardattheWhiteHouseitwouldgiveyouaccessthatothersdonotenjoy.Or,imaginethatyourdadisthepresident.Youwouldhaveevenmoreaccess!YourFatheristheKingofallcreationandHerulesitfromHeaven’sthrone.HewelcomesyoutoworkwithHim.Granted,your“help”maybetheequivalentoforganizingHispaperclipdrawer,butyougettobewithHimnonetheless!YourFatherisinHeavenandsoareyou.OneofthegreatmysteriesoftheBibleisfoundinEphesians2:6,“GodraisedusupwithChristandseateduswithHimintheHeavenlyrealmsinChristJesus.”YouarepresentlyseatedwithJesusinHeaven.It’salmostlikeyouaretwoplacesatonce.Physicallyspeaking,youareonearth.Spirituallyspeaking,youareinHeaven.Youlivethissplitlife,exceptwhenyoupray.Whenyoupray,yourmind,yourmouth,yourheartandyourattentionaredrawntoHeavenwhereyouaresittingwithChrist.Nowonderitfeelssogoodtopray.It’stheonlytimeyou’realltogetherinoneplace!Whereafathergoes,thefamilywilloftenfollow.Adadinabartypicallydoesnotbodewellforhisfamily.Anabsenteefatherwillcausehisfamilytoflounder.Aswepray,weareremindedthatourFatherisinHeaven.ThisspeakstoHischaracteraswellastowhereHeisleadingus,Hisfamily.YourFatherisinHeavenwhichmeansHeavenisopenbeforeyou.MeetHimtheretodayasyoupray.Prayer:YouareanamazingFather!BecauseYouareinHeaven,YouinspiremetogreaterheightsthanIcouldhaveeverdreamed.YourplansformearegoodandYourthoughtsofmeareamazing.ItisaprivilegetocometoworkwithYoutodayFather.EvenifIamnotthatmuchhelp,itisgreattojustbewithYouwhileYouwork!

Day Ten: Heavenly

“Thisthenishowyoushouldpray:‘OurFatherinheaven,hallowedbeYourname.’”~Matthew6:9

OurFatheris“heavenly”.Thinkabouthowweuse“heavenly”asanadjective:“Oh,thatchocolateisheavenly!”(implyingdeliciouschocolate)Acertaintoiletpaperbrandcallsitself“heavenlysoft”.(Soitmustbesoft!)Thereisacoffeethatdeclaresitisa“heavenlyroast”.(Soitmustbegood!)Ifheavenlychocolateisdeliciousandheavenlytoiletpaperisreallysoftandheavenlyroastedcoffeeisreallygood,whatdoesitmeanwhenwesaythatourFatherisa“heavenly”Father?Heisnotearthly,meaningoftheearth.Heisnotearth-ey,meaningliketheearth.Heisheavenly,meaningHeisbetterthanyoucanpossiblyimagine!Andwhatismore,HeisyourFather.GodisaFatherunlikeanyother.AsyoucometoHiminprayer,youwillnotfindHimdistractedwithsomethingelse.YouwillnotfindHimbotheredorannoyed.YouwillnotfindHimtiredfromalongdayorstressedaboutfinances.TheApostlePetertellsuspreciselyhowGodwillreceiveus:“andyouwillreceivealavishreceptionintotheeternalkingdomofourLordandSaviorJesusChrist.”(IIPeter1:11)Withsuchopenarmsawaitingyou,whatareyouwaitingfor?Rundearone!RuntoyourFatherinprayerrightnow!Heisheavenly!Prayer:YouaremyHeavenlyFatherandYouaremyFatherwhoisheavenly.ThismeansYouaresogood!WhywouldIeverhesitatetopraywhenYouarewaiting?HereIcomeDad,righttoYouwithallofmystuff!ThankYouforreceivingmetoday.IamYours!

Day Eleven: Hallowed

“Thisthenishowyoushouldpray:‘OurFatherinheaven,hallowedbeYourname.’”~Matthew6:9

Theword“hallowed”isanoldEnglishwordthatsimplymeans“holy”.Godisholy,whichmeansthateverythingHeisanddoesisalsoholy.God’sholinessiswhatmakeseverythingelseaboutGodsowonderful.ItisGod’sfoundationalquality.It’sthebiggestpartofwhatmakesGod,“GOD”.WecelebrateGod’sfaithfulness.ButGodwouldnotbefaithful,ifHewerenotholy.WedependonGod’sjustice,butHewouldnotbejustifHewerenotholy.ThesamecanbesaidofeveryotherqualityweenjoyaboutGod.HisholinessmakesHimtrulygood.Theword“holy”essentiallymeans,“setapart”.WhenwespeakofGod’sholinesswemeanthatHeissetapartfromanythingthatissinfulorbadorevil.ThereliterallyisnotonespeckofimpurityinGod’scharacter.Heis100%goodandperfect.ThismeansthatHismotivesare100%good.AllthatHedoesisgood.AllthatHesaysisgood.Heneverhasaverbalgaffeoramoralfauxpas.YouwillnevercatchHiminacontradictionoranembarrassingmoment.HeistheHolyGod.Haveyoueverstoodatalake’sedgeonasunnydayandwatchedraysofsunlightdanceontheripplesofwater?BillionsofsparklesinperpetualmotionbutchoreographedbyanunseenHandastheytakeyourbreathaway.Isn’titwonderful?ThisisapictureofGod’sholiness.Itdazzlesinbeautyanddelightswithbrilliance.It’sunmatchedinpurityandit’sneverthesame.Isaiah5:16says,“ButtheLordAlmightywillbeexaltedbyHisjustice,andtheholyGodwillshowHimselfholybyHisrighteousness.”Godisholy,butGodalsodoesholy.HolinessismorethanaconceptGodhasonapostersomewhereinHeaven.Hedoesholybydoingrighteousthings.HolinessisawayoflifeforGodandasyouwillseeinthenextfewdays,itistheverybreaththatgivesmeaningtoyourlifeaswell.Prayer:YouareaholyGod,whichmakesYouanawesomeGod!ItisahugecomforttomeknowingthatYouarealwaysgoodandright.YouareworthyofmycompletetrustbecauseYouareholy.Youdeservemyabsoluterespect.YouareGodandIyieldtoYouineverythingtoday.

Day Twelve: The Name

“Thisthenishowyoushouldpray:‘OurFatherinheaven,hallowedbeYourname.’”~Matthew6:9

Amanisasgoodashisname.Thisiswhytheancientsagesaid“Agoodnameismoredesirablethangreatriches;tobeesteemedisbetterthansilverorgold.”(Proverbs22:1)It’smucheasiertoearnmoneythanitistoearnagoodreputation.Youcanstrikeitrichquick,butyouwillneverstrikegoodreputationinaninstant.Ittakesyearsoffaithfulbehaviortobuildagoodname.(AndGodhashadagoodname,always.)GodhasnoskeletonsinHiscloset.ThereisnodarksecretthatwillevercatchGodoffguard.HehasalwaysbeenholyandHealwayswillbeholy.God’snameisHisreputationandHOLYisHisname.God’sreputationisgoodbecauseGodisholyandnothingHedoesisbad.ThePsalmistprayed,“IwillsacrificeafreewillofferingtoYou,IwillpraiseYourname,Lord,foritisgood.”(Psalm54:6)God’sgoodnameisnotanovernightsensation.Heiseternal,whichmeansHehasbeengoodforaverylongtime.Hisreputationforholinessgoesbackbeforethebeginningoftime.ThismeanswecandependonHimforgoodness.AnydoubtastothegoodnessofHischaractercanbelaidtorestonceandforall.AboutfifteenyearsagoIthoughtIwashavingaheartattack.Aftertakingmethroughsometests,thedoctorsaidthatIhadacidreflux.ItwasarelieftoknowthatIwasn’tdying.(Ionlyhadgas!)Thedoctor’swordcouldbetrustedbecausehehadyearsoftrainingandsuccessinhisfield.God’sWordcanbetrustedbecausewhenGodspeaks,Hedoessofromaneternalperspectiveandfromaneternaltrackrecordofgoodness.Hisname,Hisreputationisholy.Prayer:Dad,Youhavebeengoodsincebeforethebeginningoftime.YouhavealwaysbeenandYouhavealwaysbeengood.IapologizeforallthetimesIdoubtedYourWord.Youhaveneverdoneanythingtodeservemylackoffaith.PleaseforgivemeforallowingmysmallnesstocloudYourgoodness.Yournameisholy.YourmotivesareholyandallthatYoudoisholyandgood.IplacemyabsolutetrustinYoutoday.

Day Thirteen: Highly esteemed

“Thisthenishowyoushouldpray:‘OurFatherinheaven,hallowedbeYourname.’”~Matthew6:9

Thisword“hallowed”issorichthatweneedtospendmoretimeonit.WelearnedtheotherdaythatitisanoldEnglishwordmeaning“holy”.Italsohasasenseofbeingheldinhighregard.Ifsomethingishallowed,itissacred,revered,andhighlyesteemed.Forexample,thegreatpresidentAbrahamLincolndedicatedtheGettysburgBattlefieldas“hallowedgrounds”.WhenyouandJesuspraythatourFather’snamebehallowed,youareprayingthatHebeheldinthehighestregard,highlyesteemed.YouaskthatFather’sreputationbeproperlyhonored.ItgrievesyouwhenHiswonderfulnameisdiminishedbythefoolishwordsoractionsofsomemisguidedperson.Aboveallelse,weknowthatJesusdesiredforHisFather’snametobeglorified.InJohn12:28Heprayed,“Father,glorifyYourname!...”HelivedforHisFathertogetglory.AnytimethatHisFathergotthecreditforsomethinggood,anytimethatHisFatherreceivedpraise,Jesuswasglad.DeclaringwithJesusthatFather’snamebehallowedismorethananicesentiment.Itisastatementofintent.AlongwithJesus,IchoosetohonorGodinallthatIdo,sayandthink.MayHisnamebehallowedinandthroughmylife.IpraywithJesus,“Father,glorifyYourname!”WhateverittakesforGodtobeglorified,thatiswhatwearewillingtodo.MayGod’snamebeheldinhighesteem.Prayer:Psalm115:1isourprayerfortoday:“NottousohLord,nottous,buttoYournamebeglory,toYournamebepraise.”Thisisourdesire,thatYournamewouldbehallowedhereonearthasitisinHeaven.InHeaven,countlessangelsbowbeforeYouinhushedreverence.ThementionofYournamebringsthemtotheirknees.JesusandIjointhemnowsaying,“HallowedbeYourname,Yourwonderful,powerfulname!”MayYournamebeworshippedthroughoutalltheearth.

Day Fourteen: Kingdom Come

“YourKingdomcome,YourwillbedoneonearthasitisinHeaven.”~Matthew6:10WaltDisneyboughtaswampincentralFloridaandturneditintotheMagicKingdom.Todayitisoneofthemosthighlyvaluedpropertiesontheplanet.It’sagreatpictureofhowtheKingdomofGodoperatesinthisworld.TwothousandyearsagoGodestablishedabeachheadinBethlehem’smanger.Theprophetsannounced“TheKingdomishere!”Sincethen,lighthasgraduallydisplaceddarkness,joyhasdisplacedsadnessandwholenesshastrumpedbrokenness.“KingdomCome”isadeclarationofwaronthewretchednessofthedevil’sdoingsinthisworld.IftheKingisholy,thenHiskingdomisalsoholy.IfHiskingdomcomes,whatdoesthatmeanforanyotherkingdom?TheprophetDanielgivesusastrongclue:“Thenthesovereignty,powerandgreatnessofthekingdomsunderthewholeheavenwillbehandedovertothesaints,thepeopleoftheMostHigh.HiskingdomwillbeaneverlastingkingdomandallrulerswillworshipandobeyHim.”(Daniel7:27)IsitanywonderthereissomuchresistancetothegospelofChristianity?Ouroppressorknowsthathistimeislimited.ThemorethatHeaven’sKingdomadvancesinthisworld,themoreinsignificanthebecomes.TheApostleJohnsaid,“ThereasontheSonofGodappearedwastodestroythedevil’swork.”(IJohn3:18)Doyouseeit?Jesuscametoturntheswampintoagloriouskingdom!EverythingSatantouchesdies.EverythingJesustouchescomesalive.InPsalm149:6-9wearetoldthatthegloryofGod’ssaintsistosingHispraiseandwieldadouble-edgedsword.Weinflictvengeanceonnationsandbindkingswithfetters.Whenwepray“Kingdomcome”wepartnerwithJesusinrightingallthewrongsofthisworld.Itisthegreatdestinyofeverysaint.Prayer:YourKingdomcometothisworldGod.Youareholy.Youaregood.SoYourkingdomisalsoholyandgood.Mayitbeginwithmetoday.LetYourKingdomcomeinmylife,andletYourkingdomcomearoundme,everywhereIgo.HelpmetobeawarethatHeaventoucheseartheverywhereIgo.

Day Fifteen: Will be done

“YourKingdomcome,YourwillbedoneonearthasitisinHeaven.”~Matthew6:10God’skingdomandGod’swillareoneandthesame.Theword“kingdom”isderivedfromtwowords:“king’sdomain”.ThekingdomisanywherethattheKinghasdomain.Theking’sdomainisanywherethatHiswillisobeyedwithoutquestionorhesitation.Godisholy,sonaturallyHiswillisthebestthingthatcouldeverhappentous.Hiswillformeisbetterthanmywillforme.God’swillisbest,butGod’swillisnotalwaysdone.Forexample,Hewillsthatnoneshouldperish,(IIPeter3:9)yetsadlymanywillrejectHissalvation.God’swillisforyoutohaveawillwhichmeansyouarefreetodoasyouplease.Willyou,likeJesus,chooseourFather’swill?ItisonethingforustosubmittoGod’swill.Afterall,wearehumanandHeisdivine.ButconsiderthegreathumilityofJesusinthisprayer.HeiseverybitequaltoFatherGod,yetHesays,“Notmywill,butYoursbedone”.JesusisGod,yetastheSon,HebendsHiswilltowardtheFatherinsubmission.IntheBible,therewasatimewhenJesuschoseFather’swillaboveHisown.IntheGardenofGethsemane,HeearnestlypleadedwiththeFathertoavoidthecross.Yet,aftermuchagonizingJesusconcluded,“NotmywillbutYours.”And,inJohn17JesuschosetosubmittoFather’stimingwhenHeprayedthatwewouldbeoneasHeandHisFatherareone.Hehasbeenprayingthatforthelast2000yearsanditstillhasnotbeenanswered.OnecanonlyconcludethatifJesusmustpersistinprayer,wemustdothesame.JesusrecognizesthesupremacyofHisFather’swillinallthingsandHebowstoitatalltimes.HeinvitesustofollowHislead.Whenwepray,wejoinJesusinseekingourFather’swillaboveanythingelse.Prayer:Father,Yourwillisthebestthingthatcouldeverhappentome.WhereYourwillisnotdone,everythingiswrong.WhereYourwillisdone,everythingisright.So,whywouldIeverresistit?WithJesus,IcometoYoutodayseekingYourwilltobedoneinallthings.MayYourwillbedoneinmyhome,myneighborhood,myschool,andatmyjob.

Day Sixteen: Just as

“YourKingdomcome,YourwillbedoneonearthasitisinHeaven.”~Matthew6:10Thisisrevolutionary.Ifanyoneelsewereprayingit,you’dcallthemcrazy.God’swilldoneonearthmeansthatalotofpeoplearenotgettingtheirway.Thatspellsconflictwithacapital“C”!If,likeJesus,wehavesettledtheissue,wehavecometodiscoverhowdelightfulourFather’swillreallyis.Hewouldneverwishilluponyou.Heisall-knowing,soHealwaysknowswhatisbest.HeisholysoHealwayswantswhatisbest.Heisall-powerfulsoHecanalwaysdowhatisbest.TheonlyroadblocktoGod’sbestisyourwill.ThatiswhywemustprayforHiswilltobedonerighthereonearthjustasitisdoneinHeaven.HeaveniswhereGod’swillisdonewillingly.Canyouimagineit?GodprobablyhastocurbHisfacialexpressionsbecauseeverywishfulglanceismetwith10,000angelsreadytodoit!HebarelysaysthewordandHeavenrespondsinstantlywithjoy.AngelsprobablycreatealogjamatHeaven’sdoorsastheyrushouttodoGod’sbidding.Thinkofthis:Heavenisgoodandbeautiful.Inotherwords,HeaveniswhathappenswhenGod’swillisdonewillingly.WouldyouliketotasteabitofHeavenonearth?LiveoutGod’swill.JustimaginehowgoodyourhomewouldbeifGod’swillweredone100%ofthetime.OrpictureyourworkplaceifGodalwayshadHisway.Thisispreciselywhywepray,“YourwillbedoneonearthasitisinHeaven.”Byprayingthisway,wearewishingforGod’sverybesttocomeuponthosearoundus.Prayer:MayYourwonderfulwillbedonerightherejustasitisdoneinHeaven.ThisismydesireFather!IwanttoeagerlydoYourwilltoday.Youaskit,andIwilldoit.YouleadandIwillfollow.YoupromptitandIwillfollowthroughwithit.IcanonlyimaginehowgoodmyworkplacewillbewhenYourwillisdoneperfectlythere.Pleaseletitbeginwithmetoday.

Day Seventeen: In Heaven

“YourwillbedoneonearthasitisinHeaven.”~Matthew6:10Let’sthinkaboutHeaventoday.Whenyoupray,youareasclosetoHeavenasyoucangetwhileyourfeetarestillonthisearth.Thinkofit,youaccesstheverythroneroomofGod.You,amortalmadeofdust,strollthehallsofHeavenwhenyoupray.TheApostleJohndescribedhisexperiencethisway:

“OntheLord’sDayIwasintheSpiritandIheardbehindmealoudvoicelikeatrumpet…Iturnedaroundtoseethevoicethatwasspeakingtome…”

(Revelation1:10-12)John’sexperiencewhileprayingintheSpiritisnotuniquetohim.TheprophetsJeremiahandIsaiah,aswellastheApostlePaulallsharedsimilarexperiences.Whenyoupray,youmaynotalwaysseeHeaven,butyouarecertainlyinit.BeforewerepresentHeavenonearth,weneedtoknowwhatHeavenislike.Ifyouhaveneverseenit,askGodtoshowittoyou.YourFatherdelightstoshowyouhome.ThisiswhatJohnsaw:“Ilookedandtherebeforemewasagreatmultitudethatnoonecouldcount,from

everynation,tribe,peopleandlanguage,standingbeforethethroneandinfrontoftheLamb.”(Revelation7:9)

Todayinprayer,sitquietly,breathedeepandallowGodtotakeyourimaginationtoHeaven.Whenyoupray,ithelpstoenvisionHeavenandGod’sthrone.Canyoupictureit?ImaginethatGod’sgloryislikethesun.Youcanonlylookatitbrieflywithoutburningyoureyes,butyoukeepturningtolookatit.CanyousensethewarmthofHisgazebeamingdownuponyouasyouworship?God,YourHeavenlyFatherisdazzling,andHehassetHisfacetowardyou!Prayer:FatherI’vebecomesocaughtupindailylifethatIhavelostsightofhome.InthequietnessofthismomentIaskYoutorevealHeaventome.JustaglimpseofgloryLord.IlongtoseeYou.Youfaithfullymeetmehereinmyearthlyhomeoften.Buttoday,canwemeetatourHeavenlyhome?

Day Eighteen: Give Us

“Giveustodayourdailybread.”~Matthew6:11Technicallyspeaking,wedonotgive.Wegiveback.GodistheonlyOnewhotrulygivesbecauseHeistheonlyOnewhotrulyownseverything.Psalm24:1says,“TheearthistheLords,andeverythinginit,theworld,andallwholiveinit;”Beforewecangivesomethingaway,wehavetofirstactuallyownit.SinceeverythingbelongstotheLord,weareonlyre-giftingwhatHehasfirstgiventous.GodistheGreatGiver.Wearecreatedtoreceive.EverythingwehavehasbeenreceivedfromGod’sgracioushand.Thisiswhyworkingforourincomeandworkingforourfoodisactuallyagift.Theabilitytoworkisagift.Wearereceivers.Itisliterallyallthatwedo.Godisthesunandwe,themoon.Themoonhasnolightofitsownandneitherdowe.Wereceiveandthenwereflect.Thistruthconfrontsourhumanpride.Weliketothinkthatsomehowwegothereofourowningenuity.Thisispartofwhytragedyissounsettling.Itremindsusthatwearefragileandultimatelypowerless.Receivingishumiliatingforus.Wefeeluncomfortablewhenwereceiveagenerousgift.Ourfirstinstinctistopayitbackortrytopayitforward.Simplyreceivingandthensaying,“thankyou”ishardandwemustswallowourpridetodoitwell.CanyouimagineJesusasareceiver?HeistheSecondPersonoftheTrinityandyetHehumbledHimselfonearthandreceivedfromFather.PerhapsthisiswhatHebrews5:8meanswhenitsaysthat“AlthoughHewasason,HelearnedobediencefromwhatHesuffered…”ThehumilityofJesusisastounding.Whatismore,JesusjoinswithusinaskingtheFatherto“giveusdailybread”.Jesuscreatedtheearththatgrowsthewheatthatmakestheflourthatmakesthebread.YetHeasks,“Father,canYoupleasegivemybrotherandIsomebread?”Amazing!Prayer:Father,JesusaskedYouforbreadwhichinspiresmetodothesame.Pleasegiveusbreadtoday.Nottoomuch,lestIbecomeproud.Nottoolittle,lestIbecometemptedtosteal.Justtoday.Justenough.JesusandIreceivefromYouwhatYouknowisbest.YouaretheGiverofeverythinggood,andIamthereceiver.ThankYou!

Day Nineteen: Daily Bread

“Giveustodayourdailybread.”~Matthew6:11Istheword“today”reallynecessarywhenweareaskingfor“dailybread”?Dailybreadtodaymayseemredundant,untilyourememberthewordsofIThessalonians5:17to“praycontinually”.Dailybreadtodayisnotaboutsayingthesamethingtwice.Itisaboutlivingeachmomentinprayer.Rememberprayerismorethanasking.Itisalsocommuning.GodwantsyoutohangoutwithHimalldaylong.ToliveinprayermeansweareconstantlyreceivingdownloadsfromHeaven.Thedailybreadcontinuouslygetssetbeforeusaswepraycontinually.Butremember,weareprayingthisprayerwithourBigBrother,Jesus.Heisaskingfordailybreadalongwithus.Stopthetape!WhydoesJesusneeddailybreadifHeisinHeaven?Wethinkofdailybreadasfoodforourselves,anditis.GodcertainlyisourProviderinallthings.However,thereisanotherwaytodefine“dailybread”.WhatdoesdailybreadmeantoJesus?AlookatJohn4:34willgiveusaclue.“Myfood,”saidJesus,“istodothewillofHimwhosentMeandtofinishHiswork.”

Hisdiscipleshadgoneintotowntobuyfood.AsJesuswaitedHeconversedwithaSamaritanwomanatthewell.HerlifewaswonderfullytransformedandJesuswasdeeplysatisfiedbyit.HefeastedoffofthatdivineappointmentbySamaria’swell.Yousee,“dailybread”forJesusistheopportunitytobeusedbyHisFathertoleadalostonetosalvation.TherereallyisnothingmoresatisfyingthantobeusedbyGodinthisway.Whenwepray,“Giveustodayourdailybread”we,alongwithJesus,areaskingforourFathertosetusupwithsomedivineappointmentsthatday.Imagineit,youandJesusgettopartnerwithFatherGodtochangealife!Howsatisfyingisthat?!Prayer:KeepmyeyesopentotheopportunitiesallaroundmetodaytobeawitnessforYouFather.JesusandIwouldlovetomeetapersonwhoiseagerlyseekingforYou.WewouldlovetobeusedbyYoutointroducethemtosalvation.Father,ifYousetuptheopportunity,JesusandIwillfollowthroughonit.

Day Twenty: Debts Forgiven

“Forgiveusourdebts,aswealsohaveforgivenourdebtors.”~Matthew6:12ItisvitallyimportantthatwekeepshortaccountswithGod.Ifweblowit,let’simmediatelymakeitright.Ephesians4:30tellsusthatwecangrievetheHolySpirit.WecangrieveGod!Youcannotloseyoursalvationwithjustonesin,butyousurecanloseyourclosenesswithGod.SinalwayscreatesanawkwardgapbetweenusandFather.Andsowepray,“Pleaseforgiveusourdebts.”Butwait!Remember,youareprayingthisprayerwithJesus.It’sobviousthatweneedforgiveness,buthowdoesJesusneedforgiveness?OneofthemosthumblingversesinScriptureforustoreadisIICorinthians5:21.“GodmadeHimwhohadnosintobesinforus,sothatinHimwemightbecometherighteousnessofGod.”WhenJesusdiedonthecross,Hetradedplaceswithyou.HetookonyoursinsothatyoucouldtakeonHisrighteousness.Inshort,HebecameasbadasyousothatyoucouldbecomeasgoodasHim.What’smore,Jesusabsorbedeverysinevercommitted.Therefore,Hebecametheworstsinnertheworldhaseverknown!(ThiswriterweepsjustthinkingaboutJesusdoingthisforhim.)Sonaturally,Jesuswouldpray,“Forgiveusourdebts.”Morethananyoneelse,Jesusknowshowmuchthatforgivenesscosts!WhenyouaskGodtoforgiveyou,imaginethatyouarestandingwithJesuswhoiswearingthestainsfromyoursins.ThenhumblyaskFatherto“forgiveusourdebts.”Prayer:FatherIdonotdeservetobeforgiven.I’mtheonewhodideverythingwrongandJesusdideverythingright.YetherewestandbeforeYouGodseekingforgivenessfor“our”debts.Iknowexactlywhosedebtstheyreallyare,butIkneelhererighteouswhileJesusstandscondemned!OhGod,forgiveusourdebtswepray!

Day Twenty-One: Forgiven debtors

“Forgiveusourdebts,aswealsohaveforgivenourdebtors.”~Matthew6:12DoyouwanttobejustlikeJesus?Forgiveothers.YouprobablyrememberthescenefromLuke23:34.Jesushangssufferingonthecross.Throughpainfulgaspsofbreath,HemakesonerequestofGodtheFather.“Father,forgivethem,fortheydonotknowwhattheyaredoing.”Hewasbeingreviledandtortured.Hewasfalselyaccusedandrailroadedtothecross.Andinthegreatestactofloveeverknown,HeaskedGodtoforgiveHisattackers.YoumaythinkthatforgivingourdebtorscomeseasilyforJesusbutdon’tforgethowmuchitcostHim.OurabilitytoforgiveothersisrelatedtoourappreciationofhowmuchChristhasforgivenus.Thisiswhyweaskforforgiveness“aswealsohaveforgiven”others.InJohn20:23Jesusmakesabonequakingstatement.“Ifyouforgiveanyonehissins,theyareforgiven;ifyoudonotforgivethem,theyarenotforgiven.”Yes,Jesusreallysaidit.Youcanforgivesomeoneelse’ssinsandsetthemfreefromthebondagethatsinbrings.Let’sbeclear,youcannotforgivesinsthatweren’tagainstyou.Jesusisnotsayingthatyouholdthepowertoforgiveallthesinsoftheworld.However,sinsmadeagainstyouareadifferentstory.OneofyourclearestactsasaroyalsonordaughterofGodistoofferforgivenesstothosewhowrongyou.Thisbeginsinprayer.AfteryouandJesusseekforgivenessforsinsthatyoucommitted,youaskHimtoextendgraceandblessingstothosewhohavewrongedyou.Prayer:FatherwethankYouforbeingsograciouswithoursins.Youhaveclearedournamesfromanywrongdoing.BlessYou!AndFather,weprayforthesamegracetobeappliedtoour“debtors”.WouldYoupouroutYourgoodnessonthemFatherandcausethemtoflourishinabundantlivingtoday?ThankYou!Andwe,ifgiventheopportunitywillalsoblessthemwiththeblessingYouhavegrantedus.

Day Twenty-Two: Lead us

“Andleadusnotintotemptation...”~Matthew6:13Youcannotalwayschoosewholeadsyou,butyoucanchoosewhomyouwillfollow.Youmaynothavechosenourpresident,oryourboss,forexample,butyoucanchoosewhomyouwilllearnfromandimitate.Inprayer,weinviteourFathertotakethelead.Heleadsustosomanygreatplaces,butthereisoneplacewebegHimnottoleadus:“Leadusnotintotemptation.”WealreadyknowfromJames1:13thatGoddoesnottemptus.SowhywouldJesusteachustopraythisway?Jesusfacedtemptationonalevelthatwehavenot.HewenttoetotoeagainstthedevilwhenHefasted40daysinthewilderness.Mostofthetime,ourtemptationcomesfromourownevildesires.Jesus’temptationcamestraightfromSatan!Weeasilygiveintothetemptationsofourownflesh.Canyouimaginehowharditwouldbetoactuallyresistthedevilinperson?!WhenJesusthinksabouttemptation,Hismemoryisdrawnbacktothosehorrificconfrontationsinthedesert.TheBibletellsusthatHewasactuallyledtherebytheHolySpirit.(Matthew4:1)KeepinmindthatweareprayingthisprayerwithJesus.AlthoughFatherGoddoesnotleadyouintotemptation,HedidleadJesusintoit.ThankfullyJesusemergedthevictor!HeinvitesustopraywithHim,thatwemightneverhavetofacewhatHedid!Prayer:Father,Psalm23:3remindsusthat,“Youguidemeinpathsofrighteousness.”Youleaduswell.JesusandIaregratefultoYouforYourprotectionfromtheevilone.JesusisamuchbetterPersonthanIamandevenHehaddifficultyinbattlingourenemy!SoFather,pleaseleadusawayfromalltemptation,andsteerusclearfromthatevilone,thatwemaypleaseYouineveryway.

Day Twenty-Three: we follow

“Andleadusnotintotemptation...”~Matthew6:13ConsiderthegreathumilityofJesus!HeisGodineveryway,yetalsoaman.Hehasalwaysruledtheuniverse.Hehasneverfacedachallenger.Hehasalwaysbeenlargeandincharge.Andyet,lookatthesescriptures:“AlthoughHewasaSon,HelearnedobediencefromwhatHesuffered.”(Hebrews5:8)

“Jesusgrewinwisdomandinstature,andinfavorwithGodandmen.”(Luke2:52)

“Beingfoundinappearanceasaman,HehumbledHimselfandbecameobedientto

death,evendeathonacross!”(Philippians2:8)

ItmakessensethatwewouldaskGodtoleadus.Wewerecreatedtofollowsothat’sjustwhatwedo.ButJesuswasnotcreated.Hehasneverbeen“made”todoanything!Yet,inthisprayer,GodtheSonwillinglyjoinswithusinaskingtobeledbyGodHisFather.HedemonstratesforusthekindofdependencewemusthaveuponFather.JesusnevermakesamovewithoutHisDad,andneithershouldwe.(John5:19&John14:31)JesushasevenchosentoremainuninformedaboutHisownsecondcomingtoearth.(Mark13:32)Thinkofit,JesusistheAll-KnowingGodandyetHehaschosentonotknowHissecondcomingandsubmittoFatherinstead.WehavenowayofmeasuringtheunmitigatedhumilityofJesusChrist!JesustrulyistheperfectSon.HeobeyseverydesireofFather.HeshowsusthatthekeytoagreatrelationshipwiththeFatheristohonorHimasFather.HeisagoodFatherafterall,andworthyofoursincereadmiration.Andso,assiblingsofJesusChrist,wecometoDadtogetherandsubmittoHisperfectleading.FatherreallydoesknowbestandwhatajoyitistoholdthehandofJesusandfollowDadtogether.Prayer:Jesus,pleaseshowmehowtofollow.OurFatherisaperfectleader.I’mjustnotaverygoodfollower!YousubmitperfectlytoourDad.MyeyesareonYoutodayJesus.Today,let’sfollowourFathertogether.

Day Twenty-Four: deliver to

“butdeliverusfromtheevilone.”~Matthew6:13Agreatpackagecanberuinedbyabaddelivery.AfewyearsagomywifeandIcarefullypackedhermom’schinaintoaboxandhaditshippedtoourhousefromChicago.Weweresaddenedtoopentheboxafewdayslatertodiscovermuchofthechinahadbeenbroken,someofitevenshattered.Itbeganasapricelessheirloombutendedinpiecesbecauseofapoordelivery.Aswedrawneartotheendofourprayer,weareremindedthatlife’sroadcanmakeforaroughdelivery.WeaskFathertogetustotheotherside,andpreferablyinonepiece.Thankfully,wehaveotherScripturalsupporttobolsterourprayerfordeliverance:“ToHimwhoisabletokeepyoufromfallingandtopresentyoubeforeHisglorious

Presencewithoutfaultandwithgreatjoy…”Jude1:24YouareGod’sgreatestprize.HehaseveryintentionofsafelydeliveringyoutoHimself,“withoutfaultandwithgreatjoy”.Yourdestinationiscertain,forthisiswhatJesussaysofyou,“NoonecansnatchthemoutofMyFather’shand.”(John10:29)AndsowecanpraywithconfidenceaskingourFathertodeliverushomesafe.IwishIcouldsaythesameformywife’schina!Prayer:Father,weaskyoutodeliverus.Thisdaywillbefilledwithtwistsandturns,butnothingcansurpriseYou.Youaremorethanthebeginningandtheend.YouarethebeginningTOtheendandeverythinginbetween.OureyeswillremainonYouasYoudeliverusthrough.

Day Twenty-Five: deliver from

“butdeliverusfromtheevilone.”~Matthew6:13Everydeliveryhastwoends.Itcomesfromanditgoesto.YesterdaywenotedthatGodintendstodeliverustoHimself.ButwhereisGodtakingus,from?“…fromtheevilone.”Youmaynothaveknownthis,butyouwerebornwiththeword“condemned”stampedoveryourlife.Ephesians2:3saysthat“wewerebynatureobjectsofwrath.”ThisistheconditionofeveryhumanbeingwhohasnotreceivedJesusasSavior.NowthatyouareasiblingofJesusandyouenjoybeinginHisfamily,youhavebeendeliveredfromtheevilone.YouWEREanobjectofwrathbutinChrist,younowareacherishedsonordaughterofGod.WecanconfidentlyprayasthePsalmistdid,“IclingtoYou,Yourrighthandupholdsme.”(Psalm63:8)YouclingtoGodandGodclingstoyou.Ittakestwotoholdhands.YouholdGod’shand,butHealsoholdsyours.(AndHehasatightergrip!)Thedevilwantsyouback,butyouneedn’tworry.OurFather’sgotthis.Hedeliversusfromtheevilone.Andthereisnoreturnaddress.YourjobistokeepasteadyeyeonyourHeavenlyDad.Nomorelookingback!RememberLot’swife?GoddeliveredherfromSodom’sdestructionbutshelookedbackandbecameapillarofsalt.(Genesis19:26)Solet’smakeabreakfromourpastandkeepoureyesonFatherasHeleadsusfromtheeviloneandtoourheavenlyhome.Prayer:Hebrews12:2tellsmeto“fixmyeyesonJesus.”SoJesus,I’llfixmyeyesonYouandWEcanfixoureyesonDad!Father,Youaresobig,andyetweholdYouasYouholdus.Youaremoredistantthanthefartheststaryetcloserthanournextbreath.YouarestrongenoughtodeliverusfromtheevilonesoJesusandIkeepoureyesonYoutoday.

Day Twenty-Six: Evil Who?

“…butdeliverusfromtheevilone.”~Matthew6:13Let’sbesurewegetthisbasictruthdownpat:thedevilisbadandGodisgood.Jesustellsusthatourenemycomestosteal,killanddestroy.(John10:10)AndJames1:17tellsus“everygoodandperfectgiftisfromabove,comingdownfromtheFatherofheavenlylights.”Inotherwords,ifit’sgood,yougotitfromGod.Ifit’sbad,itcamefromyourenemy.JesusendsHisprayerwitharequestforprotectionbecauseHeknowsbetterthananyone,whatweareupagainst.ThedevilisnomatchforyouandJesustogether,butthatdoesn’tmeanhewon’tputupafight.Andwhileyoucanwinthebattle,itwouldbebettertoavoiditaltogether.SoalongwithJesusweprayfordeliverance,weaskFathertokeepourenemyonashortchain,inanotherzipcode,farawayfromus.Asweprayfordeliverancefromtheevilone,wealsomustkeepinmindthatmanytimes,thedevilisnotourbiggestproblem,weare.James1:14says,“eachoneistemptedwhen,byhisownevildesire,heisdraggedawayandenticed.”Yourowndesiresareoftenthesourceofyourgreatesttemptation.Thedevildidn’tmakeyoudoit.Youdid.ThisiswhythePsalmistdeclaredthatthewayweremainpureistoliveaccordingtoGod’sWord.(Psalm119:9)Aprayerfordeliverancefromtheevilonemustalsoincludeaprayerfordeliverancefrommyownevildesiresthatwagewarinsideofme.MayGodhelpus!Prayer:Jesus,Youfoughtthedevilandwon,butnowitseemsthebattleisinmyownmindandheart.IyieldmydesirestoYou.IwanttopleaseYouGod,notjustwiththethingsIdo,butalsowiththethingsIwant.MaymydesireshonorYouasmuchasmyactions,wordsandthoughts.PleasedelivermefromtheeviloneandalsodelivermefromME!

Writingthisbookletonprayerhasbeenawkward.Youhaveprobablynoticedthatthisauthorisnotaprayerpro.Prayerhasalwaysbeenachallengeforme.Ifallasleep.Mymindwanders.Istartoffgreatandthengetdistracted.IhavefeltguiltybecauseIshouldpraymore.IhavefeltguiltybecauseIshouldpraybetter.(Afterall,Iamapastor!)Allofthesebombardmysoulandattackmyprayerlife.Ifeelineptandweak.So,whywouldaguylikemewriteabookonprayer?Precisely!Thereisnothingaboutmyexperienceinprayerthatwillmakeyoufeelbad.Istruggletoo!Iamnoexpert,butIdoknowJesusandthatgivesmeaccess.IfyouknowJesus,youenjoythesameaccess.It’stakenusseveralweekstoworkourwaythroughtheLord’sPrayer.Hopefully,ithasblessedyouasmuchasithasme.Butnowwhat?Readingadevotionalthoughteachdayisnotenoughtofireupone’sprayerlife.Tokeepitburning,logsmustbethrownonthefireoften.Thisjournalhasbeenintendedtohelpgetyourfirelit,butyouwillneedtokeepaddingthewood.How?Partoftheeffortofprayeristakingthetimetogetyourheartandmindintherightplace.Itishelpfultothinkofprayerhappeninginfourstages:presence,praise,petitionand,protection.Wewillusetheremainderofourtimetogethertoexplorethesefouressentialaspectsinabeliever’slifeofprayer.

Day Twenty-Seven: The Help

“Ifyouthen,thoughyouareevil,knowhowtogivegoodgiftstoyourchildren,howmuchmorewillyourFatherinHeavengivetheHolySpirittothosewhoaskHim?”

~Luke11:13Youcannotcry,“wolf!”withGod.HealreadyknowswhatyourneedisandHeisworkingtomeetitbeforeyouevenask.Youcancryforhelpasoftenasyoulike,yourFatherisfaithful.EventhoughwepraywithJesus,theremaystillbetimeswhenwegetstuck.Intoday’sscripture,JesustellsusthatwecanalwaysaskGodandHewillbegladtogiveustheHolySpirit.TheHolySpiritisourprayerCoach.AllweneedtodoisaskforHishelp.“Inthesameway,theSpirithelpsusinourweakness.Wedonotknowwhatweoughttoprayfor,buttheSpiritHimselfintercedesforuswithgroansthatwordscannotexpress.”(Romans8:26)HolySpiritislikeaGoogletranslator.Yourwordsmaybecomingoutjumbled.Yourthoughtsorattitudesmayevenbeallwrong.ButHolySpiritknowswhatyouneedtobeprayingandHepraysitforyou.Isn’titacomforttoknowthatbetweenhereandHeaven,HolySpirittakesyourwordsandproperlytranslatesthembeforeGod’sthrone?Whatarelief!Nowthepressureisoff.WecanjustenjoyGod.Whenyougetstuckinprayer,asktheHolySpirittoprayforyou.Hegoestoworkimmediatelyonyourbehalf.“Father,thisiswhatshereallymeans…”or,“Father,thisiswhathetrulyneeds….”YoucanrestinknowingthatHolySpiritwillprayexactlytherightprayer.Insteadofwrestlingoveryourprayerorfeelingbadthatyougotstuck,trythis:ThankHolySpiritforHisperfectprayeronyourbehalf.Prayer:HolySpirithelp!Istillfindprayingtobesodifficult!ThankYouforprayingformeasIlearntopraywithJesus.Yourcoachingispricelesstome.IamincrediblygladthatIhaveYouasaCoachandJesusasmyBrother.ThanksforallthatYoudoindrawingmeclosertoourFather.ItisthrillingtoknowYouFather,SonandHolySpirit.WhatajoytobepartofYourinnercircle!

Day Twenty-eight: Presence

“Youhavemadeknowntomethepathoflife;YouwillfillmewithjoyinYourpresence,witheternalpleasuresatYourrighthand.”~Psalm16:11

HowdoyouknowwhenyouareinGod’sPresence?Joy.SpendingtimewithGodwillshowonyourface.JustaskMoses:“hewasnotawarethathisfacewasradiantbecausehehadspokenwiththeLord.”(Exodus34:29)EverytimeMoseshungoutwithGod,hisfaceglowed.JoyisthefruitofspendingtimewithGod.Thisisreallyimportantwhenitcomestoprayer.Howoftenhasprayerfeltlikeadrudgery?Prayerisaspiritualdiscipline,butitshouldn’tfeellikepunishment.It’smeanttobeaconversationwithfriends.Prayermighttakework,butitisaworkoflove.Thisiswhythefirststageofprayeris“Presence”.Beforeyouprayaword,sitquietlyandimagineHeaven’slivingroom.CanyoupictureGod,theFatherandGod,theSonlaughingandtalkingandhangingouttogether?SetthefocusofyourheartontohowgoodGodis.Thinkabouthowinvitingandwarmtheircompanyis.TrynottobeginprayinguntilyoucansensethatyouareinthecompanyofGod.AgreatplacetostartisbyreflectingonthegiftofJesus.YouhaveaccesstoGodbecauseofJesus’sacrifice.IntheOldTestament,peoplewerenotevenallowedtolookatGod’sholythings.(Numbers4:20)Now,becauseofJesus’sacrifice,youcanwalkrightintothePresenceofGod.YoucanthankJesusforallthatHedidtomakeGodaccessibletoyou.Thisisaterrificplacetobeginwhenpraying!Prayer:ThankYouJesusforpayingthepriceofmysins.Youdiedtogivemelife.YourworkiswhyIamabletoeventalktoGod.IamGod’schildbecauseYouforgavemysinsandmademerightwithGod.ThankYousomuch!IcannotcometalktoGodonmyown,butwithYouIcanfreelyenterin.ItissuchaprivilegetocallYou“Brother”!

Day Twenty-Nine: Presence, Really?

“OnthatdayyouwillrealizethatIaminmyFather,andyouareinMe,andIaminyou.”~John14:20

Duringthelastmonth,youmayhavewonderedifanyofthiswaslegit.TheconceptofyoujoiningwithJesusinprayerandtalkingtoFatherGodlikeit’sathree-wayconversationmayseemstrange.Perhapsyouhavequestionedifthiswasevenbiblical.PleasereadthewordsofJesusprintedabove.Dothe“math”inJesus’statement:JesusisintheFather,youareinJesusandJesusisinyou.So,wheredoesthatplaceyouinrelationtotheFather?WeoftengetsowrappedupovertheconceptoftheTrinity,thatwelosethebeautyoftheimage.Atitscore,it’saboutperfectlyintimatefriendship.WethinkofTrinityasthreeindividualswhofunctionasone,butthatinvariablyleadsyoutothreegods,whichisfundamentallynottrue.GodisOneandthereisonlyOneGod.ThinkingofTrinityasthreeindividualsstemsfromourownsinful,independentstreak.Rather,thinkofTrinityasperfectfriendship.GodiscompleteandinJesus,yougettobepartofHim.Jesusalsosaid,“IfanyonelovesMe,hewillobeyMyteaching.MyFatherwilllovehimandwewillcomeandmakeourhomewithhim.”(John14:23)Noticethepluralpronouns,“we”and“our”.NoticethatJesusisspeakingforHimselfandHisFather.It’samystery,granted,butwhat’smarvelousisthatyougettobepartofit.JesusandHisFatherseektomakeahomewithyou.Whenyouenterintoprayer,youareengaginginaconversationwiththeTrinity.Beforeyouutterawordinprayer,reflectontheawesomeopportunitythatisyourstobepartofthebestfamilyever.Then,allowthistoinfluencethewaythatyoupray.Prayer:Father,IconfessthatitstillfeelsoddformetotalkwithYouandJesus.Ihavealwaysseenprayerinreligioustermsanditleftmecold.Butnow,mehangingoutwithYou?Wow!Thisisallsonewandincredible.ThankYoufortheprivilegeofbeingYours.

Day Thirty: Presence, the sequel

“OntheLord’sDayIwasintheSpirit,andIheardbehindmealoudvoicelikeatrumpet…”~Revelation1:10

SentencedtodiebytheRomangovernmentforhisfaith,theApostleJohnwasleftaloneontheIsleofPatmos.Whenhesaysthathewas“intheSpirit”itmeanshewasprayingintheSpirit.Johncouldhavebeenbitterfromhisexperience.Hedidnotdeservetobetreatedashewas.HatedfortheOnethatheloved,Johnfoundhimselfinthisrottenplace.Societydumpedhim,butJesusdelightedinhim.Theexilebecameasanctuary.Heusedhistimetopray!PrayingintheSpiritissomethingthatanyonecando.Itisagift.TheApostlePaulspeaksofitthisway:“ForifIprayinatonguemyspiritpraysbutmymindisunfruitful.SowhatshallIdo?Iwillpraywithmyspirit,butIwillalsopraywithmymind;Iwillsingwithmyspirit,

butIwillalsosingwithmymind.”~ICorinthians14:14-15Sometimeswethinktoomuchwhenwepray.Wefretoverwhattosayandhowtosayit.InsteadofrestinginGod’sPresence,ourthoughtsraceoverthenextitemonourprayerlist.PrayingintheSpiritisawaytogetoverworryingaboutwords.Whenyoupray,practicerest.Insteadofsayinganything,trytoimagineGod’sthroneroom.Youaresittinginonechair,theFatherisinanotherandJesusisintheother.PlayaworshipsongonyourphoneoriPod.Don’tthinkaboutwhattosay,justfollowthewordsofthemusic,agreeingwiththemastheyplay.Don’ttalktoGoduntilyoufeelthepeaceofHispresence.ThepointisthatprayerislessaboutgettingthewordsrightandismoreaboutenjoyingGod’sPresence.(Evenifyou’reontheIsleofPatmos!)Prayer:Father,IreallywanttoknowYouthewaythatJesusdoes.HolySpirit,Youaremyprayerpartner.PleaseteachmehowtoprayinYou.PleaseteachmehowtopraylikeYou!TodaybeforeIsayanythingelse,IwillwaitandfocusmyheartonYou.

Day Thirty-One: Presence, the prequel

“InthebeginningGod…”~Genesis1:1Beforethereeverwasanything,therewasGod.AsancientastheUniverseis,Godisevenolder.Rightnow,HeisjustaspresentinyourfutureasHewasinyourpast.ThePsalmisttriedtothinkaboutthisanditblewhismind:“WherecanIgofromyourSpirit?WherecanIfleefromYourPresence?IfIgouptotheheavensYouarethere.IfImakemybedinthedepths,Youarethere…”(Psalm139:7-10)God’sPresenceisnotsomethingyouhavetomusterup.It’snotlikeyouhavetoconvinceHimtovisityou.YoualreadydwellinHisPresence.HisPresenceisliketheair.You’realwaysintheair,butyoudonotalwaysthinkaboutit.Haveyoueverstoppedandthoughtabouttheairthatyoubreathe?Perhapsonacoldmorning,youinhalethebriskair.Orperhapsyou’vestoodinthesunshineandbreathedinthewarmair.Haveyouevertriedtofillyourlungswithasmuchairasyoucoulduntilitfeltlikeyourchestwouldpop?Bythinkingabouttheair,youbecomeawareoftheair.YoucanbecomeawareofGod’sPresenceinmuchthesameway.Remember,youliveintheworldthatHEcreated.Everytree,everycloud,everybladeofgrasshasHissignatureuponit.YoupracticallydrowninGod’shandiworkeverysingleday!Thepatriarch,Jacobhadaninterestingexperience.HedreamtthathesawastairwayextendingfromearthtoHeaven.InGenesis28:16wearetold,“WhenJacobawokefromhissleephethought,‘SurelytheLordisinthisplaceandIwasnotawareofit.’”InJohn1:10we’retold,“ThoughtheworldwasmadethroughHim,theworlddidnotrecognizeHim.”Thepointisthis:youcanberightnexttoJesusandmissHim.PartoftheverypurposeofprayeristotrainyoursensestorecognizeGod’sPresence.Prayer:Father,IwonderhowoftenImissYoubecauseIamnotlooking?JesusandIcometoYouaskingtomakeusmoreawareofYourPresencethisday.JesusonlydoeswhatHeseesYoudoing,Dad.That’showIwanttobetoo.EventhoughIhavemuchtodotoday,IwanttoshareitallwithYouFather.Idonotwanttowasteasecondalone!

Day Thirty-Two: Praise

Atthattime,JesusfullofjoythroughtheHolySpiritsaid,“IpraiseYouFather,LordofHeavenandearth,becauseyouhavehiddenthesethingsfromthewiseandlearnedandrevealedthem

tolittlechildren.Yes,Father,forthiswasYourgoodpleasure.”~Luke10:21DoyouknowwhoisreallygoodatpraisingGod?Jesus!WhenyoupraiseFatherGod,youareactuallyjoiningwithJesusindeclaringthatpraise.HeabsolutelylovestopraiseHisFather.Infact,asHewasnearingthetimeofHiscrucifixion,JesusopenlypraisedGod,“Father,glorifyYourname!”(John12:28)Theword“glorify”literallymeans,“tomakeglorious”.JesuswasaskingforHisFathertobemadeglorious!Tobegloriousmeans,“tobeexalted,liftedhigh”.So,JesuswasabouttodieandtheonlythingonHismindwasforHisFathertobeexaltedandliftedhigh.Thinkabouthowselflessthatwas.YouarenevermoreChrist-likethanwhenyouarepraisingGod.ThegreatestwaytobelikeJesusistoseektheultimategloryoftheFatherinallthings.Infact,oneofthebiggestreasonswhyJesuscamewastoshowushowtoproperlyrelatetotheFather.HeistheperfectSonandHeshowsushowtobegoodsonsanddaughters.AfterestablishinganawarenessofGod’sPresence,youcanbegintoofferpraise.Whenyouofferpraise,Jesusgladlyjoinsyou.Canyouhearit?Yousay,“God,Youareawesome!”Jesussays,“That’sright!Yousureare!”Yousay,“FatherGod,Youareamazing!”Jesusechoes,“Amazing!”ThiscontinuesasyougiveGodglorywithyourwords.JesuslovespraisingFathertoo!HedelightsinjoiningyouasyougivepraisetoFather.Prayer:FatherGod,JesusandIdeclarethatYouaregreaterthanthemountains,deeperthantheoceans,higherthanthesky.Youareholy.Youareworthy.Youaregloriousandsplendid.AllYouareisgood,allYoudoisgood,allYouthinkisgoodandallYousayisgood.YouarewithoutequalandIamamazedbyYou!

Day Thirty-Three: Praise more

“WorshipGod!”~Revelation22:9Johnwaswitnesstosomeprettycoolsights.HecaughtalookatHeaveninawaythatnooneelseeverhas.Whatismore,helivedtotellaboutit!Hisresponsetothesplendorthathewitnessedwastobowdownandworshiptheangelwhoservedashistourguide.Veryquickly,theangelputastoptoJohn’sreverence.“Don’tdoit!”hesaid.“WorshipGod!”Worshipisanaturalresponsewhenwegetintothepresenceofgreatness.Thehumanheartiscreatedtoburstwithwonder.Itiswhyamagnificentworkofartcatchesoureye.Itiswhyamajesticviewstealsourbreath.Itiswhywegohushwhensomethingimportanthappens.Wearewiredtoworship.Thisisawonderfulthing.Itisalsoawretchedthing.ItiswonderfulwhenourworshipreachesitshighestpotentialaswedirectittowardsGod.ItiswretchedwhenwesettlecheapandgiveourworshipawaytosomethinglessthanGod.WhyisitsobadtoworshipsomethinglessthanGod?Psalm115:8“Thosewhomakethem(idols)willbelikethem,andsowillallwhotrustinthem.”Settlingforlessinworshipisbadbecausewebecomelikewhatweworship!YouwillneverbeGod,butyoucanbecomelikeHim.DoyouwanttorealizeyourfullpotentialasonewhobearsGod’simage?WorshipGodandGodalone.Worshipismorethansingingsongs.Itisthedirectionofyourlife.ICorinthians10:31saysthat“Whetheryoueatordrinkorwhateveryoudo,doitallforthegloryofGod.”Everylegitimateactioncanbecomeanactofworship.(Thinkaboutthistonightwhenyoueatyourhamburger.)Prayer:Jesus,YouglorifyFatherineverything.IfIhangoutwithYoutoday,wecanglorifyFatherineverythingtogether.Pleaseforgivemeforworshippinglesserthings.Iconfessthatmyeyeseasilygetsidetrackedbyearth’sfancytrinkets.Nottoday!TodayIgivemylifeandmyeverybreathtoworshipYouGod!

Day Thirty-Four: Praise all day

“SeventimesadayIpraiseYouforYourrighteouslaws!”~Psalm119:164Reallife.It’swhereyoulive.It’salsowhereGodlives.Goddoesnotdoivorytowerswell.Hemuchprefersbeingwithyouinthehustleoflifethantuckedawaybehindstainedglass.Weneedtoloseournotionthat“worship”isfor“church”.Worshipisa24/7focusofyourlife.ThePsalmistsetasideatleastseventimeseachdayfortheworshipofGod.However,hisexperienceofGodwasmuchdifferentthanyours.ThePsalmistwasnotatempleoftheHolySpirit,asyouare.(ICorinthians6:19)HehadtowalktoaphysicaltemplebuildinginordertoproperlyworshipGod.YouhavetheluxuryofcarryingGod’sPresenceeverywhereyougo.Peopletendtofallintotwoextremeswhenitcomestotheirprayerlife.Sometakethe“ItalktoGodallday”approach,buttheyneverstoptoactuallypray.Asaresult,theirprayerlifeisundisciplinedandshallow.Otherstakethe“Igetdownonmyknees,setthetimerandprayfor30minutesaday”approach,buttheyforgetthatprayerisaconversation.Thisauthorsuggeststhatbothapproachesareneededinyourlife.Youneedtopracticethedisciplineofanactual“prayertime”.YoualsoneedtodevelopaconstantcommunicationwithGodthroughouttheday.Thesetwoactivitiessupporteachother.Yourprayertimeisenhancedbyongoingcommunication.And,yourongoingcommunicationisenhancedbyadisciplinedprayertime.Thegoalofthisprayerjournalhasbeentohelpyoudevelopameaningfulprayertimeeachday.ThefollowerofJesuslivesinaGod-sizedworld.ThismeansthateventhesmallestdetailsofyourdayaretouchedbyGod.Today,givepraisetoGodfortheseeminginsignificantthingsthathappenedyesterday.Doyouremembergettingacloseparkingspot?ThankGodforit.Howaboutthatlinebeingshortinthegrocerystore?GiveGodpraiseforit.Donotoverlookthesmallestdetail.Prayer:Father,Youhavenumberedthehairsonmyhead,soYoumustcareaboutthedetailsinmylife.ThankYouforeachinstancewhereYouprovidedandintervened.ThankYouforprotectingmefromharmthatIneverevensaw.Youareconstantlygood.

Day Thirty-Five: Petition

“YoumayaskforanythinginMyname,andIwilldoit.”~John14:14Thisstatement,madebyJesus,hascausedmanytostumble.Wereaditasablankcheck.It’slikewehavestumbleduponthemagicgeniewhopromisedtograntusthreewishes.Tounderstanditbetter,weneedtoestablishafewbasictruths:Truth#1:Jesusisnogenie.Truth#2:ThefirstthingGodwantswithyouisacloserelationship.Truth#3:FatherGodlovesgivinggoodgiftstoHischildren.Truth#4:“InMyname”impliesanintimaterelationship.RememberthatJesusinvitesustoprayalongwithHim.HeisalreadytalkingtoFatherandyouentertheirconversation.Soyourprayerisnotinavacuum.It’snotdumpingrequestsatGod’sfeetbeforeyoudashofftoyourday.Thisiswhy“Presence”isthefirststageofprayer.ItwouldberudetobargeintoHeaven’slivingroomandinterruptFatherandSon’sconversationwithyourlistofneeds.Instead,youenterHeaven’slivingroomandsitquietlylisteninginontheirtalk.Inthisway,youcanenterintotheirconversation,whichiswhatJesusmeanswhenHesaystopray“inHisname”.YoucomeintoagreementwithJesusandthethingsaboutwhichHeistalkingwithFather.Ifyoulistencarefully,youwilldiscoverthatmanyofthethingsonJesus’heartarealsoonyours.YoucanpraywithconfidencewhenyourwilllinesupwithHis.Prayer:Jesus,whatisonYourmindtodayaswetalktoFathertogether?Because,that’swhatIwanttotalkabouttoo!

Day Thirty-Six: Ask God

“YoudonothavebecauseyoudonotaskGod.”~James4:2Itseemssimpleenough.AskGod.Jesusencourageduswiththesewords:“Whenyoupray,donotkeeponbabblinglikepagans,fortheythinktheywillbeheardbecauseoftheirmanywords.Donotbelikethem,foryourFatherknowswhatyouneedbeforeyouaskHim.”(Matthew6:7-8)Yesterday’sreadingmayhaveleftyouwiththefeelingthatyoushouldn’task.Pleaseallowtoday’sreadingtoprovidethetruthfulbalance.InyourrelationshipwithGod,HeistheFatherandyouarethechild.Haveyoueverknownachildtocarefullythinkthroughtheirrequestsandmeteouttheirwordswithcaution?Noway!ItactuallyhonorsGodwhenyouaskwithoutreservation.Yourrequestdoesnotneedtobeproperlyvettedandwelltimed.Sometimesthebestprayersaretheonesthatgetblurtedout,unfiltered.Perhapsthesimplereasonforwhyyou’relackinginanareaisthatyouhavenotaskedGod?GodistheonlyBeingwhoisself-sustaining.Hehasneedofnothingoranyone.Heiscompleteandself-contained.Youhowever,needfood,water,clothing,love,friendship,acceptance,etc.etc.Goddesigneditthisway.Ifyoudidn’tneedanything,youwouldbeGod.BecauseyouarenotGod,becauseyouareacreature,youhaveneed.Whileitmaybehumblingtoadmityourneed,Godismorethanreadytohearyououtandprovideforyou.HeknowswhatyouneedbeforeyouevenaskHim.Prayer:IneedYou,yesIneedYou.EveryhourIneedYou.OhGod,YouareLife.IfYouweretowithdrawfrommeforevenasecond,Iwouldshrivelupanddie.IhumblemyselfbeforeYoutoday.AsIbringmyneedstoYouitiscomfortingtoknowthatYouarealreadyawareofthem.YouareansweringmyprayerbeforeIevenaskit!ThankYou!

Day Thirty-Seven: Ask like Jesus

“PeaceIleavewithyou,MypeaceIgiveyou.Idonotgiveyouastheworldgives.Donotletyourheartsbetroubledanddonotbeafraid.”~John14:27

Jesusgivestoyouinanaltogetherdifferentwaythananyoneelsedoes.Thebestthattheworldcandoisgiveyousomething.Itcancomewrappedorunwrapped,butitisstillathing.Evenwithnon-things,likelove,itisstilloftenexpressedinphysicalterms.Jesusgivesinadifferentway.Romans5:5saysthat“GodhaspouredoutHisloveintoourhearts…”Likealiquid,HepoursHisloveintous.HeisabletoimplantHispeaceintoyoursoul.Hecaninfusethedepthsofyourbeingwithrestandjoy.Hesatisfiesyoufromtheinsideout.It’sinternal,wheremothandrustcannotdestroyitandthievescannotstealit.ToasklikeJesusmeanswecanprayfromthispositionofinternalpeace.ConsiderhowJesusprays.CanyouimagineHimwhiningbeforeFather?Or,questioningwhysomethingturnedoutbadly?Jesusdoesn’tpraybecauseHeislacking.HeknowsthattheLordisHisShepherdandHeshallnotwant.HisprayerisalwaysforFather’sKingdomtocomeandHiswilltobedoneonearthasitisinHeaven.Regardlessofthesituation,JesusalwaysasksthatitwouldbeinlinewithFather’swillandthatFather’sKingdomwouldbeexpandedasaresult.ConfidentrestisthebestpositionfromwhichtopetitionGodaboutanything.Let’sdowhatHebrews4:11saysand“makeeveryefforttoenterthatrest”.CastyourcaresuponGodinordertoobtainthepeaceofGod.Then,youcanbegintopartnerwithJesus’desireforFather’sKingdomtoreignoveryourareasofconcern.WhatwouldyourfamilylifebelikeifyouaskedlikeJesus?WhatwouldyourworkworldlooklikeifyouaskedlikeJesus?Prayer:GoodFather,YouaremyShepherdjustlikeYouareJesus’Shepherd.Ishallnotwant.You’vegotthis.YourKingdomisthebestthingthatcouldeverhitmyworld.IwantYourKingdomtocomeandruleoverthethingsthatconcernmetoday.Youaregood,soYourKingdomisalsogood.MayYoureignsupremeinmylife!

Day Thirty-eight: Armor All

“Hewillnotletyourfootslip,Hewhowatchesoveryouwillnotslumber;”~Psalm121:3

JesustaughtustoaskourFatherto“deliverusfromtheevilone.”OurdailyconversationwithFatherhasthisnaturalflowtoit:WebeginbyenjoyingHisPresence,whichleadsustopraise.Then,itisnaturaltobringourpetitionsbeforeHimandaskforHisperfectwilltobedone.Lastly,beforeweleavetheclosetofprayertoengagetheworld,weneedFather’sprotection.Godhaspromisedtowatchoverus.Heisashieldaroundus.(Psalm3:3)Theenemymightroarlikealion,butremember,ourJesusisTHELion!Wehavenothingtofear,butthisdoesn’tmeanweblindlygointobattleunprepared.JesustaughtustoseekourFather’sprotection.Weoftenthinkofprotectioninphysicalterms.Whileweprefertonotgethitbyabus,itisthespiritualrealmthatposesthegreaterthreatofharm.Thedevilfightsforyoursouleverysingleday.Inprayer,youcanshutthegatesofyourheartandclosethemofffromyourenemy’sonslaught……Inthought:Whatpercentageofyourthoughtseachdayarenegative?YouactuallyhavethemindofChrist.(ICorinthians2:16)So,negativethoughtsdon’tcomefromyou,theycomefromthedevil.Youneedtoshutthemdown.…Inattitude:Sometimesourattitudeissourbecausewearetiredorstressed.Buthowmuchofthatfatigueisbroughtonbyourownchoosing?Philippians2:5,saysthattheattitudeofJesusistothinkofothersbeforeHimself.Whenyourfocusisonbenefitingothers,itelevatesyourattitude.…Inword:Ourwordsoftensetthetoneforourday.Ifyouuseyourwordstobuildothersup,yousimplycannotgowrong.(Ephesians4:29)Asyoupraygiveyourthoughts,attitudesandwordstoGodandasktheHolySpirittocontrolthem.Thisisagreatplacetostartinarmoringupforthedayahead!Prayer:Father,help!Thebattlewefightismostlybetweenourearsandinourhearts.Isubmitmythoughts,attitudesandwordstoYoutodayandIwanttopleaseYouinallofthem.

Day Thirty-Nine: For Later

“Recordmylament,listmytearsonYourscroll,aretheynotinYourrecord?”~Psalm56:8

Aswecometotheendofour40-dayprayerjourney,let’stalkaboutacommonstrugglethatmanypeoplehavewithprayer:Whenitgoesunanswered.SometimesitfeelslikeGodisunresponsivetoourrequests,andthiscanhurtusdeeply.ThePsalmistimaginedthatGodsaveduphistears.IntheNewLivingTranslationoftheBible,itsaysthatGodsavesourtearsinabottle.OurgriefisassacredtoGodasourjoy.YourFatherlovesyousomuchthatHerememberseverytearyouhaveshed.YouarethatpricelesstoHim.IfGodsavesourtears,isitpossiblethatGodalsosavesgoodthingsforusinHeaven?PerhapsaprayerthatseemstobeunansweredisreallyjustaprayerthatGodissavingforlater?Afterall,hereonearthwewalkbyfaith,notbysight.(IICorinthians5:7)ThissideofHeavenisthefaithside.OncewegettoHeaven,faithwillbeunnecessary.Wewalkbyfaithhere,butwewalkbysightthere.IfyouareGod’schild,restassuredthatyouhavewonHisheart.AndifyouhavewonHisheart,youmostcertainlyhavewonHisear.ItisnosmallthingtohaveanaudiencewiththeLordofall,andyougettocallHim“Dad”!HehasheardyouandasaGoodFather,HelovestogivegoodgiftstoHiskids.Healsoknowsthevalueofdelayedgratification.Somegiftsarejustbetterwhenwewaitforthem.IsitpossiblethatwhatyouperceivetobeanunansweredprayerisreallyyourFathersaying,“Let’ssavethatoneforlater!”HespeaksthesewordswithatwinkleinHiseye,knowingthatwhenyoudoreceivetheanswer,youwillbeutterlythrilled!Prayer:FaithisoftendifficultformeFather.IwanttobelievethatYouhaveheardmyprayer,butwithoutthephysicalresultsinfrontofme,Idoubt.ThankYouforallthetimesthatYouhavequicklygivenanswerstomyprayer.Thosearewonderful!Butalso,thankYouformakingmewaitonmanyofmyprayers.Ifyoumadethisbeautifulearthin7shortdays,IcanonlyimaginewhatYou’redoingasYoumakemewait!

Day Forty: Getting Started

“Lord,teachustopray…”~Luke11:1

“GettingStarted”isafunnywaytoendabook.Yetthebeginningisexactlywhereweare.ItwilltaketherestofeternitytogodeeperinourcommunicationwithGod.Thegoodnewsisthatyouhavetherestofeternitytodoit!Communicationisaskillthatonecannotmaster,buttheconstantpursuitofdoingbetteriswhatactuallystrengthensthebondsoftherelationship.JesuslovesHisFathermorethananyoneelse.HiscommunicationwithFatherwassomagneticthatthosewhowitnesseditwantedtolearnit.CanyouimaginewhatitmusthavebeenliketohearJesuspray?IfyouachetoknowFatherinthewaythatJesusdoes,youareonyourwaytoprayinglikeJesusprayed.YourdesireformoreofGodisthegreatestcomplimentyoucouldgivetoGod.Itmeansthatyourexperiencethusfarhasproventobegoodandyouwantmore.Godisinfinite,sonomatterwhatyouhavereceivedfromHim,youhaveonlyjustbegun.Thisisthenatureofinfinity.Youneverreachameasurable“half-way”point.Godisinfinitelywonderfulwhichmeansyouwillalwaysfeellikeyoujustgotstarted.GodissobigthatHehastostooptoseethestars!Naturally,yourexperienceofHimwillalwaysleaveyouwantingmore.Sowheredoyougonext?Keepgoing.Startthisjournaloveragainifithelps.Orfindanotherbooklettoguideyou.HopefullyyouhaveexperiencedsomenewthingsinyourrelationshipwithGodandthishaswhettedyourappetiteformore.InDeuteronomy3:24,Mosessaid,"SovereignLORD,youhavebeguntoshowtoyourservantyourgreatnessandyourstronghand….”WithallthatMoseswitnessed,hewantedmore.Let’sjoinMosesinaskingGodformore.Wehaveonlyjustbegun!Prayer:Father,myexperienceofYouislimited.YetYouaresogood,howcouldInotwantmore!?HelpmetoknowYouasJesusknowsYou.TeachmehowtotalkwithYoulikeJesustalkswithYou.Thisisjustthebeginningofalongandwonderfulfriendship!

Epilogue. Enjoying Jesus is what it’s all about Heavenisnotwhereyou’regoing,Jesusis.Heisthetreasureoftheages.Heisthepearlofgreatestprice.IfJesuswereinatrailerpark,thatwouldbeHeaven.EnjoyingJesusistheendgame,thegoal.ThisprayerjourneyhasbeenanattempttohelpustotastethepresenceofJesuswhenwepray.Jesustaughtustopray,notsothatwecanbegoodatprayer,butsothatwecanenjoyHim.ItispossibletolearnthemechanicsofprayerandmissGodintheprocess.Haveyouevermetsomeonewhoseemedtoreallypray?IhaveafriendwhopastorsachurchinCalifornia.ThisbrotherisfromIndia.WhenPastorRajanpraysitfeelslikeHeavenopensupandweenterintoadifferentrealm.Prayingwithhimmakesmewanttopraymore.Oneofthekeystolearningaboutprayeristogetaroundpeoplewhoknowhowtopray.AskGodtogiveyousuchopportunities.Itishumbling,butitalsoinspiringandlife-changing.Ofcourse,thereisnobetterpray-erthanJesus.ThisiswhywehaveattemptedtolearnfromHimthroughthisjourney.ThebeautyoflearninghowtopraywithJesusisbeingwithJesus.(Soevenifwearenotgoodatprayer,westillgetJesus!)ThereisnogreaterthingthanknowingJesusandbeingknownbyJesus.Andso,asweclosethisfinalpage,letuspraytogether…Jesus,YouarethebestBigBrotherIcouldeveraskfor.ThankYouforopeningthewayformetoknowourFathertoo.IwanttoknowHimlikeYoudo.IwanttotalkwithHimlikeYoudo.IwanttolearnhowtohangoutwithHimallday,everyday.ThereisnothinginthisworldthatcompareswithknowingYou.Ifitwasn’twritteninYourWord,Iwouldn’tbelieveit,butGod,YoucallmeuptositwithYouinHeavenlyrealms.Awesome!SohereIcomeDad!I’menteringHeaven’sLivingRoomwhereYouareandrightuptoYouwithallofmystuff.IloveYouDad!You’reincredible.

314WoodbridgeStreetManchester,CT06042

860.648.2970

community churchNew River

newriverchurch.org