| By Terry Teykl |
| John Wesley said, “God will do nothing but in answer to prayer. Whether we think of, or speak to God, whether we act or suffer for him, all is prayer, when we have no other object than his love, and the desire of pleasing him. Proceed with much prayer, and your way will be made plain.”
Recently I had the privilege of writing a history of prayer in the Christian tradition. It was quite clear that the Lord’s Prayer was the benchmark of prayer. Throughout the centuries Christians dropped their “plumb bob” on this prayer. And they got their bearings. This prayer was the basis and model for prayer. It was a summary of the Gospel. This prayer was the most memorized, quoted, and sung by the church. It was the center piece of prayer for the church fathers. Plus, the prayer was so unique. For example, Jesus told us to pray for our daily bread. The word he used was “epiousios.” This word was not in the classical Greek of the New Testament. Scholars thought perhaps Jesus made up the word. Until it was discovered on some domestic parchments. The word literally meant grocery list! I wonder if Mother Mary would give Jesus a grocery list as in “epiousios” to go to the market. In other words, He is not only concerned with meeting our deepest spiritual needs, but He wants to be our source for the commonplace necessities of life. How amazing is His love for us. A Suggested Pattern of Prayer As you pray through the following prayer points, invite the presence of the Lord into your time of prayer. Each day also has a Scripture reference and for you to pray through. As you pray allow time also to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. When you have prayed through the Scripture and prayer point, you may be led to add your own prayers. Pray and consider what action steps you might take in response to the Lord’s leading. Repeat this prayer pattern weekly for the month. Prayer points: Sunday: Pray — “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Praise Him for He is a good Father. (Psalms 145:9) Pray that God’s name would be Hallowed in Sunday morning worship before and after and that the Name of Jesus is foremost. Pray that we speak the Name of Jesus often and in awe. (Hebrews. 1:1-4) Monday: Pray — your kingdom come, Pray for your local schools, city leaders, and first responders. (Name leaders and first responders.) Pray for God’s authority over the crime and gang activities in your city. (1 Corinthians 15:33) Intercede for young people. Tuesday: Pray — your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Pray for the lost because it is His will that none shall perish. Say their names as you pray for them to be saved. (II Peter 3:9) Wednesday: Pray — Give us today our daily bread. Pray for the needs of the poor, immigrants and oppressed people in communities and the world. Pray expectantly that God would meet their needs. Pray that God would favor the Global Methodist Church leaders with what is needed now. Give thanks for God’s bountiful goodness. (Psalm 100) Thursday: Pray — And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Pray that we repent of not repenting. (I John 1:9) Pray for forgiveness for attitudes of pride. Pray for forgiveness for the corporate sins of commission and omission in our nation and church. Pray for honor and blessings on the leadership of the United Methodist Church. Friday: Pray — And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ Pray that we are not led into selfish gain, self-deception, lust, unbelief, judgmental attitudes, inordinate affections, etc. Pray the captives are set free to be saved and enable the GM Church to grow by conversions. (II Corinthians 4:3-4) Pray for protection from evil, especially for our pastors. (Psalm 91) Saturday: Pray — For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (NKJV) Pray that we are filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8) Pray that supernatural signs and wonders are the norm in GM Church congregations. (Luke 9:1-2) “This, then, is how you should pray:…” (NIV)
Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl has pastored local Houston churches for more than 28 years. He has taught churches across the country how to pray and invite the Holy Spirit. The ultimate goal is to awaken evangelism all over the country with one element being praying the Lord’s Prayer at noon. Brought to you by the International Intercessory Prayer Network Click HERE to view the prayer guide on our website. |