PRAYING FOR THE CHURCH
Three of the enemy’s biggest attacks against the church are deception, distraction and division. The Bride of Christ, the church, is called to be radiant, without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27), and as believers we have to stay alert, awake, sober-minded and vigilant because we have a very real enemy who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Being aware of the enemy’s schemes and staying vigilant in prayer are both powerful keys for keeping the body of Christ pure.
CORPORATE PRAYER
We cannot take for granted the privilege we have to come together with other like-minded people of faith and pray on behalf of one another, our churches, communities and world. I encourage you to host prayer nights, find ones to attend or simply call others on the phone to pray with and for each other. Our prayers move mountains, and we can move a lot more of them when we unite together.
PRAYER FOR DIRECTION
It’s inevitable that others will not fully understand the path God has for your life, and that’s ok. I encourage you to pursue Him and the plans He has for your life regardless of what anyone says or thinks. We cannot be bound by the opinions of other people; we have to be tethered to God’s heart and seek to honor and please Him with every decision we make, letting Him lead, guide and direct us every moment of every day.
FERVENT PRAYER
It’s time for us to move past weak, powerless prayers and step into a lifestyle of fervent and passionate prayer. My hope is that you realize your prayers are powerful and effective and that you would be ignited to pray with zeal, because we serve a God who is waiting and willing to respond on our behalf.
PERSONAL PRAYER
As the tumultuous noise of the world continues to get louder, there is a deep urgency for believers to “shut the door” and spend time praying to the Father. We cannot afford to abandon the secret place and to skate through life solely on pre-dinner and bedtime prayers. There is a very real spiritual war being waged and it is time for us to engage.
PRAYING IN AGREEMENT
The enemy knows that when we are in unity, there is power that pushes back darkness, which is why one of his main methods against the church is to cause division. We stay in unity when we are quick to forgive, refuse to hold offense toward one another, and strive together for the gospel, keeping our attention off ourselves and fixed on Him.