“Fifty years of ministry began with one act of obedience. As a young pastor David Wilkerson made the decision to turn off his television and give his time and attention completely to God. It was a decision that would have immeasurable impact on his life and ministry.”1
What can you give less time to so you can have more time in prayer and more time focused on legacy lifestyle things? Start with five minutes a morning and five minutes an evening in prayer. It will change things, most importantly your heart.
PPP—Prayer Precedes Pillow. I will not sleep until prayer (Psa. 132:4-5)
BBB—Bible Before Breakfast (Mark 1:35)
Life is precious. Time is precious. Don’t delay. Start now. Make every day count. Forget the day you wasted or when you failed; start afresh. You can achieve nothing more important from this book than growing closer to your God. His mercies are new every morning. Don’t be a casualty. I have heard it said, “A casual approach to prayer brings casualties.” Sometimes it is difficult to know how to pray. Here are some examples and suggestions.
1) WHO / WHAT
- Your family/circle of influence (John 17:6–19)—This was Jesus’ prayer for Himself and his disciples.
- Jesus’ prayer for all believers (John 17: 20–26)
- Anyone and everyone- to know the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:14-21)
- For your nation/people (Daniel 9:1–19)
- For spiritual eyes to be opened to the warfare around (2 Kings 6:17–18)—Elisha prayed that eyes would be opened to see spiritual warfare.
- For deliverance in a battle (1 Chronicles 5:20)—cried out to God in the battle and He heard their prayer.
- For your heavenly Father’s presence (Romans 8:15)—cry out, “Abba, Father.”
- With thanksgiving (1 Thess. 2:13; 3:10)—thank God without ceasing, night-and-day prayer.
- Pray for laborers (Luke 10:2)
- Pray not to enter into temptation (Luke 22:40, 46)
- An act of worship—ministering to the Lord in fasting and prayer (Acts 13:1–4)
- Pray the Psalms in your own words as you read them
2) HOW
- The most honest prayer you can pray is, “Lord, teach me to pray.” (Luke 11:1)
- Fervent, passionate (James 5:16–18)
- Give God time (Psa. 109:4)—give yourself to prayer, not dead lists
- Humbly, repenting, seeking God (2 Chron. 7:1)—“If my people. . . .”
- Don’t give up (Luke 18:1)—Jesus encouraged them to pray and not to lose heart
- Boldly, expecting God to hear (Heb. 4:12–16)—come boldly to the throne of grace
- Praying for Knowledge (Col. 1:3, 9)—praying for others and praying of knowledge
- Persistent prayer (Matt. 26:36–42)—persistent prayer and prayer in solitude
- Humble, contrite heart (Ezra 10:1)—prayer, humble, weeping bitterly over sin
- Prayer time alone (Luke 9:18)
- Praying with others (Luke 9:28) - praying with Peter, James, John
- Mix prayer and giving (Acts 10:4)
- With weeping and groaning (John 11:33–38)
- God’s spirit is interceding for us! (Rom. 8:26 )
3) WHERE
- In a regular spot (Luke 11:1)—Jesus prayed in a regular place
- Everywhere and anywhere (1 Thess. 5:17)—pray without ceasing
- In Solitude (Luke 5:16)—Jesus withdrew in the wilderness to pray
- In Secret (Matt. 6:5–15)—pray in secret, not vain repetitions
- To a Deserted place (Mark 6:31–32, 46)
4) WHEN
- Early in the morning (Mark 1:35)—Jesus prayed early in the morning
- Continually (Acts 6:4)—give ourselves continually to prayer
- Jesus prayed all night (Luke 6:12)
- Night and day (1 Thess. 3:10)—thank God without ceasing, night and day prayer
- Constantly (Acts 12:5)—power of constant prayer
Many tools to help you are available in A Lasting Legacy.
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