Being Intentional in our Prayers

In 1987 when Larry Thompson was pastor at Loganville Baptist Church he led us in a prayer focus on Wednesday nights. One of the highlights for me was developing a method of praying that I still use today. The method simply divided every day into focusing on something specific for prayer. 

As with any method, this is not perfect and can be copied, altered or manipulated in any way. It is a help to me and I wanted to share it with you. It should also be noted that there are times when certain matters of prayer are a daily focus. I have over the years had some request that were a daily focus and then were moved to a specific day. Again this is simply a guide to better encourage an active and specific life of prayer.

This is how I use the days of the week to break down specific prayer needs.

Sunday - “Saintly Friends” These are friends of mine that are in ministry. I pray state to state and then country to country to remember those that are serving the body of Christ around the world.

Monday - “Missions” This time is focused on areas of the world that I am engaged in, where I have friends serving or where God has placed a burden on my heart. There are also some great resources for praying specifically for people and people groups provided by the International Mission Board of the SBC, Voice of the Martyrs and Operation World are just a few good resources.
http://www.persecution.com/public/pray.aspx?clickfrom=bWFpbl9tZW51
http://www.imb.org/main/pray/default.asp
http://www.operationworld.org/

Tuesday - “My Task” This is my day for focusing on what I should be intentional about throughout each week. This day sets purpose and priorities for my week. (Not that God doesn’t have the right to interrupt) I find this day helpful in keeping me on track for what God has called me to.

Wednesday - “Workers” This day is set aside for workers in the local church, or if your front line church planting it could be used for praying that God will fill the needs in establishing a new work.

Thursday - “The Hurting” I use this day for those who are sick or grieving the loss of someone. I find more people being moved from my daily prayer list to this day than any other.

Friday - “Family and Fallen Away” I am intentional to pray for my extended family and for those friends of mine who are not walking with the Lord Jesus as they should. And yes sometimes they go hand in hand.

Saturday - “Sinners” (Yes I know we are all sinners) This is the day I pray for those who are not believers and followers of the Lord Jesus.

I hope this little guide might stir your own imagination to develop a strategic prayer focus that helps you.

Praying for God to do amazing things, for his glory, in the northernmost capital of the world!