Prayer Challenge

30-WEEK Prayer Challenge

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:14). We all have a best friend, or someone we are closest to. Chances are that person is one of the people we talk to the most. You can’t have a close relationship with someone with whom you don’t communicate. The same goes for God. How can we be close to God if we don’t talk to Him? How can we have a relationship with Jesus if there is no communication? The truth is: You can’t! Prayer is our way of talking to God. In order for us to have a close relationship with Him, we have to be in constant communication. He wants to hear from us, and we need to talk to Him. To start, choose a specific time to pray every day. Perhaps your first prayer could be “Lord, I ask for Your help and Your power to assist me in faithfully praying throughout the next 30 days.”

"And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned." (Nehemiah 1:5–6). The better we know someone, the more likely we are to open up and share everything with him or her. If you don’t know God, why would you want to tell Him all your wants and your troubles? Nehemiah is going through a rough time, but he shows us through his prayer that he knows God is powerful and in control. He knows God loves him. We can get to know God, too, through His Word, and through our prayers. God shows us who He is through our prayers. While we talk to Him, He is responding. The more we pray, the better we can know God. In your prayer time today, ask God to teach you more about Himself. Ask God to show you who He really is. You can even start writing down your prayers, so that you can see how He is working in your life

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9. When we have done something wrong to one of our friends, our relationship becomes strained. The same thing is true with God. When we sin, it hurts our relationship with God. However, just like with a true friend, when we ask for forgiveness, we receive it. We all mess up, and when we do, it hurts God. If we let sin take hold in our life, it keeps us from being close to God. But when we pray to Him and ask for forgiveness, the Bible tells us that He makes us clean and our relationship is restored. Today, ask God to help you move forward in forgiveness. Do you need to give forgiveness to another person or receive it from God? Ask God to search your heart and reveal any sin that may be keeping you apart.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1). We are at war. Satan is trying to make us fail. He doesn’t want us to have a relationship with God. He doesn’t want us to talk to God. We are fighting a battle for the world against an enemy we can’t overcome on our own. We need God on our side in this fight. How can you fight a war without communicating with your commanding officer? Through prayer, God offers us protection from the Enemy. Prayer is a powerful weapon. Prayer covers us from danger; it gives us strength when we need it, and it helps us stand firm against the Enemy. On our own, this is a fight we can’t hope to win, but with God on our side, there is no way we can lose. Spend your prayer time today praying a covering of protection upon yourself and those closest to you.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27). We need to pray because we need God. A lot of times we think we can do everything on our own, but we can’t. God wants us to share with Him our desires and dreams. He wants to hear about where we need help and where we have succeeded. God wants to be there to help us. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” When we ask for His help, He wants to be there for us. In your prayer time, think about each part of your life: your relationships, school, your talents and hobbies, your health, and your future. Spend time today thanking God for the unique life situation in which He’s placed you.

"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee." (Psalm 143:8). These days we seem to focus greatly on getting things done. We have school, sports, cheer, dance, band, church, friends, family, and everything else that keeps us busy. We don’t always take time to stop and really listen to God. Most of the time, when we pray, we tell God what we want. We don’t realize when we pray, God speaks to us. It’s not always a booming voice from heaven. He moves and speaks in our heart. He changes our desires and guides our actions. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” When we take the time to listen to God, He moves in our lives in amazing ways. Today, take time to listen for God. Ask Him to make you want what He wants.

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." (1 Peter 4:7). Have you ever watched a football game on TV and wondered why the quarterback didn’t throw the ball to the wide-open receiver? The problem is perspective. You are looking at the game from above and far away, so you can see everything. The QB is seeing things from the ground, and with all of the other players in the way. The same thing happens to us in our lives. Sometimes we can’t see things as they really are because of other things in our lives blocking our view. Through prayer, we can get a glimpse of God’s perspective. Sometimes, we are too close to our problems. God helps us shift our view so we can see the big picture that He sees. He has a perfect plan for our lives and when we see things from His point of view, all of the pieces fall into place. Think about the biggest problem troubling you most today. As you lift it up in prayer to the Lord, ask for His help in viewing the situation from His perspective

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (matthew 6:33). The busier we get, the less time we tend to spend in prayer. In reality, it should be the opposite. The more we have on our plate, the more we need God. Prayer should always be a priority to us. We should never allow the things we are doing to come between us and communicating with our Savior. We need to have a time set aside specifically to sit down and have one-on-one conversation time with God. Instead of treating prayer as a last resort when we get overwhelmed and need help, it should be where we start every day and begin every new stage and trial in our life. Tomorrow, make it a point to begin your day in prayer. Think about your day and how you will need God’s help. Take time to talk to Him about it and to thank Him for the opportunities He has given you.

"And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." (Luke 18:1). We pray because it helps us connect to God. We pray because we need God. We also pray because God has commanded us to pray. Prayer is a way for us to show our obedience to God. It is a way for us to show God that we love and trust Him. In Philippians 4:6, the Bible says “. . . in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” He tells us to make all of our requests to Him in prayer. God tells us to pray because He wants to answer our prayers. He wants us to have peace and joy that we can only reach through our prayers to Him. Do you talk to God regularly through prayer? When was the last time you prayed? What keeps you from praying more? In your prayer time today, ask God to give you the desire to pray more.

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33:3). We always hear people say, “God hears your prayers,” but it usually doesn’t sink in like it should. Sometimes when we pray, we feel like we are just talking to the ceiling, and that we are wasting our time and our words. But this verse tells us that God is listening and He wants to give us His wisdom. The God who created the universe wants to hear what you have to say. When we realize He is actually listening to us and wants to answer our prayers, we want to pray to Him more. The more we pray, the more we talk to God, the stronger our faith becomes. Today put aside any desire to say the “right words,” and just be honest before God. Confess any fears or anxiety you may be experiencing. Don’t forget to thank Him for the blessings you have in your life.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19). We’ve all heard the part of the Lord’s Prayer when Jesus says, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Why is Jesus asking God for bread? Does He want a sandwich or some toast? What Jesus is really asking is for God to provide for Him. He is saying, “God, give me what I need to survive and best serve You.” Jesus is asking God not just for physical food, but also for spiritual food. He is asking God to provide for Him every day. We should follow the example that Jesus set for us. We need God, and only He can provide everything our body, mind and soul need. What is your greatest need today? Bring it to God in prayer and record that need on a “prayer page” with today’s date. Leave space next to your request to record the date and the way in which God provided for your need.

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22 No matter how big or small a problem is, we should bring it to God. Sometimes God wants to answer even the tiniest of situations in the biggest of ways. Even if we think we can do it on our own, God still wants us to come to Him. Don’t wait until you are knee-deep in mud to cry out to God. Pray to Him before you even set foot on your journey. God wants to hear from you and help you along the path He has set for you. If we bring everything to Him, there is nothing left for which to worry. What is the biggest problem or fear you are currently facing? Is there something small that you think you don’t need God’s help to solve? Pray about both of them and give them to God

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Have you ever gotten into trouble and were forced to tell someone you were sorry when you really weren’t? Have you ever tried to apologize for something just so the other person wouldn’t tell on you and get you in trouble? Think about why you pray. Do you pray because your parents tell you to? Do you pray because other people are listening and you want them to think you are a good Christian? Or do you pray because you love God and you are grateful for what He has done in your life? God wants for us to want to talk to Him. He wants us to pray with a sincere and humble heart. Do you pray because you have to, or because you want to? Read and think about Psalm 139:23 in your prayer time today: "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts.”

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Who has the time to literally never stop praying? Is that what this verse means? No! It doesn’t mean we should spend all day with our heads bowed and our eyes closed talking to God. It does, however, mean we should never stop communicating with Him. We should be talking with Him as often as we can. It is like texting. Everywhere you go throughout the whole day, you can be sending little messages to God. When we have time, or when we really need Him, we can spend serious time in deep conversation at the feet of the Lord. No matter where we go, we should never stop speaking and listening to God. Today, make it your mission to pray as often as you can. Don’t worry if your prayers are not lengthy or well-thought out. Just keep the lines of communication open with God all day. Talk to Him as you would to a close friend.

"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2). Does it ever feel like your prayers take forever to be answered? Jesus wants us to be persistent in our lives. Persistent prayer takes faithfulness and patience. Often, the things we are praying about are things in our lives that are slow to change. If you are praying and nothing seems to be happening, be confident that He hears you. God knows your need, and He cares. Persistent prayer is more powerful than we see. When we get to heaven, we’ll see countless rewards given to men and women who were never identified as great leaders, but who prayed faithfully, without fail. Have you ever “given up” on a prayer request thinking that God wouldn’t answer? Our awesome God is patient and all-knowing. Will you trust Him today with a long-term prayer request? Will you commit to praying persistently about what’s on your heart until you hear from God?

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16). When we don’t understand the purpose and the value of prayer, our natural tendency is to be lazy, praying things such as “God, bless my friends, and bless my family. Amen.” However, when you pray simple prayers, God answers in simple ways you may not notice. Pray in such a way that when God answers your prayer, you know without question what He said! Don’t just pray “God bless our food” kind of praying! Pray boldly that God will work in great ways! Bold prayer is the mountain-moving means by which we connect with the will of almighty God. Envision yourself approaching Jesus with your prayers today. He is our Savior who welcomes you into His presence and receives your requests. What is on your heart today?

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7). In the Christian life, there is a beautiful and healthy balance between the Word of God and prayer. In prayer we speak to God. In Bible study, God speaks to us. We are to store up God’s Word in our hearts in order that we might know His will. This means we have to take time to study the Bible. After we have studied and memorized Scripture, God loves it when we call upon Him using His own Word. He has blessed His Word not only when it is preached and proclaimed, but also when it is prayed. The most effective prayer is one filled with God’s Word. Ask God to fill you with His Word today. Open God’s Word today and find a biblical promise that speaks to your heart. Write it down and then use it to create a personal prayer to the Lord.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Perhaps one of the greatest ways to experience the power of prayer is through intercession—praying for others. Intercession is a mature way of praying. The Bible names several specific groups of people for whom we are to pray. We are to pray for those in public leadership, people such as our president or mayor whether we agree with them or not. We are to pray for our spiritual leaders such as our pastor. Even pastors need prayer for their lives! We are to pray for the lost so that they may come to know God. We are to pray for our country so that God will bless us as a Christian nation. Today, be devoted to praying for others. As you pray, consider world, national and local leaders, pastors, teachers and those in military service. Then make a separate list of specific friends and acquaintances in your life who need to know Jesus.

"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10). Prayer is not about getting what we want; it’s about getting what God wants for us. Our God does not make mistakes. He is a perfect heavenly Father who desires the best for His children. He will always give to us exactly what we need in His own way, in His own time. Nothing lies outside the power of prayer except that which lies outside the will of God. When we pray for God’s will to be done, we tap into the greatest power source available to humankind, the power of God’s will in the world. It’s been said that prayer is not changing God’s mind but finding God’s mind. So in seeking God and His will, we discover how to live. The way to learn what God wants with our lives is to pray. Begin your prayer time by praying The Lord’s Prayer today (see Matthew 6:9–13). Pray specifically for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2). Be persistent in seeking the will of God. Step by step, day after day God reveals His will and shows the way to those who truly seek Him and ask of Him. The Bible describes the will of God as “good and acceptable and perfect”—does it get any better than that? Not only are we to seek God’s will, we are to practice the will of God. We don’t come to God and say, “Lord, show me Your will and I’ll decide whether or not I’m going to do it.” No! Our attitude must be, “Your will, anytime, anywhere, any cost.” Upon sensing His direction, we joyfully follow it with grateful hearts, asking Him as we take each faith-filled step to bend our will to His perfect plan. Pray for the will of God in your life and make it your prayer every day. Real prayer is surrendering

"And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him." (Isaiah 30:18). Does God really answer our prayers? The answer is yes! He answers every single one. The reason we don’t always think that He does is because it is not always the answer we were expecting. He answers our prayers in one of three ways. Sometimes He says yes and gives us what we want. Sometimes He says not right now and answers us down the road. And other times, He just says no. God knows what we need better than we do. We just have to trust in Him and trust that He has our best interest at heart. God is good and gracious, and wants to answer our prayers. Can you think of a time when God answered a specific prayer request of yours? Write it down. Now record three specific requests and include today’s date. When you receive an answer from God, write that new date beside the old one.

"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:8). When we are faithful to observe God’s instruction for our lives, then He is faithful to bless us as only He can. The key here is obedience, the pattern of never falling away. It is our obedience that is divinely rewarded. It is our obedience that honors our God. Instead of taking action in obedience, some people say, “Well, I’m just waiting on the Lord to show me what I’m supposed to do. When He shows me, then I’ll do it.” These people are praying with no intention of getting right with God. God is actually waiting on us most of the time. He’s waiting on us to pray and to get up from that place of prayer and to act in the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you praying diligently and then responding to what God calls you to do? Where can you be more obedient to God’s call in your life? Has He placed a specific area of service on your heart? Use your prayer time today to ask God how He wants to use you in the work of His kingdom.

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: . . " (Matthew 6:13a). We face a very real danger in our lives. There is a very real war being waged between the forces of evil and the forces of good, between God Himself and Satan. We, as believers, are in this battle and we’re in it to the very end. We need to turn to God for strength in times of temptation and realize that He understands the pressure we are experiencing. First Corinthians 10:13 assures us that, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” No matter what we face, it cannot overcome our God. Think about the temptations surrounding you and the ones you love. Use your prayer time today to pray for protection from and strength during temptation.