PRAYER FOCUS | WEEK 1: THE FAMILY

PRAYER FOCUS | WEEK 2: FINANCES

PRAYER FOCUS | WEEK 3: HEALING

PRAYER FOCUS | WEEK 4: REVIVAL

Our Prayer Guide

"Since the beginning of Oak Park Church in 1956, we have been a people of prayer. In every situation and circumstance, whether good or bad, we try to pray before we act. In stead of acting first before turning to God, prayer should be our first response, not our last resort.

Understanding the necessity of prayer is not enough. In order for it to become a part of our life, it needs to become something that we look forward to. I am convinced that most people don't enjoy prayer because they have never been taught how to pray.

Using several prayer models out of the Bible and having some guides to make prayer more personal, this guide is designed to help bring joy into your time with God. When you discover the beauty of daily conversation with Him, you will experience the presence of God that will change your life!

Once you learn how to pray, prayer can become a part of everyday...
Before the day begins -
Before you go to ed -
Before you go to work or school -
Before you send that text - Before you react - Before you react -
Before bad things happen -
Before you eat, drive, or travel - In every situation - PRAY FIRST!"

Pastor David Smith

Creating a Lifestyle of Prayer

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.
Mark 1:25

Prayer is most effective when it isn't something we just do every now and then, but when it's a lifestyle we cultivate.
To understand how to have a lifestyle of prayer, we can look at the example Jesus gave during His life on earth.

Have a certain time.
- Jesus got up early in the morning to spend time with His Heavenly Father. Make a daily appointment with God-whether it's first thing in the morning, at lunch, or in the evening-and faithfully keep it.
Have a certain place.
- Jesus got up early in the morning to spend time with His Heavenly Father. Make a daily appointment with God-whether it's first thing in the morning, at lunch, or in the evening-and faithfully keep it.
Have a certain plan.
- When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He gave them a prayer outline. We call it "The Lord's Prayer." This outline, along with several other tools, is available in this guide. As we pray every day, our plan for our prayer time can vary. Whether it includes worship music, Bible-reading, or time to listen to God, it doesn't always have to look the same. It just helps when we have a plan for connecting with Him regularly.

The Lord's Prayer

The Lord's Prayer is often recited in churches or at religious events, but there's so much more to this prayer. Jesus provided this model as an outline to teach us how to pray in a way that connects us to God, aligns our priorities with His, and helps us live dependently on Him. This model takes us through each part of The Lord's Prayer, showing us how to pray the way Jesus instructed.

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place.
When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him,
"Lord, teach us to pray..."
Luke 1:11 NIV

"..Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV

#1 Connecting with God Relationally

"Our Father in Heaven...."

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15 NLT

God loves for us to come to Him in this way—as His children who love Him and want to spend time with Him. Proclaim your personal relationship with God, addressing Him as your loving Father and thanking Him that you are His child.

#2 Worship His Name

"...Hallowed be your name..."

God has put us on the earth at this specific time for a reason.
Knowing this, we can look at those around us at this time in history and take personal responsibility to pray.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV

Pray for those in authority and those under your authority. Pray for those in your family and your circle of influence. Write down the names of specific people and pray for them.

#3 Pray for His Agenda

"..... Your kingdom come. Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven...."

We know God's will is perfect, and we acknowledge His wisdom and sovereignty when we pray His agenda first.

He will always give you all you need from day to day if you will make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
Luke 12:31 TLB

Spend time focusing on what God is focused on.

His priorities include:
• The whole world to know Jesus
• Blessing for those in authority-parental, spiritual, governmental, work-related, school
• Caring for the poor
• The Church around the world
• Freedom for those in bondage
• Accomplishing His purpose in our lives

#4 Depend on Him for Everything

"..... Give us this day our daily bread...."

God promises to supply all our needs, and He wants us to trust Him to provide.

I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made Heaven and earth!
Psalm 121:1-2 NLT

Ask God for what you need today. Bring your requests to Him, and trust Him enough to hand them over to Him fully. It may help to open your hands before God to physically show your surrender to Him. Problems can either be ours or God's; they can't be both.

10 Prayer Focuses:

1. Faith Life
2. Marriage/Dating Life
3. Family Life
4. Work/School Life
5. Ministry Life
6. Financial Life
7. Physical Life
8. Social Life
9. Attitudinal Life
10. Emotional/Mental Life

#5 Forgive and Be Forgiven

"..... Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors..."

When we turn away from our sins and receive His forgiveness, our hearts are more prepared to forgive others as well.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 NIV

Ask God to check your heart and life and show you areas where you might need to ask for His forgiveness. Ask Him to forgive you and to help you forgive others. We can even choose to forgive people in advance!

#6 Engage in Spiritual Warfare

"..... and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one..."

The Bible makes it clear that we have an enemy who is trying to steal from us, kill us, and destroy us. As we pray, we take our stand against the enemy and fight from a place of victory through Jesus as we're empowered by His Holy Spirit. There is power in God's Word, and every lie the enemy has told us can be replaced with God's truth.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12 NIV

Ask God to show you any lies you're believing or spiritual warfare happening in your life, expose the enemy, and help you understand and receive His truth. Simply speaking the name of Jesus has great power in the spiritual realm. The Bible tells us in James 4:7 that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us. Through prayer, we can resist him and walk forward in freedom.

#7 Express Faith in God's Power

"... for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever..."

Ending our prayer time by claiming God's authority and power helps focus our minds on the truth and hope of who He is and what He can

"Ah, Sovereign LORD, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.
Nothing is too hard for You."
Jeremiah 32:17 NIV

Remind yourself of God's power and then return to praising Him and declaring your faith in Him:
• "Yours is the Kingdom" - all authority belongs to You
• "Yours is the Power" - all mightiness flows from You
• "Yours is the Glory" - Your victory will be complete

The Tabernacle Prayer

In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God, built to His specifications, where He would meet with His people, the Israelites. As they entered the Tabernacle, they passed through seven stations, following God's instructions, to experience His presence. Today, even though we no longer need the physical Tabernacle to meet with God, these same steps can help us connect with Him. This prayer model will take us through each station of the Tabernacle and use the purpose of each station to guide our prayers.

#1 The Outer Court

Thanksgiving and Praise

The Israelites entered the Tabernacle with thanksgiving and praise, and we can start our prayer time the same way.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.
Psalm 100:4 NIV

Think of a fresh reason to thank God. You can write down a list, sing your own song of praise, or just spend time reflecting on your gratitude and praise toward God.

#2 The Brazen Alter

The Cross of Jesus

In the Old Testament, everyone had to regularly bring animal sacrifices to the Tabernacle as payment for their sins. Today, we don't have to do that because Jesus paid for our sins once and for all with His blood on the cross.

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all
your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:3-5 NIV

Thank God for the gift of Jesus. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice and love. Let the power of the cross and what it means settle in your spirit. In addition to expressing your gratitude, claim the power of transformation and healing that the cross of Jesus has in your life.
The cross provides us with five major benefits:
• Salvation-God forgives all my sins
• Healing-God heals all my diseases
• Redemption-God rescues me and restores me
• Transformation-God changes me into His likeness
• Blessing-God provides everything I need

#3 The Laver

Cleansing and Preparing

The next step in the Tabernacle was a bowl of water where people would wash themselves before proceeding any closer to the holiness of God. For us, this represents checking our hearts and motives and surrendering our lives to God as an important part of daily prayer.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Romans 12:1 ESV

Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can confess our sins to Him and receive complete forgiveness and a fresh start. In prayer, humbly and sincerely turn away from your sins and allow God to cleanse and renew you. Then, surrender your attitude, heart, and mind to Him.
Romans 12:1 directs us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. Take a moment to reflect on the list below and submit each area as an offering to God:
• My Eyes-What I Look At
• My Ears-What I Listen To
• My Mind-What I Think About
• My Tongue-What I Speak About
• My Hands—What I Do

#4 The Candlestick

The Holy Spirit

The next piece of the Tabernacle was a seven-branched golden candlestick. The fire represents the Holy Spirit and how we are called to be light in the world's darkness.

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of Wisdom and of Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and of Might, the Spirit of the Knowledge and fear of the LORD...
Isaiah 11:2 NIV

When Jesus left the earth, Christians were given the gift of the Holy Spirit. God calls the Holy Spirit our
"Advocate." We cannot do what He has called us to do without His supernatural power. It is through His Holy Spirit that God comforts us, guides us, and empowers us.

Pray that you will operate daily in the Fruit of the Spirit:
(Galatians 5:22-23)
• Love
• Joy
• Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
• Self-control

Pray that God will give you the Gifts of the Spirit:
(1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
• Wisdom
• Knowledge
• Faith
• Gifts of Healing
Working of Miracles
• Prophecy
• Discerning of Spirits
• Different Kinds of Tongues
• Interpretation of Tongues

#5 The Table of Showbread

The Word of God

Next in the Tabernacle came a table with twelve loaves of bread. These represented the importance of reading God's Word for daily truth.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8 NIV

• Take time to read and think about the Word.
• Claim God's many great promises for your life and the world around you.
• Ask Him for fresh revelation of His Word.
• Ask Him for a Word to help you as you go throughout your day.
• Ask Him to show you how to apply His Word in your

#6 The Altar of Incense

Worship

Finally, a small altar of burning incense stood at the entrance to the Holy of Holies, where God's presence dwelled. As the people of God entered His presence, they worshiped His names. This altar represents worship to and adoration of God.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 8:10 NKJV

Thank God for making His presence available to you.
Praise His names and worship Him personally and specifically for who He is and how He has moved in your life.

• JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU-My Righteousness | Jeremiah 23:6

• JEHOVAH-MEKODDISHKEM-My Sanctifier | Leviticus 20:7-8

#7 The Art of the Covenant

Intercession

The final place in the Tabernacle was the Holy of Holies, where God's presence dwelled. There, the priests would intercede by praying on behalf of the people of God. In the same way, we are called to intercede on behalf of those around us.

We can make a difference when we spend time praying for others.

Pray for:
• The lost - those far from God
• Those in authority - leaders in church, government, family, workplace/school
• Those who are experiencing hardship - those suffering, the poor, the widowed, and the weak
• My family - both immediate and extended family members
• My church - pastors, Small Group leaders, members, and missionaries
• My community - people in my city, nation, and world
• My relationships - friends, coworkers, and acquaintances
• My adversaries - those with whom I disagree

Praying Scripture

When we pray the promises of God, we're focusing on God's power and limitless resources rather than the problem or our own limited ability to solve it. Our Heavenly Father is bigger than any situation we'll encounter, no matter how painful or scary or uncertain it may seem in the moment. Whatever we're going through, find a verse for the situation and trust God for the result. Pray His promises and trust in His power to be revealed.

The Word of God is one of the most valuable tools we have to build a dynamic prayer life.
Let's begin with King David's Psalm 23. Take a moment to read it, and then use the below Scriptures as a way to pray and have a conversation with God.

In the following section, use the Scriptures to claim their promises through prayer.

Assurance

The LORD is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23 NIV

Anxiety

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 6:7 NIV

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV

Comfort

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

Faith

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV

"Everything is possible for one who believes."
Mark 9:23 NIV

Fear

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; / will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10 NIV

Forgiveness

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 NIV

Freedom

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 NIV

Guidance

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Guilt & Shame

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...
Romans 8:1 NIV

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
Isaiah 1:18 NIV

Healing

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases...
Psalm 103:2-3 NIV

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 NIV

Loneliness

"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As / was with Moses, so / will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."
JOSHUA 1:5 NIV

God sets the lonely in families, He leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
PSALM 68:6 NIV

Pride

"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."
James 4:6 NIV

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves...
Philippians 2:3 NIV

Provision

AnAnd my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NIV

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

Purity

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
PSALM 51:10 NIV

...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
HEBREWS 10:22 NIV

Purpose

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 NIV

Strength

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Thoughts

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

Victory

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37 NIV

Wealth & Identity

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 NIV

The Prayer of Jabez

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be
with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV

#1 Blessing

Jabez begins his prayer by asking God for His blessing.
In fact, God wants to bless us, but He is often waiting for us to ask with the right heart. When God blesses us, our lives overflow with abundance in every area.

"Oh, that You would bless me..."
1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV

Ask God for His blessing. Recognize your need for His provision, and set your heart toward wanting more than you need so that you can be a blessing to others.

#2 Influence

Next, Jabez asks for more influence. As God's blessings increase in our lives, we can ask for and experience greater opportunity to influence the world around us for Him.

"..enlarge my territory..."
1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV

Pray for more influence, and trust in Him to open doors and lead you on the best path for His glory.

#3 Presence

As we ask for blessing and influence, we also need to ask for God's presence, as Jabez did, so that we are not operating out of our own strength, but through the presence of God.

"..Let Your hand be with me..."
1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV

Acknowledge your need for God's presence. Ask for His anointing and for Him to put His hand on your life.

#4 Protection

Finally, Jabez asks the Lord to protect him. If we are influencing the world for Jesus, we must understand that the enemy will try to stop us. God promises to be with us and protect us, and because He is with us, we have nothing to fear.

"..keep me from harm..."
1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV

Trust God to protect you. Tell Him specific areas where you feel the need for His protection and ask Him to cover areas that you can't yet see.

Warfare Prayers

Prayer is not only communion with God; it is also confrontation with the enemy. When Jesus was on the earth, He came face-to-face with the devil when He was tempted in the wilderness (see Matthew 4 and Luke 4), and every time the enemy tried to tempt Him, Jesus responded with a reference from the Bible. He confronted the devil with the Word of God, using the Sword of the Spirit to defend Himself.
These spiritual warfare prayers and verses are examples we can use and adapt to our specific situations when we or someone we know is under attack.

The Armor of God

Based on Ephesians 6:13-17

"Thank You, Lord, for my salvation. I receive it in a new and fresh way from You, and I declare that nothing can separate me from the love of Christ and the place I have in Your Kingdom. I wear Your righteousness today against all condemnation and corruption. Cover me with Your holiness and purity-defend me from all attacks against my heart. Lord, I put on the belt of truth. I choose a lifestyle of honesty and integrity. Expose the lies I have believed, and show me Your truth today.

I choose to live for the gospel in every moment. Show me where You are working and lead me to it. Give me strength to walk daily with You. I believe that You are powerful against every lie and attack of the enemy and I receive and claim Your power in my life. Nothing is coming today that can overcome me because You are with me. Holy Spirit, show me the truths of the Word of God that I will need to counter the traps of the enemy.

Bring those Scriptures to mind today. Holy Spirit, I agree to walk in step with You in everything as my spirit communes with You in prayer throughout the day."

Weapon of Warfare

Based on 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

"Father, Your Word says that no weapon formed against me will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and I declare it in Jesus' name. Your Word says that trouble will not arise a second time (Nahum 1:9). I declare in Jesus' name that Satan cannot make trouble for me again, like he has in the past.
I declare in the name of Jesus that all of these prayers are answered and taken care of by trusting You.

I stand on Your Word. The enemy is driven out from me; from my home, workplace, church family, children, and loved ones. I declare that he is not able to stand against me. No weapon formed against me will prosper, because the Spirit of the Lord is with me, protecting me. I declare these truths in the name of Jesus. Anything that comes against me or my family that is not in line with the truth and will of God, I command to bow to the powerful name of Jesus. God, I give You all of my thanksgiving, praise, glory, honor, and worship. Thank You for loving me, making me clean, and giving me purpose."

Protection Prayer

Based on 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1,
10:3-5; Romans 12:1-2

"God, I bow in worship to praise You. Thank You for making a way for me through Your Son, Jesus.
I surrender myself completely in every area of my life to You. I submit myself to the true and living God and refuse any involvement of the enemy in my life. I choose to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

I reject every thought that tries to compete against the knowledge of Christ. I pray and thank You for a sound mind, the mind of Christ.
Today and every day I ask for protection over my family, loved ones, and those around me—all immediate family members, relatives, friends, and acquaintances. I ask for protection during all of our travels. I ask You to watch over our financial security, possessions, health, and safety (be as specific here as you like).

All that I have is Yours God, and I declare that Satan cannot touch me or anything You have given me. I rebuke the enemy and tell him to bow to the blood of Jesus that covers me and my family. He will not take what You have given us and we are protected and provided for by You, God, and You alone."

Confession Prayer

Based on Romans 10:10; James 5:16; 1 John 1:7-9, 3:8

"Lord Jesus, I confess all of my sins to You. I repent and turn away from them. I'm sorry for the wrong I have done. I confess the times I should have stepped up to do right and did nothing instead. I lay it all down at Your feet. I submit my thoughts, words, actions, and inactions to You.

Thank You, God, for forgiving and making a way for me through Your Son, Jesus.

Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God. You died on the cross for my sins and rose to life again on the third day. I confess all my sins and repent. I receive Your forgiveness and ask You to cleanse me from all sin.Thank You for redeeming me, setting me free, making me holy, and giving my life purpose."

Forgiveness Prayer

"Lord, I have a confession to make. I have harbored bitterness in my heart. I haven't loved others well. I have resented certain people and have not forgiven them.God, I know that You have forgiven me for so much, and I need Your help to follow You and forgive others.In faith, I now forgive (name them). I also forgive and accept myself because You have made me new in the name of Jesus."

Pride Prayer

Based on Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, 26:12; 1 Timothy 3:6

"Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I know pride only keeps me from You. I put down anything that would cause me to have pride in my heart in dealing with other people.Help me recognize where I lack knowledge and understanding. Help me to prioritize others over myself.I ask You, God, to remind me daily that true humility is not thinking less of myself, it's thinking of myself less. I humble myself before You and come to You like a child."

Generational Curses Prayer

Based on Exodus 20:4-6, 34:7; Numbers 14:18;
2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:1, 12:1

"Father God, I understand that I have inherited certain consequences from my family, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I proclaim Your power to break any hold of mental or physical illness, pride, addiction, racism, other ungodly perspectives, and anything else on me and my family that are a result of sin being passed down through parents, grandparents, or other family members (if specifics come to mind, talk to God about it). I proclaim that all generational sin ends here and now, and that I will not pass these on to anyone in my family. Thank You, Lord, for setting me free and making a new way for me and my family."

Healing Prayer

Based on 1 Peter 2:24; Psalm 103:2-5; Luke 1:37

"Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before You asking for healing (name yourself or someone you are praying for to experience healing). My hope is in You as our Healer. I believe You are able to do this. Your name is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals, and I believe every knee will bow to You including the name of (name disease or disorder). Thank You, Jesus, for dying on cross so that we can receive healing. You say that You forgive our sins and heal our diseases, and I praise You for this. Thank You that the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. I stand in faith believing for healing for (yourself or someone you're praying for).
Nothing is impossible for You, God! Give us peace and direction as You work in our lives."

Marriage Prayer

Based on Ephesians 5:25-30

"Thank You, God, for loving us, and for creating marriage to be an illustration of Your love for us here on earth. Help me, God, to love my spouse (call them by name) the way You love me. Help me to listen to and honor my spouse, putting them before myself. Protect us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We ask You to build greater unity between us, make us stronger as a couple, more devoted to one another and to You. Use us God; build us up to be an example of what godly marriage can look like. Use us together to do more than we could ever do apart. We ask for greater influence and more impact on the people around us. We ask You to work through us in the lives of our friends, family, and even those far away. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and move through us to bring those far from You closer, so that they can have an encounter with the Living God, who seeks and saves the lost, and who sets us free and gives us purpose. We choose as a couple to love You first, God. We put our relationship with You before anything and everything else. We confess our need for You. Thank You for bringing us together. We choose to love one another today and every day. Thank You for our marriage. We ask You to bless our marriage, build it, and be present in it always."

Surrender Prayer

Based on Matthew 18:18; Galatians 5:16-18; 2 Corinthians 10:5

"Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before You. I surrender myself completely and unreservedly in every area of my life to You. I take a stand against all the workings of Satan in my life. Lord, I resist all the endeavors of Satan and his wicked spirits to rob me of the will of God."

Ask God to highlight any areas in your life that need to be surrendered to Him:
Bitterness, Unforgiveness, Resentment, Hate, Malice, Envy, Jealousy, Insecurity, Inferiority, Fear, Rejection, Self-Pity, Self-Hate, Anger, Rage, Murder, Violence, Sexual Immorality, Impurity, Adultery, Fornication, Lust, Pornography, Pride, Lying, Rebellion, Deception, Manipulation, Control, Criticism, Arrogance, Prejudice, Racism, Greed, Materialism, Selfishness, Covetousness, Depression, Anxiety, Worry, Suicide, Self-Destruction, Addiction, Dependency, Alcoholism, Drunkenness, Drugs, Rebellion to Authority, Stealing, Laziness, Unbelief, Guilt, Shame, Negative Words, Curses and Spells, Witchcraft, Occult, Blasphemy, Sickness, Disease, Chronic Health Issues

Pray for Those Who Need God

God desires for everyone to know Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to partner with Him in praying for those who don't know Him to come to know Him and accept the free gift of salvation.

#1 Ask the Father to Draw Them to Jesus

God draws people to Himself. It's not something we can make happen based on our own efforts, so we need to be faithful in praying that the Father would draw those He's placed on our hearts to Jesus.

"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent
Me draws them..."
JOHN 6:44 NIV

PRAYER:
"Father, I pray for the people around me (list specific names), that You would supernaturally draw their hearts to You. Send Your Holy Spirit to them, and give them the desire to give their lives to You. Help them to recognize their longing for more in life as a spiritual thirst only You can quench. Open their ears to hear Your voice."

#2 Bind the Spirit that Blinds Their Minds

The truth can be right in front of some people, and they still can't see it because something is in the way, blocking their view of God. We can pray against whatever is in their way so that they can see the light of God.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is
the image of God.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:4 NIV

PRAYER:
"Father, bind the evil spirits that are blinding the minds of the people around me. In the name of Jesus, I pray that they would be able to see clearly, to recognize who You are, and to give their hearts to You. Remove all hindrances the enemy would use to distract them from Your truth. Open their eyes, Lord, that they might
see Jesus.

#3 Pray that They May Have a Personal Relationship with Jesus

God came so that everyone could have a relationship with Him. God wants His sons and daughters to come home to Him. Praying for people to have personal encounters with God makes all the difference.

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father."
ROMANS 8:15 NIV

PRAYER:
"Father, I pray that people will understand how much You love them. Loose the Spirit of Adoption for the people around me, so that they come into a meaningful relationship with You. Stir in their hearts a longing to come home, to hear Your voice, and to see You welcoming them with open arms. Let them know You are always running to meet them and hold them

#4 Pray for Believers to Cross Their Paths

This step is twofold. We can pray for other Christians to influence the people around them positively, and we can also look for opportunities to influence others positively ourselves. God's plan to reach people is worked out through those who already know and love Him.
"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field."
MATTHEW 9:38 NIV
PRAYER:
"Father, I pray for the lost around me to meet believers who will influence them in a positive way. Lord, let my life shine in such a way that people want to know the God I serve. Allow others to see my genuine love and concern for them in all that I say and do. Let me be Your hands and feet to serve them and let them know just how much You love them."

#5 Release the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation on Them

People need to see their own sin, see what Jesus did on the cross, and see the hope that comes from giving their life to God. We can pray for this kind of spiritual revelation that only comes from God.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, so that you may know Him better.
EPHESIANS 1:17 NIV

PRAYER:
"Father, I pray for the people around me to experience the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. I pray that they would truly understand their spiritual condition and see what Jesus did for them on the cross. Help them to have the information and experiences needed to come to You, so they can understand all You have for them"

Personal Prayer Focus

God has put us on the earth at this specific time for a reason.
Knowing this, we can look at those around us at this time in history and take personal responsibility to pray.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4 NIV

Pray for those in authority and those under your authority.
Pray for those in your family and your circle of influence.
Write down the names of specific people and pray for them.