Intentional Prayer

Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV

29 But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Prayer is a sacrament - a physical way of receiving grace -when we mix our faith with it.

“O Lord, give me the words! Then my mouth will praise you. Certainly you do not want a sacrifice, or else I would offer it; you do not desire a burnt sacrifice. The sacrifices God desires are a humble spirit - O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject.”

Psalm 51:15–17 NLT

15 Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. 16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Prayer is one of the most vital aspects of our relationship with God. As sons and daughters of the King, it’s our awesome privilege to be able to enter his throne room and chat with God - to experience his presance and closeness. It’s in our times of prayer that we draw near to God to worship, confess, rest, and refresh.

This is the simple and beautiful description that is intentional prayer and yet we so often turn prayer into something that’s more about us than it is about God.

It’s a list of what we need him to do.

It’s speaking because we like to talk.

It’s a show so the people in our Bible study or small group will know we have an authentic relationship with God.

And sometimes it’s a prayer just to check it off the daily to-do list.

Often we make it a millstone around our necks as we have built prayer up to something that we can not sustain or achieve. - Ive not managed by 30 minutes of prayer today in fact I am in deficit by three years, 2 months, 8 days and 47 minutes - and thats in the last .

Any of these approaches falls tragically short of the power and potential of prayer. God wants us to pray but not as a chore or out of fear of failure.

As our good and loving Father, God wants a relationship with us. He wants us to come to him whether it’s been a good day or a bad day, to talk with him about things on our hearts. We need to confess our sins, seek forgiveness, and be healed. He wants us to acknowledge him as our provider and our friend, without ever forgetting he’s also our King. He has so many good things in store for us, but the promises of peace, comfort, joy, and wisdom can’t be fulfilled outside of a daily walk with God.

Most of us would consider it an honour to speak to one of the world’s presidents or prime ministers, whether or not we agree with their politics. And yet, we take for granted that we can enter God’s throne room at any given time. says, “You will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

Let’s not only pray more often, but let’s pray more intentionally.

How often do you really pray—more than a one liner? What keeps you from praying more often? What are some practical ways to practice more discipline in that area?

Lets start -

“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 also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” ().

Matthew 6:9–13 NIV

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Wow - look at the praying intentionally.

We made a decision to pray - we were intentional - we are off to a great start.

Nehmiah 11:1-11

Nehemiah 11:1–11 NIV

1 Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem. The rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten of them to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns. 2 The people commended all who volunteered to live in Jerusalem. 3 These are the provincial leaders who settled in Jerusalem (now some Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants and descendants of Solomon’s servants lived in the towns of Judah, each on their own property in the various towns, 4 while other people from both Judah and Benjamin lived in Jerusalem): From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez; 5 and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Kol-Hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah. 6 The descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem totaled 468 men of standing. 7 From the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah, 8 and his followers, Gabbai and Sallai—928 men. 9 Joel son of Zikri was their chief officer, and Judah son of Hassenuah was over the New Quarter of the city. 10 From the priests: Jedaiah; the son of Joiarib; Jakin; 11 Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the official in charge of the house of God,

Our prayers need to be Intentional and specific.

I want to look at the two key words in this phrase: intentional and specific. Something that is intentional is done on purpose. It is not haphazard, fit it in when I can or praying for whatever crosses my mind at that moment. It is purposeful. It is taking aim at a target and hitting it.

Something that is specific is precise, clear-cut, and explicit. It is not vague or undefined. It is clearly stated. In terms of praying, this means your prayers (and mine) should be more than just ‘bless my pastor,’ or ‘heal the sick.’ Those are vague, non-specific prayers.

Imagine having 300 children to feed and no food. Only prayer. That was the situation that George Mueller (1805-1898) often found himself in. In one instance, after offering a prayer of thanksgiving for a breakfast that did not exist, a baker showed up at the orphanage George Mueller ran with fresh bread. Almost immediately, a milkman knocked on the door and informed Mr. Mueller that his wagon had broken down and the milk he was delivering would spoil unless the orphanage could use it. The children were fed.

This is happend to George Mueller and is a fantastic example of a miraculous answer to intentional and specific prayer

A widow came before a judge who “did not fear God and did not respect man.” She was persistent in asking for “legal protection.” She came to him repeatedly, intentionally and specifically, to ask for justice. The judge? He said, “Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.” Jesus commended the widow for her persistent, intentional, and specific prayer. He further assured His listeners – and us – that God will “bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night.”

In , Jesus also commends this type of prayer – specific (three loaves of bread) and intentional (because a friend has come at midnight). It is notable that in both parables a third characteristic – besides intentional and specific – is persistent. If your prayers are continually focused on explicit needs and desires (), you will see miracles taking place because of your prayers. Just don’t miss the miracle, mistaking it for coincidence or fate.

The story of Nehmiah,

Nehemiah 1:1–11 NIV

1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. 3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. 8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ 10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.

It was intentional - Nehemiah had intent - to go and see and repair the walls. - he wanted God to do something.

Nehmiahs prayer is a great model.

Praise - Pray up

Promise - Align prayrs to the promises of God - God won’t grant prayers outside his promises - God’s promises reflect his Charchter

Responsibility - he takes responsibility - himself and co-orporate repentance

Specific Request - Nehemiah delivers a request not a set of instructions. - expand on this.

Jesus knew the value of intentional and specific prayer. He commended it in the parable of the Unjust Judge in .

A widow came before a judge who “did not fear God and did not respect man.” She was persistent in asking for “legal protection.” She came to him repeatedly, intentionally and specifically, to ask for justice. The judge? He said, “Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.” Jesus commended the widow for her persistent, intentional, and specific prayer. He further assured His listeners – and us – that God will “bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night.”

In , Tells of the many requesting bread in the night.

Going around banging on a neighbours door - 3 loaves, a guest has arrived.- expand on this.

Jesus also commends this type of prayer – specific (three loaves of bread) and intentional (because a friend has come at midnight). It is notable that in both parables a third characteristic – besides intentional and specific – is persistent. If your prayers are continually focused on explicit needs and desires

Psalm 37:4 NIV

4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

you will see miracles taking place because of your prayers. Just don’t miss the miracle, mistaking it for coincidence or fate.

First,

Something that is specific is precise, clear-cut, and explicit. It is not vague or undefined. It is clearly stated. In terms of praying, this means your prayers (and mine) should be more than just ‘bless my pastor,’ or ‘heal the sick.’ Those are vague, non-specific prayers.

Imagine having 300 children to feed and no food. Only prayer. That was the situation that George Mueller (1805-1898) often found himself in. In one instance, after offering a prayer of thanksgiving for a breakfast that did not exist, a baker showed up at the orphanage George Mueller ran with fresh bread. Almost immediately, a milkman knocked on the door and informed Mr. Mueller that his wagon had broken down and the milk he was delivering would spoil unless the orphanage could use it. The children were fed.

This is perhaps the most famous example of God miraculously answering George Mueller’s intentional and specific prayer. However, reading a biography of this godly man will show that it was far from the only example. While there are several to choose from, this classic is the one I read many years ago. His example continues to inspire me.

Jesus knew the value of intentional and specific prayer. He commended it in the parable of the Unjust Judge in . In case you’re unfamiliar with the parable, here is a summary:

A widow came before a judge who “did not fear God and did not respect man.” She was persistent in asking for “legal protection.” She came to him repeatedly, intentionally and specifically, to ask for justice. The judge? He said, “Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.” Jesus commended the widow for her persistent, intentional, and specific prayer. He further assured His listeners – and us – that God will “bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night.”

In , Jesus also commends this type of prayer – specific (three loaves of bread) and intentional (because a friend has come at midnight). It is notable that in both parables a third characteristic – besides intentional and specific – is persistent. If your prayers are continually focused on explicit needs and desires (), you will see miracles taking place because of your prayers. Just don’t miss the miracle, mistaking it for coincidence or fate.

So how do we pray intenitonally

it is not getting up at four a.m. and spending two hours in prayer before you get ready for work? Is it booking yourself in at a monastery for a weekend prayer retreat? What about praying from a long list of needs every day?

These ways may work for some people, but not so much for me. Authentic prayer like authntic woship goes through our lives - your prayer life canbe an integral part of your everyday life.

I am most sucessful in prayer when I make it part of my life. What do I mean when I say successful.

Well I mean I do it, it’s meaningful, it’s focused and it is real.

Rather than me giving up, not finding time, superficially praying so I have ticked the prayer time today box on my to do list.

I want my prayer life to be an everyday lifestyle. A rhythm of living. An intentional awareness of God’s presence in every moment. Purposefully turning my thoughts towards Him throughout the day -- that’s intentional praying.

otherwise I will find myself giving up, especially if it involves getting up before dawn and praying for a couple of hours. I must say, that I haven’t closed the door on that possibility. If God woke me up and impressed on my heart to pray for someone or something then I would do it, of course. But I want my prayer life to be an everyday lifestyle. A rhythm of living. An intentional awareness of God’s presence in every moment. Purposefully turning my thoughts towards Him throughout the day -- that’s intentional praying.

we don’t need to babble like pagans

“God, please turn up in my messy real life today. Show me that you exist. Show me that you are in the middle of the messy details of my life.” I dare you to practice praying this prayer. But make sure that you remain watchful during the day for God’s fingerprints. They will be there.

Start and end the day in prayer. The minute your eyes open in the morning say, “Hi God, thanks for the sleep last night. Thanks for being my God. Help me today with…”. Then bookend the end of your day by falling asleep thanking God. It’s a simple but powerful habit.

It’s a great habit and sets the intentionality of our pryer life at the beggining of the day and forms a checkpoint at the end.

You will become more aware of God working in your encounters with people and life becomes an adventure where miracles can happen.

God wants to be involved in our whole life not just our morning devotions or church on Sundays. This includes our day jobs, household chores, our leisure time, exercise time, our eating, our going in and going out.

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.” ( NLT).

This involves creating a new habit of deliberately stopping before the start of a new activity in your day and committing it to the Lord.

Talk to God about the big , the small the exciting and the mundane

Start with your worry thoughts – as soon as they appear in your mind – cast them over to Jesus

True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that - it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

Charles Spurgeon

Remember: you are not just supposed to be a servant of God but also a friend of God - prayer is what forms that friendship.

Too busy - Wesley’s wife - pinnie

In the word

In people

In circumstance

This is the fun adventurous part. God wants to work in your life and through your life. Most of the time our lives just flow along without us being aware of God’s actions. We may even pray for a need and then don’t even recognise that God has answered! Actively watching throughout the day is essential to your personal growth prayer plan. This also involves listening to the Spirit that is dwelling inside you. He will impress on you, different notions and ideas that will bring you wisdom for a situation or answers to problems. If you are unsure whether the impression is of the Spirit ask God. “God, is this notion or idea from you? Please confirm it to me”. Don’t be scared to ask for confirmation.

Prayer is a two-way communication with God. Journaling is recording your listening and talking to God. Prayer journaling simply describes your spiritual life. They are a running commentary of your relationship to God. Record today, your daily interactions with God, what you have heard Him say through His Word, through nature and through what others have said to you.

According to

James 5:16b NIV

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

intentional praying has a powerful effect – “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”Intentional praying is not complicated but simply developing a lifestyle of talking and listening to God.

, intentional praying has a powerful effect – “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”Intentional praying is not complicated but simply developing a lifestyle of talking and listening to God.

I’m not talking about a quick – “Please God, bless my children today…”. But a more in-depth, asking God what to pray for first and following the Spirit’s lead. This includes random people that you pass on the street. You could be the only person in their life that talked to God on their behalf. What a responsibility. “I urge you, first of all to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” NLT

Finally I want to tell you that

when prayer is from the heart adn the spirt

No such thing as a bad prayer -

No such thing as a bad prayer

“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” - Max Lucado

Speak out, write it down

On Wednesday

Is the first of our monthly prayer evenings.

Where we will intentionally,

As we give worship, glory and thanks

As we pray for the village, the region, for education, community, commerc As we ask Gods Kingdom to come.

As we pray for each other

I want to encourage any one that can to come along and take part.even if you can’t I want you to commit to something else. 20:20 - stop and pray

PLAN For those who can - meet to start at 19:15 village hall. As we pray for the city Gates initiative.

19:30 Tea / Coffee at the VIne

19:45 Worship

20:00 Prayer - up, out, around & down

20:30 Finish

Intentional Prayer

Prayer is and prayer isn’t...

Our prayers need to be Intentional and specific.

An Example of Intentional and Specific Prayer

Biblical Example of Intentional and Specific Prayer

An Example of Intentional and Specific Prayer

A Biblical Example of Intentional and Specific Prayer

How to pray intentionally

Intentional prayer - Key tips

Keep it simple

Bookend your day with prayer

Bookend specific activities with prayer

Fill in the gaps.

Actively watch for God’s response

Journal your journey

Be focused not general

Your great at prayer.

Pray Up

Pray out

Pray Around

Ask Go what now. (down)