PRAYING WITH PURPOSE
Helping you to connect with God
PART 1 HOW TO PRAY MORE EFFECTIVELY This booklet contains a sample of activities from our Praying with Purpose resources and you can find out how to access further resources on the back page of this booklet.
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As you start, build your faith by reminding yourself of the power of prayer and God’s willingness to answer. You could reflect on appropriate Bible verses such as: The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 When a believing person prays, great things happen. James 5:16 (NCV) Then offer your praise to God for his presence and give thanks for any encouragements and answered prayer so far. You could use or adapt these prayers or others:
Loving Lord, thank you for your presence with me. I praise you with thankful heart for your love and your answers to prayers thus far, in particular (mention specific answers). Truly you are an awesome God! As I bring my requests and petitions thank you for the help of the Holy Spirit in putting needs into words, and in pleading their case before you. Help me to be open to hear your voice and know your love as I linger in your presence. I commit my time to you, for the growth of your Kingdom and the glory of Christ. Amen
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When you feel ready, move into praying for your needs or those of others. You can be as creative as you want: l You may like to choose an
appropriate passage of scripture, reflect on it for a few minutes then use the thoughts God highlights to you to pray. For example, Isaiah 40:29-31 is a great inspiration when praying for hope and strength for yourself or others He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.
If you enjoy craft activities, you could engage in them as another way to pray – especially if a project or need includes craft e.g. knitting – pause after every row to pray; focus on those who will benefit from the item and use your thoughts as a basis l
The Bible teaches that our prayers are like sweet-smelling incense: See Psalm 141:1-2; Revelation 5:6-8; Revelation 8:3-4. You might like to release a fragrance as you pray e.g. incense or a scented candle l
l Remember that prayers don’t have
to be said. You can write or draw them; light candles or make another action to symbolise your prayers and reflections Note any themes that emerge as you pray, pass them on to others. If it’s more personal, share with a trusted friend.
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Finish by asking God to bless you and the needs for which you have been praying. There are some lovely blessings in the Bible you could use: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 www.mothersunion.org/praying-with-purpose
PART 2 USING THE LORD’S PRAYER Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11:1 Try basing your intercessions on the prayer Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how they should pray. Pray each of the stanzas of the prayer as divided below, pausing to reflect on the words before praying and sharing as indicated Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Begin by using prayer and Bible verses to bring praise and worship to God, our holy, heavenly Father your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Share news, answers to prayer of the initiative you are bringing to God - a particular practical example of God’s kingdom on earth Give us today our daily bread. Bring before God ongoing and new prayer needs on behalf of the initiative and those who are involved Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Admit our need for God’s forgiveness for our shortcomings as a precursor to showing any forgiveness for those who have made the initiative necessary; or those who may be obstructing it. If these aren’t appropriate, include more general prayers for/of forgiveness for the way we fail to follow the values of Christ… Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Pray for perseverance when initial enthusiasm wanes; or opposition is proving to be difficult; when answers to prayer seem slow…. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen
Finish with praise and an acknowledgement of God’s power and majesty. If you are praying on your own or in a group, you may like to use alternative versions of the Lord’s Prayer to encourage fresh reflection after prayer, for example:
Our Father, who is 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 have forgiven our debtors (letting go of both the wrong and the resentment). And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Amplified Bible Our Father in heaven, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We pray that your kingdom will come. We pray that what you want will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive the sins we have done, just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us. And do not cause us to be tested; but save us from the Evil One. The kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours forever. Amen. International Children’s Bible Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best— as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. The Message
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Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
www.mothersunion.org/praying-with-purpose