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PRAYER THEME OF THE DAY

(taken from: Sherbino, David. Reconnect : Spiritual Exercises to Develop Intimacy with God, Castle Quay Books, 2012.  Week 6 – Petitionary Prayers)

DAY 1: PRAYING FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN

We forgive because we have been forgiven and because we want to follow the example of Jesus. Paul writes “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as Godin Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

1. Read Psalm 9:7–18.
2. Take some time to think about your relationships. Are you aware of any conflict you have with another? Are there people you hold a grudge against? Describe these issues and offer them to God. Make a decision to forgive those who have hurt you and be released from any bitterness within you.

Click here to listen to today’s audio devotional.

PRAYER THEME OF THE DAY

(taken from: Sherbino, David. Reconnect : Spiritual Exercises to Develop Intimacy with God, Castle Quay Books, 2012.  Week 6 – Petitionary Prayers)

Day 2: PRAYING FOR UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

In John 17, Jesus constantly prays for the unity of the church. He states: “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21).

Too often the Christian church has divided and split over non-essentials. There are many Christians who will have nothing to do with other believers simply because they belong to another denomination. How this must grieve the heart of God! In fact, our divisiveness may cause some people to reject the gospel of Christ. Jesus prayed that as the world saw unity amongst his followers they would realize this is truly the work of God, for only God can bring together people who are self-centred, divisive and critical, into one caring and supportive family.

1. Read Ephesians 4:1-6. Memorize Ephesians 4:3.
2. Pray this prayer as part of your daily devotion:
   We pray Lord God for your Church throughout the World:
   That it may share to the full in the work of your Son,
   Revealing you to people
   And reconciling people to you;
   That Christians may learn to love one another
   As you have loved us,
   That your Church may more and more exhibit the unity
   Which is your will and your gift.We pray that we and all Christians
   May be what you want us to be,
   And do what you want us to do:
   That we may be content with whatever comes our way,
   And attain peace of mind in self-forgetfulness.
   
   We pray for those who suffer for faith and conviction,
   And are tempted to turn back
   Because their way is hard:
   Help and strengthen them, Lord,
   So that they may hold out to the end,
   And by their loyal witness draw others to you.
   
   We pray that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ may be
   Known and accepted by increasing numbers of people.
   Draw to yourself all seekers after truth and goodness:
   May they find the unfathomable riches
   Which can be found in you alone.
   And may all the nations you have made
   Come and worship you
   And honour your name.

Source: Caryl Micklem, Contemporary Prayers For Public Worship (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Eerdmans 1967) pg. 53

Click here to listen to today’s audio devotional.

PRAYER THEME OF THE DAY

(taken from: Sherbino, David. Reconnect : Spiritual Exercises to Develop Intimacy with God, Castle Quay Books, 2012.  Week 6 – Petitionary Prayers)

DAY 3: PRAYING FOR SPIRITUAL AWARENESS

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” (Ephesians 1:18)

In essence this prayer is a request for an opening of one’s spiritual awareness through the working of the Holy Spirit. This includes realizing who and what we are in Christ, becoming aware of the power of God available to us, being aware of the presence of Christ in our lives and experiencing the truth of his promises.

1. Read Ephesians 1:15-23.
2. What are the specific ways God will “enlighten” you? What are the promises He makes to you?
3. Choose one aspect that speaks into your life today and make it your prayer. Ask God to allow this to become a reality. What difference will this make in your life?

Click here to listen to today’s audio devotional.

PRAYER THEME OF THE DAY

(taken from: Sherbino, David. Reconnect : Spiritual Exercises to Develop Intimacy with God, Castle Quay Books, 2012.  Week 6 – Petitionary Prayers)

DAY 4: PRAYING FOR HEALING

Prayer for healing is something Christians do. At times we are confused or uncertain what God is doing, but we still pray in accordance with the scriptures.

James tells us: “Is anyone among you sick? Then you must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over you anointing you with oil in he name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise that one up , and if sins have been committed they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person can accomplish much.” (James 5:14-16)

In our prayer for healing we need to realize God may not respond in the manner we desire. Most have an inner desire to be healed and trust God will grant the request. There are times when God will say yes, times when God will say no, and times when God will say not yet. So we bow before the mystery of God and trust in his sovereign plan.

Exercise

Pray the following Litany of Healing:

“Let us name before God those for whom we offer our prayers…
God the Father, your will for all people is health and salvation;
We praise and thank you O Lord.

God the Son, you came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly,
We praise and thank you O Lord

God the Holy Spirit, you make our bodies the temple of your presence;
We praise and thank you O Lord.

Holy Trinity, one God, in you we live and move and have our being;
We praise and thank you O Lord.

Lord, grant your healing grace to all who are sick, injured, or disabled, that they may be made whole.
Hear us O Lord of Life

Grant to all who seek your guidance, and to all who are lonely, anxious, or despondent, a knowledge of your will and an awareness of your presence;
Hear us O Lord of Life.

Mend broken relationships, and restore those in emotional distress to soundness of mind and serenity of spirit;
Hear us O Lord of Life.

Grant to the dying peace and a holy death, and uphold by the grace and consolation of your Holy Spirit those who are bereaved;
Hear us O Lord of life

You are the Lord who does wonders
You have declared your power among the people

With you, O Lord is the well of life:
And in your light we see light.

Hear us O Lord of Life:
Heal us, and make us whole.

Amen.”

(source: Morris Maddocks, A Healing House of Prayer (Toronto Ontario, Hodder and Stoughton 1984) pg. 280)

Click here to listen to today’s audio devotional.

PRAYER THEME OF THE DAY

(taken from: Sherbino, David. Reconnect : Spiritual Exercises to Develop Intimacy with God, Castle Quay Books, 2012.  Week 6 – Petitionary Prayers)

DAY 5: PRAYING FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Over the centuries Christians have utilized “prayer walks” as a way of praying for their communities and claiming this territory for God.

As we develop the habit of prayer walking we see our neighbourhoods in a different manner. We see through the eyes of Christ and become more aware of the spiritual climate in our community and places where there are spiritual strongholds. This helps us in planning ministry strategies. In addition we become more sensitive to those who are living in our communities. We pass places of business, seats of government, halls of learning, centres for recreation and homes where people live. All of this can be a focal point for our prayers.

Exercise

1. Today plan a prayer walk in your neighbourhood. It might only be the block where you live. Possibly you will extend this walk at a later date.
2. Pray for a spiritual awakening for your community, that God is drawing your neighbours to the love of Christ.