You may be asking yourself the question, “What should I pray for whenever I pray?” There are five major areas we should pray for in our daily prayer life. Each one represents a circle of influence and authority that God gives us to pray for. When praying we should start with the first area and then work our way down to the last.

Our Families & Friends

Acts 16:31, gives us the promise that our households will be saved. More specifically, the word for household refers to our circle of influence. Begin to pray for your friends and families that God would move in their lives. Intercession is about our responsibility to pray for others and that begins with those closest to us.

Our Church

The next area that we should pray for is the church. Practically everyone of Paul’s letters open with a personal prayer for the church. In Romans 8:9 Paul reminds the church, “As God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.” We should pray daily for our churches, church workers, pastors and leaders. These people have a great burden to bear.

The City

The prophet Jeremiah tells us that we should, “seek the peace of the city…and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace” (Jeremiah 29:7). In other words, we will be blessed by praying for the blessing of our community or city. Don’t give up on your city, but pray that Jesus would be glorified in your city.

Our Nation

Next we are to always pray for our nation. Nehemiah was a man who had a great burden to bring revival and restoration to Israel. He prayed, “please let your ears be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of your servant which I pray before you now day and night, for the children of Israel Your servant.”  (Nehemiah 1:6). God heard his prayers and brought restoration to the land and He promises to hear our prayers for your nation.

Our World

Lastly, we should pray for the people and governments of the world. Although you may never leave your country, you can still have an influence in the lives of others across the world by praying for them. Remember it is God’s desire to save the elect. Ask the Lord to speak to you about a certain country that you should pray for. God promises to listen when we pray.

Step 1 | Start with God and the Bible

Luke 15:1 – “Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him.”

Step 2 | Read the selected passage and observe what’s going on

No matter where Jesus was or what he was doing people were drawn to him.  Here he has just finished teaching a very difficult truth in Luke 14 and people still came to him.  And not just a few people. Jesus had people gathering all around him.  He was dispensing difficult truth and people couldn’t get enough.  People who loved him…people who hated him…they all wanted to be close to him.

Step 3 | Take Some Notes

Who am I around and who is around me? Who is drawing near to me? Do I really have people in my life that are interested in the message of Jesus?  Am I living my life in such a way that people are interested in Jesus? Who is gathering all around me? My life needs to be lived in such a way where I am surrounded by both Christians and non-Christians.  Jesus always placed himself in situations that were helpful to others and glorifying to God.  Maybe I need to re-evaluate how I am structuring my schedule in order for people to draw near to Jesus as a result of being close to me.

Step 4 | Pray

God please conform me to the image of Christ.  Allow my love and desire for you to flow to others.  Forgive me for all the selfishness in me.  Cleanse me and set me free from myself that others would be drawn to you by the life you live through me.

Looking forward to seeing you here tomorrow. Remember, following God is a day by day journey.

Step 1 | Start with God and the Bible

I began my time yesterday morning by praying and asking God to speak to me. I asked him to fill me with his spirit (Ephesians 5:18b) and use the time to make me like Jesus (Romans 8:29).  No real magic formulas here.  God, the Bible, a pencil, a journal,me, and a cup of coffee…that’s all that was needed.

I’m using a Life Journal. I find it to be helpful, plus there is a Bible reading plan in the front couple of pages.

Step 2 | Read the selected passage

My reading may be a bit different than yours (I’m a pastor, I really like to read, and I need to be very familiar with the tool(s) of my trade).  Today, I spent time reading Luke 13 and Proverbs 30. For years I’ve read Proverbs month after month.  The goal is not to read a book over and over, the goal is to read the Bible, guided by God’s Spirit, and grow into the likeness of Jesus.

Step 3 | Take Some Notes

Date – 9/30/10

Verse – “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”

Observation – God’s word is reliable and sufficient.  Not only is it true, it proves itself to be true…all of it.  God provides life and protection for those that are his and for those that take refuge in him.  How often do I take refuge or find safety in myself or in something I have created? For God to protect and provide for me I must be submissive to him and willing for him to lead me.

Application – I can’t be protected from danger or even myself by a God who I’m not familiar with.  I need to know him.  That starts by daily reading the Bible, talking with him, and following his lead.

Prayer – God protect me today from myself.  Show me that your word is true by demonstrating your power in me, through me, and around me.  Show me my weakness and your strength and give me all I need to follow you and rely on you and not me.

Step 4 | Repeat steps 1-3

Knowing God is a lifelong journey that starts with Jesus, ends with Jesus, and is developed by Jesus.  You do play a part though.  God will not sanctify and grow that which is not obedient and willing.  As you can see…there is nothing magical or mystical about what God showed me yesterday, but if you saw my yesterday you would know just how poignant Proverbs 30:5 was.  And that’s what’s most staggering.  Every time God speaks to you through prayer and his word it’s intentional.

Tomorrow we will repeat this process. Likely we will for some days to come.  You don’t develop into a Jesus loving, God honoring prayer juggernaut in one day.  That comes with disciplined obedience day after day after day.

See you tomorrow!

Nevertheless, even with all the helps that are available, many still struggle to find consistency and meaning in their Christian journey.

What I want to do today is give you a few tools that should enable you to develop habits and patterns that will allow you to feed yourself directly from the Bible.  I know that may sound intimidating but I really think you can do this.

Step 1 – Start with God and the Bible

Take a moment and ask God to speak to you and then open your Bible to a selected passage. For various Bible reading plans visit Bible Gateway.

Step 2 – Read the selected passage

Read each passage with an open heart and God will speak to you (II Tim. 3:16)

Step 3 – Take some notes

Using a journal or notepad take down the date, write down the main Scripture that spoke to you, write down some observations from that Scripture, jot down some points of application for yourself from the Scripture that will impact your life for the day, and finally write out a prayer to God

Step 4 – Repeat Steps 1 – 3 tomorrow

———-

Many resources are helpful, but there is no resource available to you greater than your Bible.  As a believer God promises to speak to you through His word.

Over the next few days I’m going to share Steps 1-3 from my own personal time with the Lord.  I hope it shows you that following God starts with disciplined obedience, not extraordinary revelation.  God is a good father and is willing and desiring to speak directly to all his children.

As Paul wrote the letter of I Corinthians he was aware that much of what was taking place in the church at Corinth was not right.  We find him writing to the church about subjects that should have been understood and foundational in the life and direction of the body of Christ.  Unfortunately, that was not the case.  Regarding spiritual gifts Paul states several key points that are worth reflecting upon today.

1. Spiritual Gifts always point to Jesus. I Corinthians 12:3
2. Spiritual Gifts are always given by God. I Corinthians 12:4-7
3. Spiritual Gifts will unify the church, not divide the church. I Corinthians 12:25-26
4. Spiritual Gifts are given in order to build God’s Kingdom. I Corinthians 14:12
5. Spiritual Gifts are determined by God and given to individuals for use. I Corinthians 12:11

There is much debate over which gifts are active and which gifts are not.  Personally, I see little value in parsing the lists and providing God with a framework that he must function within.  Rather than limiting which gifts are active I propose a renewed commitment to focus on the giver of gifts.

For too long individuals, churches, and denominations have divided (and diminished Kingdom efforts) due to a variance of interpretation on the gifts.  While we must never waiver in our commitment to honoring, obeying, and upholding Scripture we must also realize that the gifts were never given to separate God’s children; rather they were given in order that we might more effectively work together to glorify the Giver and advance his kingdom.

Today you could be one of three people.  First, you could be a person that is convinced that some gifts are active and/or some gifts have ceased.  To you I would commend you to stop working to convince others of your views about gifts and realign the use of your gifts on glorifying the one who gifted you.  Second, you may be fully aware of your spiritual gifts and fully utilizing them to advance the work of Jesus.  Continue in that direction and work to bring others along the journey with you.  Finally, you may be a person who has questions about what your spiritual gifts actually are. Let me suggest a few resources.

• Take time to read Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4
• Pray and ask God for wisdom and the ability to discern what your gifts are
• Be obedient and willing to serve with what God gives you
• Great series of Articles posted at The Resurgence
• Online Spiritual Gift Questionnaire

Regardless of which person you are today.  Take time to thank God.  My prayer for you and for me today is that we not be so consumed with the gift that we miss the glorious giver. May your gifts and your talents align to bring Glory to God and good to others.

There are days when we all look to God to provide answers, solutions, or direction for various reasons or purposes.  Most of us turn to God for those answers in the midst of difficulty, concern, or questioning.  I don’t want to give the impression that seeking God in these situations is not important, but what I do want us to consider is seeking him and trusting what he has already given us.

In Deuteronomy 29 the writer gives us a glimpse into one of life’s most difficult subjects…the unknown. Quite frankly many of us feel that if our map for life was a little more detailed we could navigate it a bit more successfully.  I remember struggling through decisions about educational paths, career choices, family decisions, and multiple other directional opportunities.  The facts were  fully collected, the options had been fully analyzed, and I was stuck in indecision.  In those moments I’m convinced, from where I sit now, that the outcomes were not the goal, obedience in the process was.

There are things about this life and the next that are not known by us.  Take heart you are not alone.  God knows when you’re children will return to him, he knows how things are going to play out at your place of employment, when your neighbors hearts will soften toward you and open toward him.  The secret things are his.  And he’s able to administrate and govern them much better you or me.  Knowing how everything unfolds seems appealing but as I consider where my family is right now I’m grateful that He holds the secret things.  I’m not so sure I could handle it all today.

I want to encourage you to fix your gaze on what is your…the revealed.  God has made so much of life clear for you and me.  Take time and reflect on I Thessalonians 5:16-18.  God’s will for our lives is clear for us.  We are to be filled with joy, pray, and give thanks. That is God’s revealed will for you.  Start there.  Recognize that not everything will add up for you.

A painting never looks complete in process.  It will though.  Allow the artist, who knows his work, to do his will.

The unknown often causes fear and concern.  Realized today that the future you are walking toward has been prepared just for you.  You aren’t walking into the unknown…you’re walking toward Him.

In this short but powerful phrase we stumble upon a conversation between God and Moses. At first glance one could think this is just a reminder that has been inserted in the event Moses had forgotten how important the conversation was. But upon further investigation you start to discover that God was rather adamant and particular about what he had spoken. While the entire passage of Exodus 23 is important, I want us to consider the principle of obedience to God as it relates to “all that I have said.”

It’s a rather interesting discussion to even consider. We know that God wants our heart and our obedience. Unfortunately, if you’re like me, you can separate the two…and well, that’s not good. When Christ transforms a person that results in a recreated heart and a renewed mind (II Corinthians 5:17). We move from creatures who work to make ourselves righteous (legalism) to creatures who are made righteous (justification).

Legalism says, “I will pay attention to the things I need to in order to make myself right with God.” Justification says, “God sent Jesus to die and rise to make me righteous.”

Who and what are you paying attention to? Take time today to reflect on what God is saying to you. Maybe you’re at a place where you feel like God has been quiet for to long. Then start today by stopping. Stop living by standards and objectives that you think connect you to God. Pause today and listen for the voice of God. Open your Bible with a pencil in hand and wait for him. Consider Psalm 34 and Psalm 91. Allow what God has said to wash over you today. Listen and enjoy his words like never before. Stop offering to God well versed and rehearsed prayers and start giving him your heart (Luke 18:10-14).

Remember, that as a child of God he speaks to you because he loves you and he knows what is good for you. Take the next few minutes and start paying attention to what your Father has said to you. That’s great news; a father who lovingly communicates and cares for his kids. Our God is not silent…his voice is powerful and clear…pay attention to it today.

What I came to realize was that the lure of that treasure hunt was appealing for a time, but it quickly lost its luster. Why? Because for me, the perceived value of the potential treasure wasn’t worth the investment of my time. So I quit hunting for the treasure.

In Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven being like hidden treasure. At first this may be confusing. Why would God hide this treasure? Jesus doesn’t go into great detail about that; but what he does address is the fact that once this treasure is found it is purchased and pursued with everything. The man in Jesus’ story buries the treasure, makes arrangements, and buys the field the treasure is in. There is no possible way this man isn’t giving all he has to treasure the treasure.

How much more should our lives be focused on the one who is the treasure…Jesus? For many of us we found the treasure (became a Christian) went out to purchase the field and got mixed up on our journey of sharing with others about the treasure. We’ve gotten side tracked with buying a bag to put the treasure in, a display case to show off the treasure, or a certificate to prove that we actually have the treasure. I would like to encourage you today to take time and value the treasure of Christ himself.

If you are a Christian pursue him in the same as the man in Matthew 13 pursued the treasure in the field. Give all you have to honor, love, serve, and share Jesus. Give all. Really, what would your life look like if you pursued him with reckless abandon? What would be different about your life if you lived as though God was the greatest asset, treasure, and prize?

If you’re not a Christian consider the claims of Jesus in John 14:6 and John 8:58.

Life is a journey and the ultimate prize and treasure is Jesus himself. Don’t settle for anything less than Him.

For a moment I’d like for us to consider a group of people that Paul uses to display and demonstrate radical generosity.  Take time and read their account in 2 Corinthians 8:1-13.

The Macedonians did not give like worldly rich people often do, mere tokens of their riches, without sacrifice. Nor did they give like selfish Christians, whose love for temporal things matches their love for eternal things. Giving for them is a battle, because they are still holding on to the temporal. The Macedonians gave magnanimously and abundantly, consistent with Christ’s command to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). But Paul shuts out all thought of human merit by noting that they did so because they were prompted by God’s grace (Eph. 2:10).

Take time today to consider how you have given throughout your life.  Don’t focus too much on how much you’ve given; rather focus on the heart and motivation that lead to it. Reflect on what moved the Macedonians to give.  Look again at II Corinthians 8 and what compelled the Macedonians.  It was the Gospel…it was Christ.  They were driven to give generously of all they had (time, financial resources, gifts, talents) because Christ had given all.

For the Macedonians (and for us) it was never about the money; it was always about Jesus.  You’re sacrificial giving relates directly to your level of sacrificial living.  Walk with Christ, become like Christ, give like Christ, die like Christ. It’s worth the cost; it’s time to live.

II Corinthians 8:2
Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

Your call and mine are very similar. We are supposed to “grow up”. The difficulty of growing up is at times it can be very painful and hard to traverse. The joy of growing up is that our lives can be flooded with new experiences, relationships, and opportunities.

Growth, while promising, comes with both pleasure and pain. As it relates to the life of a Christian I have come to the conclusion that change is inevitable but growth is optional. We know this because there have been points in our lives as Christians when we waded and wandered in infancy when adulthood was calling. Ephesians 4:13-16 is a clear mandate to develop and grow. How is it then that at times our growth is stagnant? There could be multiple reasons. Sin separates and divides relationships. At times we know growth will cost us more than we are willing to pay (see Jonah’s journey). The ultimate reason we don’t grow is an unwillingness to obey and submit to God. Whatever the case or reason is, growth can stop and complacency can set in. It’s then that the one who initiates (God) growth begins to do the work of love and prune, that the one growing can bear more fruit (John 15:2).

Remember the idea we discussed just a few days ago related to prayer? I shared that, “I’m not developing God during this time…he’s developing me. It’s painful at times, but it’s life-giving.” This applies to growth as well. Your growth as a believer starts with God (Ephesians 2:2-9), is maintained by God (Ephesians 2:10), and is completed by God (Philippians 1:6). This is great news for you and me. We are afforded the opportunity to develop at a pace designed just for us. We have a Creator who watches over us with concern and care. You and I play an active role in growing. We respond in obedience to God’s call, directives, and leading. God waters, prune, and cause growth. We are the ones growing. Experiencing growth is the joy that belongs only to the subject of that growth…that’s you…that’s me. God is growing us. That’s grace and life!

We are his workmanship and as we “grow up” we develop into his body and we together work to build each other (his church) and his kingdom.

Growing up results in living sent. Your purpose in life is the same as mine…God created you, saved you, and transformed you to send you.