Preface
I read an article recently about a “Pastor’s Prayer Life.” It was helpful, inspiring, and encouraging. While reading, I had this thought in the back of my mind … am I praying “enough”?
Enough prayer? What is that? Is that like George Mueller, who rose early to pray three or four hours before beginning his day? Is that like James, who spent so much time on his knees, apparently those joints became calloused or distorted and his nickname became Camel Knees?
Enough prayer?
Richard Blackaby says we should “Pray until you are released.”
That stirs me. That convicts me. That inspires me. That challenges me.
The clock in my head beats toward efficiency, proactivity, and, sadly, toward control of my busy schedule.
Yet, every conversation with those I love (wife, children, friends) has some sense of beginning and end. Some sense of getting to the point and bringing focus, even if the conversation will continue later. I don’t hang up prematurely. I don’t do all the talking. Even when I do a lot of listening, I respond at least with a courteous acknowledgement of the conversation. The dialogue continues until enough is understood and action is made possible.
As I think of prayer and this indescribable gift of communication with our Heavenly Father, I consider what He wants in prayer. What would He say is “enough”?
That is a loaded question. Loaded with power, personal reflection, purpose, and more.
The hope of this simple Prayer Guide is that you would engage with the Father until you are released. That you would pray … enough. Pray …
Enough to experience God in a personal way.
Enough to realize His power in your life and ministry. Enough to release the pressures of this world and lay them at His feet.
Enough to walk in the confidence of His promises.
Enough to see His sovereign, gracious, redeeming plan at work.
Enough to feel His heart for those far from Him.
Enough to know His love for His children.
Enough to trust Him and join His agenda at all costs.
Enough to treasure the waiting moments He orchestrates.
Enough to hear Jesus praying for you while seated at the right hand of the Father.
Enough to embrace His fullness. Enough to worship Him with your heart, soul, and mind.
Enough …
Using this guide will help focus your thoughts. These four areas are on the heart of God. He will guide you by His Spirit. You can experience more than enough as you … Pray for Our Pastors
Pray for God’s People
Pray for God’s Providence
Pray for the Perishing
Imagine what could happen if believers throughout Arizona pray. “Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.”
— D. L. Moody Imagine enough prayer …
Prayer in Jesus’ name for the glory of God to happen. (John 14:13)
Prayer changing things, mostly me and you. (1 Kings 18-19)
Prayer that is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
Prayer showing us great and mighty things which we have not known! (Jeremiah 33:3)
Prayer opening the door to heaven. (Matthew 7:7)
Prayer unleashing power. (Mark 9:29)
Prayer connecting us to the source of eternity. (Matthew 6:6)
Prayer as Jesus taught His disciples. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Prayer moving mountains … and obstacles in our heads. (Matthew 17:20)
Prayer healing … especially the wounds in my heart. (James 5:13-15)
Prayer powering the work of our hands and His. (Isaiah 64:8-9)
Prayer that is fruitful. (John 15)
Prayer tackling the impossible. (Luke 1:37)
Prayer that IS enough.
Will you join me and pray? Will you pray until you are released?
— Chris Stull
Senior Pastor of Wellspring Church in Goodyear
“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”
— Oswald Chambers
“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
Preface
Pray for Our Pastors
Pray for God’s People
Pray for God’s Providence
Pray for the Perishing
