Prayer is having a conversation with God which helps develop our relationship with Him. It’s talking & listening to Him. It sounds simple & it is, but sometimes we make it more difficult.
As we begin 2021, I’m asking and encouraging all the members of our Church family to make prayer part of our daily routine. I know it is for some, but probably not for all. As I thought and prayed about how to help us all develop a daily routine of prayer, I realised that when we add the numbers one to six, we get twenty-one. (1+2+3+4+5+6=21) The sixth day of January is Epiphany, the day when we remember the visit of the Wisemen to Jesus and the revealing of Jesus to the nations.
I’m asking you to join with me in prayer during the first six days of January, using the suggestions below; and encouraging you to continue to pray beyond the six days. Please do join with me, with Joan and others at the beginning of this year and continue to pray as we move forward into 2021.
Friday, 1 January
– Thank God for His love and faithfulness.
– Pray for a willingness to listen and respond to Him.
Saturday, 2 January
– Thank God for the world He created and continues to sustain.
– Pray for a right use of the earth’s resources and care for the environment
– Pray for those in positions of leadership, for frontline workers, and all who provide essential services, supplies and support.
Sunday, 3 January
– Thank God for the Church and for the witness of Christians throughout the world.
– Pray for Christians who are persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
– Pray that Christians will fulfil Christ’s commission to make disciples.
– Pray for our Church family, for Roderic, Joan, and the other members of the ministry and the staff team, those in leadership roles, and for the ongoing ministry and mission of the Church.
Monday, 4 January
We are using ACTS as an acronym for your prayers today.
– Adoration: (Psalm 103:1-2) Praise God for who He is, rather than for what He does. Praise Him that He is Lord over all. Focus on His attributes, His holiness, His majesty, His grace, His mercy, His love, His …
– Confession: (1 John 1:9) Take a moment to think about the ways you have disregarded God or disregarded/disobeyed His Word, His will and His ways. Confess those things to Him, ask for forgiveness and for His help to live for Him.
– Thanksgiving: (Psalm 100:4) Express your gratitude for all He has done for you, for all He has given and provided for you, for family and friends. Thank Him for answered prayer, and what you’re grateful for in your life and in the world.
– Supplication: (Philippians 4:6) Pray for the needs of others and yourself. Pray for the people or the places where you are aware of difficulty or need, for your loved ones, friends and neighbours, pray for yourself.
Tuesday, 5 January
We are using 5 ‘Finger’ Prayer model today.
– Thumb – Our thumb is nearest to us, if we bring our hands together to pray. Pray for those who are closest to you – your loved ones. (Ephesians 3:16-19)
– Index Finger (the pointer) – Pray for those who teach and lead us spiritually. (1 Peter 2:4-5)
– Middle Finger (the tallest) – Pray for those in authority, including national and local leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
– Fourth Finger (normally the weakest) – Pray for those who are in need, those who are ill, those who are suffering, those who are distressed. (James 5:13-16).
– Little Finger – Pray for yourself. (Philippians 4:6, 19).
Wednesday, 6 January (Epiphany)
We are using the Lord’s Prayer today.
– Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name – Focus your attention on God, who loves you and cares for you. Ask God to help you honour and obey Him.
– Your kingdom come, your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven – Pray that more and more people will recognise God’s rule and reign in their lives. Ask God to help you know His priorities and fulfil His will and purposes with the help of the Holy Spirit.
– Give us this day our daily bread – Thank God for what you have. Pray for those who are in need or distress. Talk to God about your concerns and needs. (Philippians 4:6)
– And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us – Think about the ways you have failed to live as God desires, ask Him to forgive you, and help you live for Him. (1 John 1:8-9) Ask God to help you forgive those who have hurt or offended you.
– And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil – Ask God to help you withstand temptation, to help you avoid places or situations where you are vulnerable to temptation. Pray for protection and safety for yourself and others, pray for those who work to protect others from harm and danger.
– For yours is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. In the final part of the Lord’s Prayer, we focus on God, on His power and His glory. As we do, pray that God will help you and others submit to His authority and empower you through the presence of the Holy Spirit to live for Him and bring glory to Him.
Please do continue to pray in 2021, it may be helpful to use this leaflet as a resource.