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Prayer Guides and Resources

How to Pray for Our Lost Family & Friends

First, pray for what God desires to do in the life of the unsaved person:

  • That God will draw them to Himself. (John 6:44)
  • That they seek to know God. (Acts 17:27)
  • That they believe the Word of God. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
  • That Satan is bound from blinding them to the truth. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
  • That the Holy Spirit works in them. (John 16:8-13)
  • That they turn from sin. (Acts 3:9)
  • That they believe in Christ as Savior. (John 1:12)
  • That they obey Christ as Lord. (Matthew 7:21)
  • That they take root and grow in Christ. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Second, pray with faith and expectancy (Ephesians 1:18-19). God has promised to work in response to our prayer when we pray in His will . . . so pray like it! God can move people's hearts and tear down barriers long built up.

Third, pray that Satan and his forces are bound in their lives (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Satan's barriers and strongholds (false teaching, unbelief, pride, self-centeredness, lust, etc.) are torn down by prayer. Our prayer against Satan must be persistent because he does not give up!

- Adapted from "The Praying Church Sourcebook", By Alvin J. Vander Griend

Pray your child will:

  • Love the Word of God. (Proverbs 7:2-3)
  • Become the person God created him to be. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
  • Not lust after evil. (Psalm 141:4)
  • Will be morally pure. (1 Corinthians 6:18)
  • Will be light in the darkness (Philippians 2:14b-16)
  • Will know Jesus' voice and follow only Him. (John 10:4-5)
  • Will trust Jesus in times of trouble. (Psalm 50:15)
  • Will be quick to confess sin (Isaiah 57:15)
  • Will allow the Lord to train, instruct, and even discipline his heart. (Proverbs 2:1-7)
  • Will embrace the fruits of the Spirit and claim his full inheritance in the Lord.  (Galatians 6:22)

A.C.T.S. Model

There are many different models of prayer to follow during your time with God. The model below is just one that many Christians use to maintain a balanced prayer life. What is most important to remember is that God desires to have an intimate relationship with YOU! It is as important to LISTEN to God the Father as it is to TALK with him.

Adoration

Offer God praise and worship. This is a time to reflect on and verbally appreciate God for his faithfulness, grace, love, mercy, patience, and power. Focus on who he is rather than what he does.

Suggested scriptures: Hebrews 3:1, Psalm 139:13-18, Psalm 8, Psalm 104, Job 38:4-18

Confession

As you come into God's presence, you may be convicted of sin. Confess it before God, knowing that your confession brings renewal!

Suggest scriptures: 1 John 1:9, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 32:3-5, Hebrews 3:12

Thanksgiving

Spend time thanking God for His many blessings, provisions and mercies in your life! Now the focus is upon what God has DONE.

Suggested scriptures: Psalm 107:31-32, Psalm 95:1-2, Psalm 136, Colossians 3:15-17

Supplication

Confidently come before the throne of God to present your needs and longings for yourself and for others.

Suggested scriptures: Romans 4:20-21, Hebrews 4:16, Romans 8:26-27, James 5:13-15

Prayer Resources

Links

Check out these links to acquaint yourself with some of the nation's prayer movements.

Books

  • Developing Your Secret Closet of Prayer . . . by Richard A. Burr
  • Give Him No Rest:  A Call to Prayer for Revival . . . by Erroll Hulse
  • Celebration of Discipline . . . by Richard Foster
  • Prayer . . .by Richard Foster
  • The Praying Church Sourcebook . . . by Alvin J. VanderGriend
  • Prayer . . .by E. M. Bounds
  • The Power of a Praying Wife . . . by Stormie Omartian
  • The Power of a Praying Parent . . . by Stormie Omartian
  • The Power of a Praying Woman . . . by Stormie Omartian
  • The Power of a Praying Husband . . . by Stormie Omartian
  • Too Busy Not to Pray . . . by Bill Hybels
  • Praying God's Word . . . by Beth Moore
  • Lord, Teach Me to Pray in 28 Days . . . by Kay Arthur
  • The Doctrine of Prayer . . . by T. W. Hunt
  • A Diary of Private Prayer . . . by John Baillie
  • A Serious Call to a Contemplative Life-Style . . . by E. Glenn Hinson
  • Praying for Others . . . by Thomas D Elliff