Pray First
We believe prayer first is essential to growing in God and in relationship with others. Prayer first is one of our first efforts in helping someone follow Jesus after salvation. Additionally it prioritizes seeking and listening to God in all things.
How to build the habit of praying first:
Useful questions to aid in discovering where people are in being a disciple who loves God, one another and the world:
When praying use the acronym A.C.T.S. to help you structure your prayers.
- Exodus 15:22-27 Moses cried out to God at the bitter waters because Moses didn’t know what to do, God showed him his answer. God established the statute- If you will diligently seek me, listen to my voice, and obey.
- Matthew 9:36-38 After looking at the crowds, the needs, Jesus said pray, pray that the Lord of the harvest would send laborers. Then he sent them.
- Matthew 14:19 Before breaking the bread...he prayed.
- Matthew 26:36 Before the cross he prayed, and asked his disciples to as well.
- Mark 1:35 In the early morning Jesus would go pray before a day of work.
- Luke 5:16 Jesus often went to pray.
- (Lots more Scripture references...these are just a few- which you could use to mediate on and teach this habit..)
How to build the habit of praying first:
- Baby first step: Pray for people regularly. Ask God how to pray for them, any encouragement he has for them, and then let them know (call, text, email, etc.)
- Growth step: Pray with people. Whatever they have talked about, pray with them right there in the moment. Call them when the Holy Spirit nudges you and pray with them. Hear they have a problem - call them and pray with them.
- Ways to pray: Praying for people by the Spirit, praying for felt needs, and/or praying in response to questions you have asked to “discover their story.â€
Useful questions to aid in discovering where people are in being a disciple who loves God, one another and the world:
- Loving God
- How is your relationship with God and his Word?
- What is God showing you this week?
- What do you need most from God right now?
- What do you think God wants to do in your life right now?
- Loving one another
- How is your relationship with your church family?
- How is your relationship with your natural family? (spouse, kids, roommates, parents, etc.)
- Loving the world
- How is your relationship with your work/witness?
- How can I pray for you in the workplace as you live for God in the midst of your work?
- Who are you praying for to get saved? If no one then pray God will lead you and show you who to pray for.
When praying use the acronym A.C.T.S. to help you structure your prayers.
A: Adoration – Give praise and thanks for who God is.
C: Confession – Confess and repent for any way you have seen you need to believe or behave differently. Pray God’s will and kingdom to come in these areas.
T: Thanksgiving – Give thanks for what you have seen in His word today and for the blessings in your life.
S: Supplication/Share your life – Ask God to help you believe and behave differently, ask God for help with your needs in your life. Share what you are learning with someone.