Making a Personal Prayer Strategy

The main goal of this reading plan is to see you, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, establish a growing/vibrant prayer life. Prayer is both a spontaneous as well as planned activity. We can respond to God or to present circumstances in prayer at any time and in any place. That is our privilege as true worshippers of God who worship in spirit and truth. However, prayer is also a discipline which when taken seriously can make us strong and fruitful disciples of Christ. As a discipline, you plan for it and submit yourself to a structure. Of course, the structure is just a guide. It should not be followed so rigidly that the Holy Spirit is no longer able to re-direct your practice of prayer, if needed. Thus, today you will get tips in making a personal prayer strategy. You can make a monthly, weekly, or daily schedule. For the purpose of this session, let us make it WEEKLY.

Focus of worship – The first thing we do when we come to God’s presence is worship. In your prayer strategy, you may want to focus on a particular character of God for each day, focusing on different attributes every day. You worship by reading of Scriptures that declare God’s attribute/character, singing hymns/worship songs, expressing words of praise and worship to God. 

Subject of Intercession – You can select a particular group each day as the subject of your intercession.  Under each grouping, you can list the names of people/places/subgroups you will be praying for. You can keep a prayer journal or ledger where you list specific names with specific prayer goals/targets for each name. The way God answers your specific prayers can also be recorded in your journal. Don’t forget to indicate the date of when you started praying and when it was answered.

Example: Family 

1. Mother – she will become part of a local church. 
2. Sister – she will hunger for spiritual food; be interested in Bible study.

Immediate Concerns – These are concerns for which people ask you to pray. These can also include present circumstances that need God’s help. They are more short-term needs for which you want God’s intervention. They can change from week to week. These concerns can also be recorded in your prayer journal where you can also record how God answered this prayer.

Exercise 1: Recite Prayer Principles 1-6

Exercise 2: Recite Memory Verses 1-6

Review of Prayer Principles and memory Verses

Principle No. 1 – True worship is founded on true knowledge of God. Memory Verse: (John 4:23)

Principle No. 2 – The Holy Spirit is our God-given prayer teacher and partner. Memory Verse: (Romans 8:26)

Principle No. 3 - Effective prayers are offered in Jesus’ name, according to God’s will, and in faith. Memory Verses: (John 14:13,14; 1 John 5:14,15; Matthew 21:22)

Principle No. 4 - Constantly dwelling in the presence of God produces a vital and meaningful prayer life. Memory Verses: (Psalm 27:4; Psalm 16:11)

Principle No. 5 - Unceasing praise is the fitting response of all creation to the character and works of God, the Creator. Memory Verses: (Psalm 113:3; Psalm 150:2,6)

Principle No. 6- Effective intercession involves a selfless commitment to mediate God’s blessing for His glory in the world. Memory Verses: (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1,2)