Prayer Guides and Resources

Prayer Guide for Day of Prayer and Fasting

March and April 2020

Read 1 Peter 5:6-11

In this passage we find the five movements of prayer that we have been learning about in Jesus' model prayer for his disciples (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4). Read this passage several times slowly meditating on God's life-giving truth.

Pray the five movements of prayer based on this passage

  1. Confession - v. 6 Humble ourselves before God

Father, you have created us and you know us better than we know ourselves. We humble ourselves this day with fasting to seek your grace and forgiveness for our sins and to confess the sins of our people. Lord, hear us as we pray and make our confession. Forgive, deliver, and heal us from our many transgressions. Thank you for the truth that we are a redeemed people forgiven through the blood of Jesus. Amen.

  1. Petitions for Daily Needs - v. 7 Cast our cares upon our Father God

Father in heaven, you love to be asked by your children. I am a child by your grace. There are many heavy burdens that I am carrying today. I lay down these heavy burdens of my life at your feet. I cast my cares upon your shoulders. I come trusting in your goodness asking you for my daily needs, both physical and spiritual. Thank you for hearing me and caring about what concerns me and my family. Help me to trust you and to believe that you are able to do far more abundantly than all I can ask or think. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

  1. Prayers for deliverance and protection from evil - vv 8-9a Stand firm in the spiritual battle

Lord Jesus our Deliverer, deliver us this day from the temptations, lies, and accusations of the Evil One. Be with us and all your children around the world who are perplexed, confused, afraid. Fill us with your holy light and help us to see your mighty hand bring deliverance from this terrible virus for your glory. We pray that the powers of darkness behind this coronavirus would be thwarted and scattered. Grant your people strength to stand firm in the battle and greater confidence in your loving abiding presence. In your mighty name, Amen. 

  1. Intercession - v. 9b Remember our brothers and sisters and all who are suffering

Our Father, we pray for our community that you would have mercy upon us and protect us from this coronavirus. Just as the angel of death passed over the children of Israel, we ask for your mercy through the blood of Jesus your Son, and we pray for ourselves, our families, and our community, that you would passover us and that none would die from this virus. Lord God, we intercede for our nation that you would provide medicine for all who are suffering from this sickness and you would prevent others from getting sick. We ask on the behalf of people suffering from this virus around the world that you would come to them and save them, healing body and soul through your mighty name. 

  1. Praise and Thanksgiving - vv. 10-11 Thank God for his promise to build his church up

Dear Father, we are amazed at our sovereign and gracious work in our world. We thank you that nothing can thwart your purposes to redeem your people and build up your church. We praise and proclaim your dominion and power even in the midst of this difficult time. We know that you are the Lord of the nations, and we humbly hallow and bless your name, for salvation is with you. As we pass through this tribulation may your name be glorified in your church and among the peoples. Amen.

Consider 

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, in a believer's ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear."   

John Newton

"Christ is the Good Physician. There is no disease He cannot heal; no sin He cannot remove; no trouble He cannot help. He is the Balm of Gilead, the Great Physician who has never yet failed to heal all the spiritual maladies of every soul that has come unto Him in faith and prayer."

James H. Aughey

"Affliction brings out graces that cannot be seen in a time of health. It is the treading of the grapes that brings out the sweet juices of the vine; so it is affliction that draws forth submission, weanedness from the world, and complete rest in God. Use afflictions while you have them."

Robert Murray McCheyne

Listen

I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130) Go to link

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Prayer Guide: Praying the Five Movements of Prayer in the Lord's Prayer

Praise and Thanksgiving: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name

  1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Psalm 103:1
  2. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! Psalm 113:2, 3
  3. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1
  4. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 

Intercession: Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

  1. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20, 21
  2. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Acts 4:29, 30
  3. Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians 6:18-19

Petitions: Give us this day our daily bread

  1. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
  2. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:14
  3. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
  4. Casing all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Confession: And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors

  1. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17
  2. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14
  3. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. James 5:16a
  4. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Prayer for Deliverance: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

  1. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:3, 4
  2. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:14
  3. Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8, 9a