A Peek into My Prayer Life

“Will you pray for . . .?” is perhaps the question I'm most often asked. I'm thankful when invited to intercede in prayer, it allows me to be a part of God's process and work in others' lives. Although I still have much to learn, I thought I'd give you a peek into my prayer life.

I have a large “daily planner” containing a monthly calendar and pages for each day. I've added sections to the planner to use for prayer. It's a loose-leaf binder and pages can be easily added or removed. Each individual or ministry has its own page where I record Scriptures that apply to their need. I log dates of prayer requests and answers received.

Prayer sections:

• Daily: My family and a few close friends (These are some of the Scriptures I pray): 

For my husband: Ephesians 1:17-19; Psalm 15:1-2, 92:12-15
Our children: Colossians 1:9-12; 2 Corinthians 13:7-9; 1 Timothy 4:12, 6:11,12; 2 Timothy 2:22; Proverbs 2:20
Nancy DeMoss: Psalm 71:17-18

• Sunday: My pastor and church leaders, worship team, our church, and other churches I'm burdened for
• Monday – Saturday: various ministries, revival, our nation and its leaders, friends, and church members, are divided over these days
• Praise Report: This section is a compilation of various answers to prayer

Intercession Tips:

• When someone asks for prayer, if at all possible pray with her right then.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to bring this to mind at critical times when intercession is needed.
• Write down the prayer request. If you keep a log or prayer journal transfer it to the appropriate category.
• When an individual is facing a potentially severe trial, ask if you can include a group of women for a specific time of prayer over her. It may be necessary to enlist women to pray at specific times in order to have a regular cycle of intercession.
• Use every opportunity to intercede: when driving and you recognize someone in traffic, when passing a friend's house, or when hearing a song that reminds you of someone–pray for them.
• Keep reports or updates from ministries in order to pray for specific needs.
• If your prayer time is interrupted by thoughts of things needing to be done, jot them down and return to prayer, keep in mind these interruptions may be things that need prayer as well.

You don't have to use a prayer journal or set specific times to pray, however, I've found that these things help me to be diligent in accomplishing prayer rather than having good intentions that never come to fruition. I love the freedom of coming to God anytime, anyplace, praying about anything–that should occur all throughout the day. What I've shared with you today applies to the disciplined intercession that can at times seem monotonous, but is labor that yields reward.

One of life's greatest joys is seeing God answer prayer. Would you share a testimony of answered prayer?