A Prayer Aid
First published as “a prayer aid” on April 10, 2008
Probably most of us pray at some time or other. I know I certainly do — for things that concern me personally as well as requests that others give me, or for things that I hear about in the world at large that leave me feeling helpless, or upset or threatened or frightened or any number of other things. However, a few months ago I began to feel convicted about the sloppiness with which I handled these prayer concerns. Because I was trusting my memory to pull them up for me, my praying was very hit-and-miss. That’s when I decided to do something list-wise and designed my monthly prayer-list / chart. I decided to make this a list I will revisit weekly. I designed my chart to fit on two pages, with five large sections (to accommodate even the longest month). Each large section is divided into a request box on the left, and an answer box on the right. When I get an answer to prayer, I write it across from the request in red – so I’m sure not to miss it.
I confess I haven’t been completely regular about keeping current with this list. But I do now have quite a few filled-out sheets that help me see what I’ve prayed for and how God has answered those prayers. Often when looking back over past weeks, I see answers when I didn’t at the time (keeping a list with a space for answers keeps one alert for something to put in that section). To motivate me further, I placed two of my favourite quotes about prayer at the top of the first page:
“Intercession means that we rouse ourselves up to get the mind of Christ about the one for whom we pray . . . . Get into the real work of intercession, and remember it is a work that taxes every power; but a work that has no snare”
– Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, March 30
and
“Without the intervention of God’s kingdom rule through prayer, Earth’s circumstances will succumb to inevitable consequences. Earthly scenes of need must be penetrated by God’s “will here as in heaven.” Either the weakness of man’s rule (the flesh) or the viciousness of hell’s works (the Devil) will prevail. God’s power alone can change things and bring heaven’s rule (kingdom) instead, and the honor and the glory for prayer’s answers are His. However, the praying is ours to do. Unless we ask for the intervention of His kingdom and obey His prayer-lessons, nothing will change. All kingdom ministry begins with and is sustained by, and will triumph through prayer.
– Jack Hayford (New Spirit-Filled Life Bible)
Aren’t those great!
An item that has appeared on each list I’ve made so far is for healing for friends and relatives who are ill, many with cancer. My prayer list has helped me keep regular with these prayers and, praise God, there are some red notes next to those items — but I wish there were more. Of course I know only eternity will tell the complete effects my prayers have had.
