P-R-A-Y

This week we are going to be practicing the PRAY model for prayer.

P=Praise and Adoration

R=Repent

A=Ask

Y=Yield

You may find it helpful to journal and write out your prayers.  It may help you stay focused and not get distracted.  You should try with a journal and without and then discern which is most helpful to you.

PRAISE: Start by reading Psalm 145 or another Psalm of praise.

Read the Psalm slowly and pray the words from your own heart.  Re-write the Psalm in your own words or just begin to thank God for things in your life as they come to mind.

REPENT: You may also want to read Psalm 32.  Begin to confess your sins allow God to "search your heart".  Allow God to forgive you, receive His mercy.

ASK:

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.  And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

1 John 5:14-15

We don't always know what to ask for but we will never learn until we begin to ask.  Ask for everything and pray for everyone.  If you already know what and who to pray for begin to write those things down on a list.  As more names or things come to mind write those down.  This list then becomes a living document that continues to grow but also begins to shrink as God begins to answers your requests.  Asking God for things also helps us remember, we are not God.  That we need His help.  We can not do everything ourselves nor does God ask us to.

YIELD:  Finally in prayer we begin to submit to God.  We do not pray so God will submit to our will but so that we may discern His will and yield to his purposes.  

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you:  Take your everyday ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life--and place it before God as an offering.  Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him...Instead, fix your attention on God.  You'll be changed from the inside out.  Readily recognize what he wants form you, and quickly respond to it.

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me.  yet I want you will to be done, not mine."

Luke 22:42