21 Days of Prayer 2011

This evening I decided I was going to ride my bicycle around the neighborhood. The only problem was that I hadn't ridden in at least two years. By the time I got home I thought I was going to die, my legs were on fire, my heart was pounding and I wanted to throw up...and I'd only ridden two miles:-) I know, I'm way out of shape.

What in the world does my pitiful bike ride have to do with prayer? Well, over the years I've learned that my prayer life is a lot like exercising. The more I pray, the easier prayer becomes and I can spend longer and more meaningful time in prayer. I build up "prayer endurance." Tomorrow LifeGate is launching a 21 day prayer initiative. We're challenging everyone who calls LifeGate home to take the next three weeks and work on building up your spiritual muscles. Stretch yourself in prayer. If you don't pray at all during the day, commit that for the next three weeks you're going to pray for 5 minutes every day. If you pray for 5 minutes a day, make a commitment to stretch that out to 15 minutes.

To help you grow in your prayer life we're doing a couple of things. First, we're going to be hosting a one hour prayer and worship service at the beginning and the end of the 21 days. We'll be meeting on Wednesday, August 10 and Wednesday, August 31 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the auditorium at LCA. You should come check it out.

Secondly, we've prepared a daily prayer guide to give focus to your prayers. If you didn't pick up a printed copy on Sunday, you can check it out here:

21 Days of Prayer

Sunday – My Nation

(1 Timothy 2:1-2) I urge then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Pray for the United States and those who lead our country (President Obama, his Cabinet, Congress and the Supreme Court). Pray for a Christ-Awakening to come to our nation.

Monday – My City and State

(Proverbs 11:11) Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted.

Pray for Kentucky and for the Lexington metro area. Pray for our governor and representatives, for our mayor and city officials. Pray also for the 250,000 unchurched people in Lexington alone that they would find real life in Christ.

Tuesday – My Church

(Matthew 16:18) I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

Pray for LifeGate Church, for Pastor Ashley and his family, for our leadership team, lifegroup leaders and all those who serve in ministry. Pray that this fall would be a season of growth and miracles for LifeGate.

Wednesday – My Family

(Acts 16:31) Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.

Pray that each member of your family would come to know Christ.

Thursday – My Workplace

(Colossians 3:23-24) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Pray for your employer and for those you supervise. Pray for your customers and clients. Ask God to give you spiritual influence with those with whom you come into contact.

Friday – My Personal Needs

(Philippians 4:6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Believe God to answer prayers about your specific needs.

Saturday – My Purpose: People

(Matthew 9:37-38) The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

Pray for the ministries and missionaries supported by LifeGate (Hogar Ganar, CSF, ARC and others). Ask God to connect you with His purpose and plan to introduce people to Jesus and the whole new way of life only he can give.