Week 2
Day4
P.R.A.Y.
R is for Reliance
This is our second week taking a deep dive into prayer.
The True Shepherd
John10:3-5
“and because the gatekeeper knows who he is, he opens the gate to let him in. And the sheep recognize the voice of the true Shepherd, for he calls his own by name and leads them out, for they belong to him. And when he has brought out all his sheep, he walks ahead of them and they will follow him, for they are familiar with his voice. But they will run away from strangers and never follow them because they know it’s the voice of a stranger.””
John 10:3-5 TPT
Listening Prayer
In order to rely on God, it is important to prioritize some time to simply listen for His voice. After we clearly hear from God, then we will be confident and filled with trust. Reliance doesn’t just happen. We have to be active by using our listening language.
Come to God with your request for guidance
Share with God your specific request for guidance in prayer. And by the power of Christ, give God’s voice authority over the voices of others and our own voices.
Listening prayer template taken from
Mary Geegh’s little book, God Guides. Mary Geegh served as a missionary in India through the Reformed Church in America from 1924 to 1962.
Pray
1.”Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ, your son, and according to James 1:5. I am seeking wisdom for _____________(your request).
In the name of Jesus, according to Matthew 28:18 and Luke 10:19-20, I take authority over Satan and his fallen angels and command that they be rendered deaf, mute, and blind to my prayers, and removed from my presence.
I submit my own voice to the shed blood of Jesus and command that my own thoughts be taken captive to the obedience of Christ, according to 2 Corinthians 10:5.
I ask, Father, that only your Holy Spirit will speak to me now as I wait on you for wisdom, insight, and direction. And whatever you show me or direct me to do, I pray that I will quickly obey.
In Jesus’s mighty name, amen.”
Wait in silence for God to speak for 10-12 minutes
2.Listen to what God is saying to you. What themes emerge? What becomes clear about God’s plan for you as you listen?
3.Jot down any Scripture, songs, impressions, or pictures God gives you
(Jim Harrison coordinator for prayer mobilization in the reformed church in America)
My wife and I have done listening prayer with our children, and it’s wonderful to see how the Lord chooses to speak. One may receive a verse from Scripture, another a song. Sometimes a member of our family gets one word, or a particular phrase. Another sees a picture. Often the Lord gives us one piece of the message, and it only seems to make sense after everyone has had the chance to share what they received.
4.Share how God spoke to you with your prayer partners and follow God’s will
Whatever the Lord speaks to us, the most important thing is that we obey his voice. If you are unsure or need more confirmation, then ask the Lord for this. But if you hear and receive clear direction from God, strive to respond with full obedience, being confident that God is the one guiding you by the Holy Spirit. There is great comfort and security when we hear and obey
Action Step:
Try this exercise alone or with friends.
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