Keeping a Kingdom focus is difficult when circumstances get tough, when we get discouraged, or when we simply get tired and worn down. Yet, we all know of people who epitomize Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” What makes the difference in those who can work tirelessly in thankless and/or tedious service to others…and those who “give up”?

When asked how she could work day in and day out caring for and loving the “poorest of the poor,” Mother Teresa simply answered, “I pray.” Her life example, as well as intentional teaching of others who worked with her, was to develop a consistent life of prayer. It was her observation that well-meaning people could sustain work such as she did among lepers in Calcutta and with the poor in many places of the world, for perhaps a year or two at best. However, those who willingly and joyfully pressed into difficult work for God’s kingdom day after day, year after year with joyful hearts could only be sustained by an unwavering moment by moment, constant and unfailing prayer life.

The transformational work of God that enables us to do “small things with great joy” (Mother Teresa) which have significant impact on lives, families, communities and beyond, are fueled by connectivity with the Father who gives us the strength to do all things! Nurturing holy habits of prayer are paramount to the endurance needed to run the race set before us. Trying to do so in our own enthusiasm and strength only sets us up for failure. It means the work is based only upon what we, in our humanness, are able to do rather than what God in His holiness and power can do through us.

One prayer habit that has been most helpful to me is an ancient one. It is called the Prayer of Examen. Scripture says much about examining ourselves and opening ourselves up to the Lord’s examination. Here are two such verses of many: “When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent” (Psalm 4:4). “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). The Prayer of Examen is a prayer practice in which God examines our hearts, minds and motives. As I have tried to make this more of a habit in my every day prayer life, I’ve discovered that the Holy Spirit has more of an opening to do a deep work in me…to purify my heart and life of those things which distract and deter me from living more fully for the sake of Jesus and His kingdom.

The Prayer of Examen is a powerful way to experience God in all things by intentionally thinking carefully about your day before going to sleep. Here are some helpful steps:

1. Bring to your mind as much as you can about what you did and thought about, what interactions you had with others, what things happened to you, etc. throughout the course of the day.
2. Think through all of the blessings you received and blessings you gave to others. Thank God for each one of them in turn, giving yourself opportunity to be truly grateful.
3. Consider all of the good you might have done but didn’t because you were too busy, missed the opportunity, were too afraid or uncertain, etc. Take time to confess those sins of omission to God with a repentant heart.
4. Repent of every unloving or unkind action including angry or harsh words that were spoken to others. Be still for a few moments and ask the Father to help you to consider how you could act in more loving ways and how you might make right any situation in which someone else was hurt or harmed by your actions or words.

Prayerfully taking inventory of your day allows you to learn how live more fully for Jesus and to serve Him in Christ-like ways. Taking this posture of humility on a consistent daily basis will give you the spiritual tools and strength to step more fully into God’s kingdom purposes for your life.

I’m guessing many of you are like me and get aggravated when your computer is slow, or when fast food is less than fast. When I think I need an immediate deliverance from an unpleasant situation or circumstance, I quickly ask God for rescue and most often, I am left in the situation until it is resolved…and perhaps not the way I would have liked. I keep wanting to think that God is teaching me patience in those moments; however, I’m beginning to pay closer attention to what I already know – He wants me to change my expectations from wanting my answers to prayer to be according to my anticipated outcomes to using the mind of Christ He gave me:  “‘For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). The mind of Jesus was always perfectly submitted to the will of the Father…it awes me to think this same mind belongs to me…if I will use it!

Patience (or long-suffering) is a fruit that doesn’t seem to ripen on my tree sometimes. When I need help, I want God to hear me quickly and deal with my situation perfectly, which would, of course, be exactly the way I think He should deal with it. Sometimes God has other answers in mind that I am incapable of understanding when standing in the moment of “need.”

Dallas Willard said, “Wanting God to be God is very different from wanting God to help me.” If I could grasp this, my praying would be very different much of the time! In my heart I know that my prayers should always be in alignment with the will of God, and that I need to lay aside my own agenda in deference to His plans and purposes. But there are just times when I need help from God and so I ask! I wish I could say that I always ask with a pure heart, expecting God to be God and then get out of the way. Often, my whiney prayer is to get my needs met according to my own human expectations. What if God has a higher and better outcome through my suffering…or by letting me experience waiting or pain or disappointment? Am I able to step aside and watch from God’s perspective as my situation plays out in the heavenlies, or am I so impatient that I miss an important lesson, or even a blessing?

James 4:3 says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” The writer of Proverbs states, “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but his motives are weighed by the Lord.” Ouch. When I want prayer to be about me…my need, my timing, my expectation, my way, my comfort, my desire, etc. instead of looking with anticipation for God to be all that He is in the midst of my situation, I’m asking with wrong motives. He holds my best interests in His heart. How can I ever think that my thoughts and ways are higher and better than what He intends? I wonder how often I actually screw up the perfect plans of God because I am impatient or ask selfishly.

As the fox says to the Little Prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic story, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” For God to be God, we, His people, must desire to trust what we cannot see enough to know that it will be His very best for us, whether we believe it at the time or not. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you’” ( Jeremiah 29:11-12)

Perhaps you have already set your New Year’s resolutions in committed stone for this year; however, I encourage you to consider weaving one or more of these powerful prayer resolutions into the mix as you seek to be more like Jesus, the One who lives to intercede for us! Utilize them to help you successfully implement your other resolutions. Only our God can give us the wisdom and strength to successfully carry out the desires expressed through the pledges we make each January:

“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

It has been a “noisy” year for me…perhaps for you as well. What better way to begin my year than spending some time devoted to being still before my Creator and allowing His perfect Presence to become more full and rich within my heart, healing my weary soul and renewing me from the inside out.  Take some time to shut out the noise and activity that clamors to take the hectic pace of this year and continue it right into the New Year. Instead, begin listening to His quiet invitation to stillness. Allow yourself opportunities to trade busyness and noise with a listening prayer that offers the opportunity to hear from the great I AM.

“…pray continually…” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Would you like this to be the year when prayer becomes like breathing to you? Take time to invite God into your every thought, word and activity so that the likeness of Jesus can become more fully formed in you. As you pray, consider what the prayer of Christ for you, for others, for circumstances, etc. might be in the moments of life you experience this year.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18

As we pray for other believers, it is important to seek what is on the heart of God for them. As our teacher, the Holy Spirit has such knowledge and will impress upon us how we should intercede – if we look to Him. Lifting up the needs of those who love Jesus is a privilege and an important way to “pray continually.” Ask God to show you believers who need a touch from Him through your prayers.

“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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4

Praying for and giving thanks for “everyone” is not an easy task – especially those we don’t agree with who may be in authority over us. I would suggest making a very personal request of the Father: “Lord, place on my heart a burden to pray for those who need to come to a knowledge of the truth! Show me their faces or place their names before me so that I might be aware of their need for you. Give me great love for all those in authority over me so that we may all live peaceful, quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. I want to please you God my Savior.”  After you pray, listen carefully for the prayer assignments God gives to you and be faithful to complete them!

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”  James 1:5-8 

There are so many times when wisdom is needed in my life and I have forgotten this amazing promise. I try to “fix” things in my own strength rather than through the wisdom that God wants to generously give me…if I will ask. This promise does come with a condition – I am to believe and not doubt when I ask. My pastor put it this way, “When you ask for wisdom, you must believe that it is on its way.” Sometimes I want wisdom immediately, but there may be things God wants to do in me to get me to the place where I can receive and utilize the wisdom He gives me. In this new year, make a habit of asking the Father for His wisdom and then believe that it is “on its way.”

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”  James 5:16

No one likes confessing sin, which is perhaps why it is so important that we do it. Keeping short accounts with God is vital to our spiritual health and to our work for the sake of the kingdom. If you don’t have an accountability partner, or a spiritual friendship that allows for each of you to confess sins and pray for one another, that would be a transformational life goal for this new year. Ask God to connect you with at least one other person with whom you can share the dark places in order to be healed, allowing your prayers to become powerful and effective for His glory.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem…” Psalm 122:6-9 

Has there ever been a year in recent history when praying for the peace of Jerusalem has seemed more urgent? The nation close to the heart of God is surrounded by enemies and turmoil. Press in “for the sake of the house of the LORD our God” (v 9).

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41

I am often tempted by things that I could avoid completely if I was watchful! It is when I am not paying attention that the enemy creeps in to mess with me! It is so easy to say or do something that harms another person or damages my own soul when I am careless about watching what is going on in and around me as I pray.

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. ” Mark 11:25   

“…bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28

I am convinced that a lack of forgiveness is the root of much sin in life! Saying we forgive someone is very different from actually forgiving from our hearts. The redemptive work of God can only take place when we let go of bitterness, anger and/or a desire for revenge. Prayerfully ask God to show you if you are holding anything against anyone as you begin this year. As you pray blessings over them, He may also show you some tangible ways to bless their lives as well.

 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

Is prayer a delight for you…or a duty that you feel compelled to do as a believer? In this new year, ask the Father to give you an extraordinary love for prayer. Again, we are told to be watchful and thankful as we dedicate our hearts to His plans and purposes expressed through our prayer lives.

 As you weave one or more of these prayer resolutions into your life this year, you can be encouraged by this wonderfully encouraging promise from God: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer…” 1 Peter 3:12

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:13-15).

If you are a follower of Jesus, and have a personal relationship with Him, at some point in your life, you prayed a powerful, life-changing prayer that has forever altered your spiritual condition. I remember prayerfully inviting Christ to enter my life. There was a transitional moment when I wavered between unbelief and complete faith that Jesus is who He says He is, and that He could and would forgive all of my sins and usher me into the unwavering hope of eternal life.  I had questions; maybe you did too: “Do I really have eternal life?” “Do I have enough faith?” “Did God really answer my prayer?”  John was assured that God always answers the repentant heart with a resounding, “Yes!” This truly is a “blessed assurance!” (Note: Wow – I was listening to instrumental piano on Pandora and just as I was writing the previous sentence, the hymn Blessed Assurance began to play. What an incredibly affirming moment of “Amen” from the One who loves us most)!

My moment of salvation was also the moment when my prayer life “officially” began. Oh, I had prayed before, but never with the knowledge that God was really listening. This foundational and formational moment in my spiritual life has birthed every faith-filled prayer from that point on. As I matured in faith, I was astonished to realize that Jesus, living in me, is also interceding for me, with me and through me! Pretty powerful realization!

If you ever have a lack of confidence in approaching God, remember back to that most important prayer of faith you prayed when you asked Jesus to be Your Lord and Savior. If you had enough faith to believe then, you most certainly have enough faith to believe that He will hear and answer now!  It is always in God’s will to receive our broken lives into His forever kingdom, and to forgive our sinfulness whenever our repentant hearts bow before Him. In this same way, Jesus said that even if our faith is as small as a mustard seed we can “…say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you” (Luke 17:5-6).

Are there some mulberry trees in your life right now that need to be planted in the sea? Do you feel that your faith is wavering to believe that God will respond when you ask? Pray as the apostles did: “Increase our (my) faith” (Luke 17:5)! The God who answered your first prayer of repentance is poised to hear and respond to your request for faith with a “Yes!” You can always have the confidence to know that the power of His Spirit resides within the faith-filled prayers of your everyday life.

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44).

This verse became very personal for me one winter, shortly after I had given my life to Jesus. Clara, an older woman in my church, revealed that she had been praying for me daily for more than two years. She did not really know me, but she knew that I needed to give my heart to Christ. The significance of that moment did not hit me until I came face to face with John 6:44. Had God been drawing me while I was too busy to hear or pay attention? I could truthfully say that I had never known any other person who was interceding on my behalf. It made me ask, “What if she had not been praying for me?”

I believe that Clara’s prayers allowed my heart to be open to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Because she cried out to God for my soul, I now have everlasting life. God was patiently wooing me, but in my ignorance and pride, I already believed I was going to heaven because I was a “good person.” Clara prayed that I would bow my knee before the King of kings. As she did battle on my behalf, I began to soften my will before God, responding to His call to make His Son my Lord and Savior.

As you interact with the people in your own family, your friends, coworkers, fellow students, business associates, customers, or even the strangers you pass every day, have you ever considered whether or not anyone is praying for them?  What if your prayers could make the difference in someone’s eternity? Would this give new significance and urgency to your prayers? Begin to look at your relationships differently. Ask God to draw people to Himself so that they will be able to respond to His plans and purposes for their lives. Can you imagine some new possibilities for prayer in the moments of your every day, ordinary life that will make an extraordinary impact upon each person you come into contact with? Begin today to pray for the Father to draw the people you love, interact with or just pass by each day to Himself. We may never know until heaven how many lives have been opened to receive Christ because of our prayers.

(c) Harvest Prayer Ministries