So far this year, we’ve shared excerpts from several great books on prayer, as well as Bible passages on prayer as well. But sometimes it is still confusing – especially when we read what Jesus asked of Peter:
And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
Mark 14:37
Dick Eastman, president of Every Home for Christ, wrote a book 41 years ago that is still extremely helpful, The Hour that Changes the World. In it he shares how he was able to “sing with fresh excitement” an old hymn:
O the pure delight of a single hour.
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!
Fanny Crosby, Draw Me Nearer
Eastman gives 12 areas of “focus” within prayer. By spending five minutes on each area of prayer, we can pray for an hour a day!
Before jumping in and committing to spend an hour in prayer tomorrow, and then Satan lulls you back to sleep and tries to crush you with your failure, we’ll look at these twelve areas one at a time.
If you’re not used to praying extensively, try starting with just one minute of focused prayer on each topic, and you can start with Topic 1:
- Praise
The Lord’s Prayer was His model for us, to teach us how to pray! It starts with a praise to God.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name
Matthew 6:9
Today, if you’re not used to praying extensively, start with just one minute of praise (better to build a good habit slowly than to fail spectacularly!)
What can we praise God for?
Let’s look up in to the heavens!
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
Psalm 8:3
Eastman also discusses how we can praise His Word as the Psalmist did in Psalm 19:
[7] The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
[8] The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
[9] The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
[10] More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
[11] Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.Psalm 19:7-11
Let’s take some time today to praise the Lord!
