There is no substitute for a consistent, disciplined approach to prayer.  As followers of Jesus Christ we should:

• Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• Pray about everything (Philippians 4:6)

In my 18 years of following Jesus Christ and 14 years of pastoral ministry, I have found myself to be most disciplined in my prayer life when I create a document that guides me through prayer each day.

I want to share with you my prayer document for 2020.  Mine includes the SSFBC church logo and has been laminated.  It need not be so fancy.   The content is what matters.  Here’s what my document contains:

May I walk in step with the Spirit: Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Gal 5:25)

May I have boldness in preaching the gospel: Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. (Eph 6:19)

May I be formed into the image of Christ: My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you. (Gal 4:19)

May I have a vision for leading SSFBC: Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Prov 29:18)

May I love my wife well: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. (Eph 5:25)

May I be filled with discernment and wisdom: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

May I seek first the Kingdom: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt 6:33)

Prayer Points:

• Heart, mind, and body of Katie, Abigail and Wesley
• Spiritual maturity of SSFBC and FBC Crawford
• Weekly ministries of SSFBC
• Staff, ministry leaders, deacons, volunteers, members, visitors of SSFBC
• Those currently with pressing needs
• Sun City Church, El Paso (Brant & Tom)
• Churches of Sulphur Springs

Questions:

• Am I hurried? Why?
• Am I stressed? Why?
• How can I be obedient today?
• What are today’s priorities?

I use the prayer document along with my Bible reading plan for the year.  You need a healthy diet of Bible reading and a healthy exercise of Bible living.  A constant, disciplined, prayer life plays a vital role.  The prayer document keeps me praying and keeps me praying for Kingdom priorities.