Friday, September 6, 2013

40 Days of Prayer


There is something special about the number 40. Whether it was Noah and family aboard the ark, the Israelites wandering in the desert, or Jesus fasting in the wilderness, God has used the number 40 to prepare his people to inhabit new places and ministries.
God still uses the number 40, not as a magical formula but as a model to help prepare God’s people for the fulfillment of his promises in-and-through us.
Monday (Sept. 9) begins a 40-Day prayer challenge for the congregation that I serve, and perhaps for you. What will we do for the next 40 days (ending on Oct. 18)? I suggest three things:
Read a devotional entry every day from the book Draw the Circle: A 40-Day Prayer Challenge, by Mark Batterson. (You could use a different devotional booklet if you wish, or simply read a daily Bible verse.)
Define 3-4 “prayer circles” in your life. A prayer circle is a prayer that you are 100%, without-a-doubt, wholeheartedly committed to see through over the next 40 days (and beyond). You might draw prayer circles for a ministry at GPC, a personal prayer need, or our nation.
“Pray through” these prayers and journal how you see God responding, and how God is changing you throughout the process.
I believe God has special plans for your life and mine. Join us in a 40-Day Prayer Challenge.

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