Prayer Guide

WHAT IS INTERCESSION?

Jesus’ ministry on Earth started and ended in intercession. Intercession is simply the action of praying on behalf of another person. God has demonstrated throughout history that He will move through humans who pray to Him on behalf of others. This is how God accomplishes His will on earth—through people who pray!

WHO CAN BE AN INTERCESSOR?

Moses the shepherd-turned-deliverer, Elijah the prophet, Daniel the exile, David the shepherd-turned-king, Nehemiah the cupbearer, Esther the queen, and Deborah the judge all called on God on behalf of their people and saw God’s power accomplish mighty and even impossible things! 

The call to intercession is not for the pastors and priests alone. It is for all who follow Jesus because it is a reflection of His ministry on earth that continues even now in heaven! Revelation 12:9-10 tells us that the enemy, Satan, the deceiver, accuses us before God’s throne day and night. However, Jesus, who is always present at the right hand of God, “lives to make intercession” for us.

Hebrews 7:25, “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”


Romans 8:24, “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

JESUS INTERCEDES FOR US BEHIND THE SCENES

The prayers of Christ on our behalf are far more powerful than the accusations or demands of the enemy. Jesus let Peter in on this very thing concerning his own life. At the last supper, though Peter swore ultimate loyalty, Jesus let him in on a battle going on in the spiritual realm concerning his soon-coming failure. He had a blind spot and Jesus prayed for him ahead of time.

Luke 22:31, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 

In other words, “Peter–you are going to fail Me, and Satan will think he’s succeeded in taking you out, but I have prayed for you. And My Father will act! Your faith will remain and you will come back from this and even strengthen your brothers because of it!” Powerful! Jesus sees our weaknesses ahead of time and prays on our behalf when we can’t see what’s coming!

FREELY WE’VE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE

Jesus prayed for His disciples and then He taught them to pray. “Freely you’ve received, freely give,” Matthew 10:8. In His final supper conversation, He instructed them to pray seven different times, but reminded them 22 times that He was sending the Holy Spirit to help them! 

Romans 8:26, “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words…”

So before God’s throne we have NOT ONE, BUT TWO intercessors: Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit! They pray for us and they teach us to pray. Jesus says, “Will you join Me in interceding?”

WHO ARE WE CALLED TO INTERCEDE FOR?

Matthew 6:9-10 “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” 

Jesus teaches us to pray that God’s kingdom comes (God fully reigns) and His will is accomplished on Earth…EARTH?! The Earth is so large in scope that we can tend to disconnect as we recite this prayer from memory. 

So let’s focus in. What is the piece of earth God has entrusted specifically to you and to me? What grounds are we supposed to cover in prayer? What is our territory? In other words, when God starts looking for an intercessor near where we live, is He going to find us? 

Territory: “an area of land that belongs to or is controlled by a government” – britannica.com

God wants to govern five areas or territories of your life.

5 TERRITORIES ENTRUSTED BY GOD:

  1. Self – the soil of our own heart

     

  2. Family – your people or household and the atmosphere of your home

     

  3. Church – the Body of believers you are a part of

     

  4. City/State – the city and state you live in

     

  5. Nation – the nation you live in

     

God encouraged Joshua as he was about to lead the nation of Israel into the promised land after wandering in the desert for 40 years.

Joshua 1:3 “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you.”

I feel like God might be asking us the reverse.

Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, have you given it to ME? Am I reigning there? Is My will being done in your mind and heart, your home, your church, your city, and your nation? This is your territory! 

THIS WEEK: As a church, we want to devote these territories to Him daily in prayer as a Body of believers! The Holy Spirit will guide us when we don’t know what or how to pray. The Lord is looking for people whose eyes are on Him that He may strongly support them. We want to see God’s will accomplished in ourselves, our families, and in our nation! The only way there is prayer!

Will you join us?

Acts 1:14 “These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer.”

Monday

A Prayer for Yourself: 

Father, I thank you that You know everything about me and You love me deeply. Before I was formed, You knew me. You have loved me with an everlasting love and You even gave Your only Son for me. I thank You for Your mercy and faithfulness in my life. I cannot get over how good You are to me!

Father, will you bring to the surface what I can’t see? Where have I sinned against You or others? What have I looked at, listened to, or spent time doing that does not honor You? Have I spoken words that harmed others or grieved You? I confess __________________ (sinful words / actions). Please forgive me and cleanse me of this unrighteousness. Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Lord Jesus, who do I need to forgive? What difficult memories are on repeat in my mind? Today, I choose to forgive __________ for how they treated me. I felt _____ (ex: discouraged, embarrassed, ignored, rejected, betrayed) pain that You understand firsthand. Jesus, I release them from the debt they owe. I pray you would bless them in their relationships with others and in all that they do. Thank you that Your Spirit enables me to do what I can’t do on my own!

Thank you for forgiving me when I need it. 

  • Pray for provision and blessing
  • Pray for physical healing
  • Pray for freedom from fear, anger, unforgiveness, and depression
  • Pray for an increase seeking God and hearing His voice

Lord, help me to hear Your voice and obey Your leading even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Today, help me to pause and pray before making decisions. I trust that You will direct my path. Lord, is there anything you want to say to me?

Romans 8:26, “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words…”

So before God’s throne we have NOT ONE, BUT TWO intercessors: Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit! They pray for us and they teach us to pray. Jesus says, “Will you join Me in interceding?”

Tuesday

A Prayer for Your Family:

Prayer for Parents:

God, I thank You that You’ve been a parent much longer than I! I ask for Your favor and blessing over my family. Your word says You freely give wisdom to those who ask. I ask for supernatural wisdom to lead my home in seemingly small decisions and also the big ones. I confess my dependence on You. I pray that unity, delight, and joy will fill the atmosphere of our home. 

I ask for Your supernatural protection over my kids’ purity, their faith, their innocence, their relationships with you, and with their family. Bless them with sound minds and protect their health. I pray their bond to you as their Heavenly Father will be strong all the days of their lives. 

I pray they would be rooted in your Word, have strong Biblical convictions, and be surrounded by friends who spur them on in their walk with you. Help us, God, so that every family unit would be a representation of who You are to the lost world around us.

Prayer for Children:

God, I ask that You would bless my parent(s). Bless their minds with peace and hearts with joy. Bless their finances and help them make good decisions. I ask that You protect their health. Help me to honor and obey them. Help us to show love to each other in Jesus’ name.

  • Pray that our families seek God together in prayer, worship, and the Word

     

  • Pray that our families and households are blessed and protected in their provision and health.

     

  • Pray that marriages grow in love, and are honored, protected, and restored.

     

  • Pray for parents and kids to have healthy, loving relationships that honor Jesus.

     

  • Pray for salvation for lost family members and healing in broken relationships.

     

Lord, help our family to seek You together and follow Your guidance! I pray that You would be first in our family. Help us grow together in the Word and serve each others’ needs. Is there anything you want to say to me, Lord? 

Wednesday

A Prayer for Your Church:

Father in heaven, Holy is Your name! All power, all authority, all glory belongs to You! How great is Your love to those who fear Your name. Your kingdom come and Your will be done on Earth, through Your church, as it is in heaven! 

Heavenly Father, we have sinned against You. We have lifted up our own desires above obedience to You. We have been concerned about how people view us more than how they view You. We have disregarded You as a Holy God and have treated You like an add-on to our lives whenever we find You convenient. 

We, as Your people, have sat on the throne of our own lives and expected You to fulfill our desires. We have not entered the secret place with You to learn Your voice and Your heart. We have been spoiled children who have misunderstood the source of our blessing. 

Lord Jesus, forgive us for not denying ourselves to follow You. Forgive us for exalting our own pain and wounds above the wounds of Christ. Forgive us for hidden sin. Forgive us for not being willing to sacrifice much to you. We have been prideful, self absorbed, divisive, and petty. Please forgive Your people for not seeking You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help us to return to our First Love. We thank You for Your kindness to help us in our time of need! We need You, Lord Jesus!

  • Pray that our people love God more than they love sin, entertainment, or other relationships

  • Pray for our pastors and their families to be protected and blessed in their minds, health, and relationships

  • Pray that our church grows strong in the Spirit and in truth

  • Pray that lost friends would turn or return to Christ

“I bless _________ (my pastors by name) in the name of Jesus that the fullness of God’s peace may flood their heart and mind, sinking deeply into every part of their being and life. I bless them, that their body may be strengthened and healed, so that they are free to walk in the joy of the Lord. Is there anything you want to say to me, Lord?”

Thursday

A Prayer for Your City/State:

Thank You, Father, that the gift of Jesus came at just the right time, when the land was covered in darkness! In Him was life, and this life was the light of all mankind. He is our Counselor, our all powerful Father, and our Peace. May the light of Jesus shine in the darkness of our cities and state and not be overcome!

Father, forgive us as a state for slowly pushing away our fear of You and turning to other things like the love of self, pleasure, or the worries of life. Forgive us for removing the honor of Your name and authority of Your Word from our schools and replacing You with false identities spoken over our students. Forgive us for being passive or silent rather than actively sharing who You are with the lost! May many more souls in Arkansas be saved!

  • Pray for city/state leaders by name.

  • Pray for repentance to flow from the local churches.

  • Bless your city with promises from God (protection, provision, gospel advancing)

  • Pray for revival in schools and public spaces (hospitals, offices, gyms, shops) through believers filled with faith for the harvest

Heavenly Father, we lift up all who are leading our city and state. Please grant them wisdom and a heart to govern our people with justice and truth. Soften the hearts of those who are far from You and convict them to repent and turn to You for salvation. For those walking in darkness, shine the light of Jesus Chrsit upon them! Raise up righteous and wise men and women to govern who are bold to see Your will accomplished in Arkansas! 

  • Mayors:
    • Beebe – Mike Robertson

    • Benton – Tom Farmer

    • Bryant  – Allen Scott

    • Cabot – Ken Kincade

    • Clarksville – David Rieder

    • Conway – Bart Castleberry

    • Little Rock – Frank Scott Jr.

    • Fayetteville – Lioneld Jordan

    • Fort Smith – George McGill

    • Greenbrier – Sammy Hartwick

    • Heber Springs – Kasey Griffin

    • Hot Springs – Pat McCabe

    • Maumelle – Caleb Norris

    • Mayflower – Danny Hester

    • North Little Rock – Terry Hartwick

    • Pine Bluff – Shirley Washington

    • Russellville – Fred Teague

    • Searcy – Mat Faulkner

  • Governor:
    • Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Father, give us Your mindset to protect and provide for the vulnerable, give mercy quickly, and stay humble before You. Lord, is there anything you want to say to me?

Friday

A Prayer for the Nation:

Lord God, we thank You for blessing our nation; we can only attribute it to You. The United States of America was Your plan and Your eyes are still upon us. May You receive glory from our land, for You are faithful, oh God.

Forgive us as a nation for sinning against You. We have collectively refused to acknowledge You, rejected Your word, and replaced Your truth with “our truth.” Forgive us for shedding the blood of the innocent. Forgive us for not standing for justice and righteousness. Forgive us for declaring the right to live according to pleasure and desire instead of Your word. Please release a river of repentance over our nation. Forgive us for not making You the first and the last in our lives. We repent of turning to ourselves in place of You. Help us, Lord Jesus, and heal our land. Awaken Your church to rise in the Spirit and truth of Jesus as a light that dispels darkness and brings many to salvation! 

  • Pray for national leaders by name
 
  • Pray for repentance to flow from the American church
 
  • Pray for our nation to seek God in sincerity and truth
 
  • Pray for a great harvest of souls to come as God opens blind eyes to the truth of Jesus Christ and the reality of sin and eternity!
 

Heavenly Father, we lift up all who are leading our nation. Please grant them wisdom and a heart to govern our people with justice and truth. Soften the hearts of those who are far from You and convict them to repent and turn to You for salvation. For those walking in darkness, shine the light of Jesus Christ upon them! May Your Kingdom come and will be done in this nation as it is in heaven. Raise up righteous and wise men and women to govern who are bold to see Your will accomplished in the United States of America. 

Pray for our government leaders by name:

  • Congress:

    • 1st district – Rick Crawford 
 
    • 2nd district – French Hill

       

    • 3rd district – Steve Womack

       

    • 4th district – Bruce Westerman

       

  • Senate:

    • Tom Cotton

       

    • John Boozman

       

  • President:
     
    • Joe Biden

Father, give us Your mindset to protect and provide for the vulnerable, give mercy quickly, and stay humble before You. Help us to serve to meet the needs of the people. Lord, is there anything You want to say to me?

PRAY ACRONYM

When you’re not sure what to say in your prayer time, remember this simple PRAY acronym:

Praise

Repent

Ask

Yield

5 Daily Prayer Challenges: 

  1. Personal Prayer Challenge: Set aside time you would use for yourself today (car ride, free time, eating, entertainment) and spend that time with the Lord. Write down major prayers for the week and keep a journal so that as God highlights scripture or speaks to you, you have a way to remember what He is showing you!

  2. Family Prayer Challenge: Gather with your family or household today and pray together. Have a conversation about what you can be praying for each other this week, write it down and put it somewhere you can see as God answers.

  3. Church Prayer Challenge: Meet up with your group at church (small group, serve team, ministry team) sometime today and pray for one another and the church. Pray for pastors and their families by name and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your team as you pray.

  4. City Prayer Challenge: Take a “prayer walk,” “prayer ride” (via bike or car) around the city, schools or even your neighborhood and pray for God’s blessing, protection and Kingdom to reign in these areas!

  5. National Prayer Challenge: Gather with 2 or 3 near a place of government (courthouse, State capitol)  and pray for this nation. Prayer walk or ride may be easier than a meet up! 
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