Ongoing prayer

First Presbyterian Church of Perth Amboy

Becoming God’s Neighbor: Anchor #1

Anchors for Members of the Neighborhood to build our Love of God

1. 
   Ongoing Prayer
   
2. 
   Study of God’s Word: Every Day
   
3. 
   Bringing of the Tithe: 5% of what is taken home.
   

1. 
   ONGOING PRAYER
   

The following series of brochures are designed to prepare and educate the members of this church to fulfill our vision to Build a Neighborhood In God’s Kingdom.

These disciplines are considered the minimum for those seeking to be active Members of the Neighborhood.

“…we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…” Colossians 1: 9

“I am a member of the church, and I shall take time to pray for my neighbor, that I may surround them in God’s love.” First Church Anchor Statements, #4.

Are There Different Kinds of Prayer?

You might say different kinds of prayer, or different focal points within the same prayer. An easy was to remember them is A.C.T.S , outlined below with examples from a Sunday Worship Service:

1. 
   A: Adoration-Like the Call to Worship.
   
2. 
   C: Confession-Done as a group and as individuals
   
3. 
   T: Thanksgiving-Prayer after the Offering
   
4. 
   S: Supplication (humble request): What is shared in the Prayers of the People
   

When Do We Pray In This Neighborhood?

1. 
   During the Worship Service on Sunday morning
   
2. 
   Through our Prayer Circles
   
3. 
   On demand, whenever and wherever needed.
   
4. 
   In our personal times of devotion
   

THIS RESOURCE IS CONCENTRATING ON #4:

Personal Times of Devotion
What Goes Into A Prayer?

Here’s another way to remember-P.R.A.Y.: Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield.

1. 
   PRAISE: Begin with the acknowledgement that God is Great and worthy of our Praise.
   
2. 
   REPENT: Confession-get rid of anything that stands between God and yourself.
   
3. 
   ASK: There is NOTHING that cannot be brought to God in prayer.
   
4. 
   YIELD: This is the easiest one to forget-are you ready to listen for a response AND are you ready to act on the response God gives to you?
   

When Is The Best Time For My Devotional Prayers?

A lot of people say it should be first thing in the morning. The best time for you is the consistent time in your schedule when you can carve out a space for you and God.

How Do I Do It?

Jesus gives us good advice for that:

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matt. 6:6, NIV)

Notice the 5 basic principles for prayer contained in this short verse:

• 
  When you pray—a time for prayer
  
• 
  Go into your room—a place for prayer
  
• 
  Close the door—privacy for prayer
  
• 
  Pray to your Father—a specific Person in mind—your Father in heaven
  
• 
  Then your Father will reward you—God answers prayer!
  

From prayerpartners.com

How Long Should I Pray?

As long as you need to. It’s a new art for many people. Start with five minutes and build it up. Start with two minutes talking to God and three minutes listening for God’s reply.

What Am I Listening For?

God’s response. It might be a voice; you may feel something shift to the better in your heart, your emotional being; the words of a friend may be divinely aimed to you; the right song might suddenly come on; it could be a beautiful sunset. Just keep listening.

What Is A Prayer?
A prayer is a conversation between a created human being and their all-powerful, all-loving Creator God. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, he taught them:
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Jesus is our guide to prayer. Look to his life and experiences to guide you in your time with God.
The Bible is full of prayers, the book of Psalms being a collection of prayers that were spoken and sung from the time of their writing through the time of Jesus down through today.
Is there a prayer that never fails?
Yes.
God in Heaven, Your Will Be Done.
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6
Rev. Peter Hofstra, Jan. 2014