Jesus declared that His house was to be a “house of prayer for all nations” (Mark 11:17). Therefore, as the community of faith called ECB, let us journey together in learning the discipline of prayer. Let us determine to increasingly become those who cast every care onto Jesus (1 Peter 5:7), who watch on the wall for ECB (Isaiah 62:6-7) and who always pray and never give up (Luke 18:1-8) until we see lives transformed, revival fall and the last great harvest come in! This prayer tool is meant to be used daily to help in teaching us to pray the Word of God for ourselves, our fellowship and the world for which Jesus died. As you begin, ask of Jesus, the same thing that the disciples did – “Lord, teach me to pray…” (Luke 11:1).

Connecting my heart to the heart of the Father

Before you begin, meditate on this thought: ‘God is with me’.

Heavenly Father, thank You for coming near to me through Christ Jesus. He is Emmanuel, God with me. How grateful I am, that because of His finished work at the cross and my faith in Him alone, I have relationship with You. You are with me and You will never leave me or forsake me. Hallelujah!

Thank You Father, for the promises of Your Word, that even when I pass through deep waters of trials it does not change who You are or alter Your presence with me. For even the hard and painful things You will work together for my good (Pause and commit any present difficulties in your life to God and ask Him to use them to make you more like Jesus).

I choose Lord, to not be fearful or dismayed by the raging storms of life all about me, for You are my God. In You, I will be strong because You uphold me with Your righteous right hand. You are the Eternal God, my refuge, and I will rest in Your everlasting arms. Yes Father, I will rest secure in You all day long, for You love me and You will not forsake me (Pause and thank God for His presence with you in the midst of present circumstances. Ask Him to continue to go before you and to blanket you with His peace).

This day I ask You

Wonderful Counsellor, open my heart to help me to live in such a way that it is apparent to me and those around me, that You are with me.

Mighty God, reveal Your presence in my everyday circumstances reminding me of Your continual nearness – every moment.

Everlasting Father may Your faithful love be my constant buffer from the darkness of the world.

Prince of Peace calm my anxious heart with Your peaceful assurance that You are with me and will never leave me.

In the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, I pray. Amen.

Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:6-11; Joshua 1:5; Isaiah 43:2; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 41:10; 33:27; Deuteronomy 33:12; Hebrews 13:5; Isaiah 9:6; 7:14; Matthew 1:23

Pray for the Church of Jesus Christ around the world during this Christmas Season. Ask God to anoint His Word with power as it is proclaimed through outreach events and services. Pray that the Church worldwide will rise up and be true salt and light, that Jesus might be clearly seen and proclaimed. Pray that spiritual harvest will come in!

You are the God of all hope, Father. I pray that You will fill my brothers and sisters in Christ at ECB with joy and peace, that their hearts might overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Where there is depression or despair, discouragement or doubt, may it be dispelled in Jesus Name, and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit be poured out on their lives (Romans 15:13).

Jesus, You always had such great compassion on the crowds around You – may we, as Your people, feel the same for those we encounter, and respond with love. May we be known for our acts of kindness and compassion.

Father, I pray that those who are leading LIFE Groups will be empowered and anointed by Your Holy Spirit. Fill them with great joy and establish the work of their hands (Psalm 90:17)! Father, grow us into a deeper fellowship and community through this ministry, that we might be unified by Your Holy Spirit. May every Christmas gathering be blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit and many drawn to Jesus!

Ask the Holy Spirit to direct your prayers and to bring specific ECB brothers and sisters to your mind as you pray.

Father, I ask that our sinful nature, with all of its passions and ungodly desires, would be truly crucified, and that we as your people be set free to serve and worship You alone. Help us, I pray, to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25)!

Father, I pray for those who have been invited to attend next Sunday’s services. Prepare their hearts to receive the message. May they long to know Jesus. Protect them from the enemy and anything that might keep them from attending (Pray for those you know of, by name).

Father, I ask that Your Word would dwell in us richly, that we would overflow with Your Word (Colossians 3:16; 1:19-20).

May our lives be infused with fresh faith, holy living and confidence in You. Make us to be risk-takers for the sake of Your Kingdom!

May we, from youngest to oldest, become those who do not just hear the Word, but be those who do what it says (James 1:22). May we be increasingly quick and willing to obey.

Father, may the world know that we belong to You by the way that we love one another. May the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace increase in our fellowship (Ephesians 4:2-3). Help us to be completely humble and gentle with one another and to bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2-3).

Father, destroy all pride among us, and replace our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 11:19). Give us the gift of brokenness and repentance before You.

May our times of personal and corporate worship be infused with fresh Spirit-life, I pray. Teach us to worship You in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).

Father, I lift up our elders and pastors to you, and I ask that as they lead us, they will be given “wisdom that is from heaven, that is pure, peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). Pour out Your Holy Spirit on them Lord, that they might minister among us with great power and wisdom.

Renew our minds, I pray. May we as Your people turn from the philosophies and entertainment of the world and truly think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy – may this be the standard for what we allow into our minds and hearts (Philippians 4:8).

I ask, in Jesus’ mighty name, that every stronghold of addiction be broken off of us as Your people. Reveal the hidden things Father! Purify us and make us holy!

Father, I pray that we will become the kind of worshipers that You are seeking, those who worship in spirit and in truth. Open the eyes of our hearts and reveal the hidden things, for You have said that You desire truth in our inmost parts. Show us Lord, show me, where I am still withholding my heart from You (John 4:23-24; Ephesians 1:18; Job 28:11; Psalm 51:6).

May each of us come before You tomorrow with songs of thanksgiving and joy! Pour out Your Spirit on us as we gather, and change us into a people that is conformed to the image of Jesus!

Speak powerfully through our pastors. May we, as Your people, have ears to hear what Your Spirit would say to us. Anoint our pastors I pray – may those who lead us in worship be empowered by Your Spirit, those who come tomorrow who do not yet know You, be drawn to You, and O God, pour out Your Holy Spirit on us! Renew us! Revive us! Change Us!