Listening to Ruth Whitaker’s excellent video of
“How to Pray for East Africa”, it prompted me to consider my own prayer life. My own thoughts, dreams and intercession for the afflicted nations. The vastness of the regions. The millions at risk. The despair of so many. How to Pray, helped me put some perspective on the vastness of the ask.
The truth is that there is more to prayer than just the How and I thought it would be worthwhile to put some of the classic 5 ‘W’s into the mix to help our own prayer life.
Who – We are all called to pray. Perhaps you don’t feel like you are blessed as a prayerful person. I believe, that means that every time you pray God will be excited to hear what you have to say to Him. In many ways, your simple prayers are likely to cut to the chase better than many who pray for hours.
What
– When I am struggling to pray specifically into a topic, I have found a useful exercise to be to read the bible, listen to worship or sit in silence and listen to God. The most effective prayers have been ones where I have felt a ‘calling’ to pray for something specific. If you are new to this, just let your thoughts wander across Africa. When a thought seems to resonate, pray into it, you will probably find that the resonation is spirit-led.
Why
– We are called to prayer. Not only because the bible says so, but because it is the weapon our God has given us to change the world. He has given it to us so that we can partner in His works.
Where
– Anywhere you feel comfortable. It is always ideal to have a peaceful spot, but while commuting or at work, every prayer is a blessing. A friend once said to me that he found long prayer difficult, but he loved ‘rocket-prayers’ that were shot upwards regularly through the day.
When
– Whenever you can spare the time.
The truth is that you should never feel guilty if you cannot spare the time, or feel that your prayers are lost in the enormity of the problem. Every prayer counts, every voice added to the clangor for justice and resolution is worthy. Enjoy the journey as your prayers bring you closer to God and the crisis is conquered by His love.
Bible Passage
1 Timothy 2
New International Version (NIV)
1 Timothy 2
Instructions on Worship
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.