Prayer Connection

December 1995

We will listen! 1-800-351-1001

From the Editor: Roger Sonnenberg

Besides celebrating the wonder of the incarnation, this issue of Prayer Connection focuses on what the Bible says about prayer and how we can actually use Scripture to pray. We hope you will find many ideas for your prayer life. The Prayer Connection Team and Family Connection wish that you and your loved ones will experience the true joy of Christmas. We appreciate your prayers for this ministry as we continue in the new year to bring you encouragement, resources and practical suggestions on prayer. 

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Is Christmas for the Birds?

So the man stayed home while his wife and family went off to church through the lightly falling snow. He sat down in his comfortable recliner and began to read a good novel. Suddenly he heard a strange noise, a thumping noise, like snowballs being thrown against the picture window. Upon closer examination he discovered there were birds trying to escape the snowstorm. They were flying against the lighted window thinking they could find a safe haven inside. But they only banged against the glass and repeatedly tumbled to the ground. Even after failing they kept trying. 

I must help rescue these birds, thought the man. He quickly put on his coat and boots and rushed outside. He ran to the barn, turned on the lights and swung open the large, wide doors, thinking the birds would see the light and fly inside. The birds, however, seemed oblivious to the invitation. The man tried to shoo them in. But then the birds scattered in every direction except toward the barn. They were afraid of this strange man running around waving his arms up and down. He tried dropping bread crumbs along a path leading toward the barn. Again the birds paid no attention. Soon the wind blew away the crumbs the snow had not covered. 

If only I could become one of them, the man thought. I would tell them in their own language, "It's safe! Let's go to the barn. There's food there -- and warmth!" But he was not a bird. He could not tell them how much he cared. He could not help them. 

Through the wind the man heard church bells chiming, "O Come All Ye Faithful." And then he knew! Suddenly everything came together -- Christ, His incarnation, why God became man, why the Son of God came to earth. God did for people what this man could not do for the birds -- become one of them. Christmas is about God's love, about God coming to earth to rescue a dying people, including, thought the man, me! He fell on his knees in the snow. 

Story adapted from Preparation for a Celebration by Roger Sonnenberg, CPH, St. Louis, Missouri, 1990

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Personal Prayers from Scripture:
Powerful Prayers for Those You Love

Is there a special Scripture for a time in one's life? Is there a passage to help deal with pain or strife? 

God in His Word addresses each need; Insert a name in these prayers, and let our Lord plead. 

Prayers for Those Who Have Strayed from Faith

Assure ______ that You, God, know how to rescue him from trials (2 Peter 2:9). Please help ______ to live by faith in the Son of God who loves her and gave Himself for her (Galatians 2:20). Let ______ be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). 

Prayers for Those Whose Hearts Are Hurting

______ is weary and burdened; May he come to Jesus and hear Him say: I will give ______ rest (Matthew 11:28). Do not let ______'s heart be troubled and do not let ______ be afraid (John 14:27). May ______ cast all her anxiety on Him because He cares for her (1 Peter 5:7). 

Prayers for Peace of Mind

The Lord your God is with ______; He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in her; He will quiet ______ with His love, He will rejoice over her with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). May God give relief to ______ who is troubled (2 Thessalonians 1:7). Give ______ the peace of God that transcends all understanding. May it guard his heart and mind in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7). 

Prayers for Those in Pain

The Lord is ______'s rock, ______'s fortress and ______'s deliverer: ______'s God is her rock in whom she will take refuge. He is ______'s stronghold, ______'s refuge and ______'s Savior (2 Samuel 22:2-3). May ______'s soul find rest in God alone; ______'s salvation comes from Him (Psalm 62:1). The sovereign Lord is ______'s strength (Habakkuk 3:19). 

Prayers for Our Children

For I know the plans I have for ______, declares the Lord, plans to prosper _______ and not to harm her, plans to give ______ hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). May all things work together for good for ______ who loves God (Romans 8:28). May Christ dwell in ______'s heart through faith so she will be rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17). 

Prayers for Those in Their Golden Years

Even when _______ is old and gray, do not forsake ______, O God, till ______ can declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come (Psalm 71:18). And God will meet all ______'s needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Help ______ put on the full armor of God so that he may be able to stand against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:11-13). The Lord bless ______ and keep ______ , the Lord make His face shine upon ______ and be gracious to ______; the Lord turn His face toward ______ and give ______ peace (Numbers 6:24-25). 

Prayers for Those Seeking Guidance

The Lord will instruct and teach ______ in the way he should go (Psalm 32:8). Help ______ to remember that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). May ______'s prayer come before You; turn Your ear to ______'s cry (Psalm 88:2). May _____ be still and know that You are God (Psalm 46:10). 

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Winter Reading

Come Before Winter and Share My Hope (Zondervan, 1985) is a collection of devotions by Charles Swindoll to help you prepare for winter, persevere through it and accept God's promises of new life coming, whether winter is the season of the year or the season of your heart. 

At Family Connection we are using these short, instructive devotions to focus our daily prayers. For example, in the devotion "Determination" Swindoll tells the story of Tom Landry, the determined and untiring football coach who built the championship Dallas Cowboys and remembered to give God the glory. We pray, then, that God will keep us focused and committed to our task, determined to succeed, giving Him the glory. We ask God to give our callers determination to face and overcome the pain in their lives, whether it is sudden and overwhelming or long and numbing. We thank God for His determination to save us through Jesus Christ in spite of our lack of determination to do His will. 

This book can help you focus your prayers in winter. If we can help as you search for words to pray, or if you'd like us to pray with you or for you, call Family Connection: 1-800-351-1001. 

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Prayer Insights from Scripture

What does God's Word teach us about prayer? Take a week to study the Scriptures and consider how these insights can impact your prayer life. 

SUNDAY -- PRAYER THROUGH WORSHIP

Read Colossians 3:15-16. Worship times, both at home and at church, combine speaking to God (prayer, praise) and hearing from God (Bible readings, sermon). As we concentrate on the words used in worship, we may discover "hidden" prayers. What are some of your favorite psalms? Which ones are prayers addressed to God? Think of some common hymns. Which of these are prayers set to music? Slowly read the words of one of these hymns. What is the mood and content of the prayers being expressed? 

MONDAY -- ADD BREADTH TO YOUR PRAYERS

It is easy for our prayers to become shallow, repeated requests aimed at only a few people or needs. Let's aim toward broadening the kinds of prayers we offer. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-6. 

What might be the difference between requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving? Try to include at least one of each in your next prayer time. We are encouraged to pray for everyone. Make a list of people you don't usually pray for, and add them to your prayer list this week. You may wish to include relatives, friends, people you hardly know and those you don't know at all. 

TUESDAY -- PRAYER TAKES DISCIPLINE

Many people take a casual approach to prayer, fitting it into empty moments here and there. While this is a fine practice, it is good to supplement this with more disciplined times of prayer. Read Acts 13:1-3. 

The prophets and teachers called a prayer meeting for a purpose. What was it? How did they prepare for the prayer gathering? Fasting can be as simple as using lunch time to pray instead of eat or as extended as consuming only fluids for 24 hours or more. Fasting was a common practice in Old Testament times and throughout much of the history of the Christian church. What special prayer concern do you have for which you could plan a special time of fasting and prayer? 

WEDNESDAY -- PRAYER WHEN EVERYTHING SEEMS OUT OF CONTROL

Times of crisis and trouble move people in different ways. Some cry out to God, while others feel dismayed, wondering if God has betrayed or ignored them. Read Acts 16:22-31. 

Although Paul had just freed a girl from an evil spirit, everything seemed to go wrong as Paul and Silas were severely punished for this good deed. How did they respond to a long and painful day (verse 25)? Did they feel that all was lost or that God was in control? Were they praising God, pleading for help or both? 

What troubling and potentially depressing situations do you face? Is God in control? Will good come of the situation? 

THURSDAY -- TOGETHER IN PRAYER

"There is strength in numbers" is true in spiritual as well as physical matters. Read Acts 2:42-47. What important word do you see used three times in verses 44 and 46? Where did the believers meet? What did they do when they met together? Why is it important to meet together for prayer and other spiritual purposes? When do you or could you gather with your family for prayer? with your spiritual family (fellow Christians)? 

FRIDAY -- PRAYER AND YOUR ATTITUDES

Read 1 Timothy 2:8. In the Greek New Testament the word for "men" here means "males," not "humans." Why might Paul have singled out men when he made this exhortation to pray? 

How do anger and arguing get in the way of your prayers? Think carefully about your attitudes and interactions with members of your family or church. What arguments come to mind? Do you feel a rise of anger when you think about certain individuals? How can you try to develop positive, loving attitudes in the next week? 

SATURDAY -- WHEN GOD DOESN'T SEEM TO HEAR YOUR PRAYERS

Perhaps each of us can think of particular things for which we have prayed for years without seeing God do what we ask. Has God been listening? Read Acts 10:4 and Luke 1:13. How long had Zacharias been praying for a son? Had he given up praying before the angel visited him? What purpose did God have in waiting so long to answer? How many prayers and offerings may Cornelius have made over the years? How many of them had God noticed? 

What need have you prayed for many times? Have you given up? Find a way to remind yourself that God has been listening. 

Dr. John Juedes is pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Highland, California.

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Prayer Q & A

A: Javelin prayers are prayers that can be offered quickly and with accuracy. They are simple but meaningful phrases from Scripture, based on the premise that there is power in God's Word! Offer them as you're driving the car or preparing dinner. Offer them when you are tempted to worry or complain or be dishonest. 

These phrases can also be repeated in a prayerful way until the thought is engraved in your heart. Javelin prayers can nourish and feed you spiritually. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you with these words. 

God is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1 RSV).

The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23:1 KJV).

The Lord is my light and my salvation (Psalm 27:1 KJV).

Make me to hear joy and gladness (Psalm 51:8 KJV).

For He will give His angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11 RSV).

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24 RSV).

Though I walk in the midst of trouble Thou dost preserve my life (Psalm 138:7 RSV). 

Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9 RSV). 

Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4 RSV).

Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20 RSV). 

Adapted from Living With Purpose, CPH, St. Louis, Missouri, 1994.

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Family Fun Fest

Don't miss what? Family Connection's first Family Fun Fest, a weekend of worship, uplifting presentations and family fun! Make Family Fun Fest part of your vacation or travel plans. 

Family Fun Fest
July 26-28, 1996
Kalispell, Montana 
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GET IN THE CLOSET!

In the busy, over-scheduled style of the '90s a daily quiet time can seem like just one more thing to put on the to-do list and one more thing to feel guilty about when it doesn't happen. The pressures of life and the influence of the enemy make it seem impossible to find time alone with God. We can become so zealous for the Lord's work that we neglect the Lord Himself. 

But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:6). Our lack of "closet time" often leaves us fretful, fearful and frustrated. But when we get in the closet, a blessing awaits. 

Prayer is the vehicle God has given to keep us connected to Him during our days on earth. He invites us to approach Him boldly, laying at His feet our sins, burdens, needs, thanks and praises. Because of Jesus we find forgiveness, acceptance, guidance, power, peace, comfort and rest for our souls. We come to know God in an intimate way and experience His delightful presence. 

Sometimes the hardest part is getting started. If this is true for you, stop right now and tell God, "I just can't get started" -- and you will have begun praying! When your schedule is tight say, "God, give me time to be alone with you." He will! When the words won't come or your mind wanders, tell Him about it. You will discover the truth of God's promise: Ask and you shall receive (Matthew 7:7). 

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