The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

F. Keep prayer as a topic regularly before those in your sphere of influ­ ence. Bring up prayer in discussion, teaching, Bible study, and other communications. I like to say, "Boil water." The second you remove heat from boiling water, it stops boiling. Lovingly keep the heat on those in your care to keep them faithfully praying. Learn to be creatively repetitious.

9. What form might Paul's "urging" (1 Timothy 2:1) have taken?

10. How does Paul's advocacy of a multifaceted teaching approach (2 Timothy 4:2) apply in your situation?

G. Teach your people to become goal setters and to make and keep spe­ cific commitments. No matter how much head knowledge a person has attained, all growth takes place at the point of commitment to action or change. People tend to avoid commitments and goals, because they're disappointed with past failures. We'll look at ways to turn these failures into successes in Lesson 11. 11. Acts 3:1 tells of a specijzc prctyer commitment that was common to all Israel and maintained by the early church. What difference might such commitments make in your situation? H. Set regular times for your family or ministry members to pray together. Make use of already established patterns and habits. Attach prayer sessions to already planned gatherings, or replace some event with prayer. Starting with even three peo­ ple is worthwhile. Take care to teach eve1yone c01vorate prayer etiquette (see Lesson 9). I. Hang out with passionate people to keep your passion hot. It is the leader's responsibility to stay fired up for God and for prayer. You'll be inspired by some people's passion through their books or tapes. I listen to sermon tapes or books on tape while I jog.