The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

1 Kings 18:36-39

2 Kings 6·15-20

Matthew 9:27-29

John 11:41-45

See also Genesis 24:11-27, 28:1, 3-4,' Numbers 12:13,15,. 2 Samuel 15:31, 17:14, 23,· Isaiah 6·8,']onah 1:14-16,· Matthew 8:24-27,' Luke 11:2-4.

Practical Exercise: Either by yourselfor in a group, take time to pray a few short prayers. One sentence is often adequate. Keep each prayer under a minute. Time your­ self some of us lose track of time and need to experience what a shorter prayer feels like. Remember; these are real prayers. 'think about the One who is listening. B. Pray loud enough for all to hear. Try an experiment. A few minutes into a prayer meeting ask yourself, "How much energy is in this room?" Then ask everyone to increase their volume twenty-five percent. You will be amazed how this one simple adjust­ ment changes the corporate energy! When people pray more loudly, they pray faster and with greater emotional fervency. Some may object, "Louder? I'm praying to God, not to you." I answe1; "This is corporate prayer. You can talk privately with God at home. In this meeting I want to be able to agree with your prayer, so I need to hear you." Many people mistakenly equate reverence with quietness. Encourage people to lift their heads, rather than talking to the floor. An energetic group will keep people alert and involved.

2. In Acts 1:14 and 4:24, people were able to agree with each other in large co1JJorate settings . . . all without a 1-?1 system! Describe the energy implicit in each passage.

Practical Exercise: Either by yourselfor in a group, tiy praying quietly for a short