Just think about the times you get together with your best friend or a close family member. Time always flies when you are with this person. Talking for an hour is nothing because there is always so much you guys catch up on.
What if our prayer times with God looked like this? Have you struggled in your prayer times and have felt so distracted that its hard to pray even for a few minutes? Why is it so hard to pray sometimes?
This is a common struggle Christians have. We have to recognize that there is spiritual warfare going on when we come before the Father and pray His will. Satan does not want us to do this so of course there will be many distractions.
That is why we need to pray even harder and find ways to focus during this time so we can really meet with God, talk with him from our heart, and listen to what He has to say.
This guide is a great way to be intentional in your prayer time and even pray for an hour like its nothing! The 1 hour prayer wheel will help you can stay focused and enjoy your time in the presence of God as you split up the time into 12 increments of 5 minutes each. I pray it grows your prayer life and leads you to pray deeper, more intentional prayers.
Praise
Recognize God’s Nature – Psalm 52:9
“For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.”
Praise God by remembering his attributes – His goodness, mercy, grace, steadfast love, kindness, etc. Praise Him for what He has done in your life.
Waiting
Silent Soul Surrender – Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:4-5
Sit at the feet of Jesus and wait on Him. Be still and quiet and wait to see what He has for you. Ask Him to lead you in truth in this time.
Confession
Temple Cleansing Time – Psalm 139:23
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
Ask God to reveal any sin in your life and confess that sin to Him. Repent of it and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Scripture Praying
Word Enriched Prayer – Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Choose a passage of scripture (maybe one of the Psalms or what you have been reading recently). As you read the Word, use each verse as a prayer to God.
Watching
Develop Holy Alertness – Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
As you pray be alert and watch the thoughts coming in your head. Do you have distractions? Acknowledge those and lay them aside. Are you being tempted? Ask God to help you. Are you thinking about the Lord? Continue to dwell on His goodness and express your gratitude to Him. Is a specific person coming to your mind? Pray for that person because the Holy Spirit is putting them on your heart for a reason!
Intercession
Remember the World – 1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Spend this time praying for others- family members, friends, neighbors. Also pray for the world. For unreached people groups to have access to the gospel. Pray for persecuted Christians of the world to remain steadfast in their faith.
Petition
Share Personal Needs – Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Bring personal prayer requests you have to the Lord and talk to Him about what has been on your heart, what you are worried about, what you are struggling with.
Thanksgiving
Confess My Blessings – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Spend time thanking God for the blessings in your life. There is so much to be thankful for even in hard seasons!
Singing
Worship in Song – Psalm 100:2
“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”
Pick your favorite worship song or hymn and sing that as a prayer to the Lord.
Meditation
Ponder Spiritual Themes – Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
This would be a great time to memorize a verse or call to mind verses you have already memorized. Meditate on the Word and us the verses as prayers.
Listening
Receive Spiritual Instruction – Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
Spend the next 5 minutes just listening to God. Don’t try to speak or let your thoughts wonder. Ask God to speak to You and help you to listen what He has to say during this time.
Praise
Worship the Lord for who He is – Psalm 148:1-6
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away.”
