5 Ways to Stay Prayed Up and Prepared
I was determined not to miss a very important phone call this week.
Shame paid me a visit yet again, but I hung up and redialed heaven instead. I refused to allow the bully to rent space in my head.
Instead, I kept my scheduled appointment with a wise woman. My favorite pen in hand, I scrambled to capture every detail on paper.
She has experienced tremendous success, and I wanted to learn her secret.
Where should I invest the bulk of my time? What action plan should I implement to achieve my goal?
Her answer was quite simple.
Stay prayed up.
The woman who has conquered the mountain more than once informed me to fall flat on my face.
The way up is down.
You don’t need to scheme or plot or maneuver. Prepare on your knees.
No cross. No crown.
I am reminded that on the night before Jesus faced the cross, He flung Himself at the feet of the Father.
We are called to watch and pray, my friends. Why do I forget?
Tonight, I sat at the feet of the Master Teacher and asked Him to school me in Prayer 101. I thought I’d share my takeaways with you in case you need a little refresher course, too.
5 Ways to Stay Prayed Up and Prepared
Face the day early
Jesus started His day before the rooster crowed and laid out His plans before the Father. He had a daily agenda meeting with God.
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. (Mark 1:35, NLT)
Follow a simple blueprint
Have a list of bullet points handy to corral your crazy thinking. Every soldier has a battle plan.
Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy. May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Focus your heart upward
Invite the Lord to have His way in you. Yield to the Spirit and crucify your flesh. Surrender your agenda to His leading.
Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. (Luke 22:42)
Foster a culture of forgiveness
Remember you are a sinner and extend grace to the fallen and the fearful alike. Wounded people will see your witness when you choose not to condemn.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing…” (Luke 23:34)
Flee to your Defender
Ask God to surround you and your loves ones with His power, provision, and peace. Access the storehouse of His provision and arm yourself with His protection.
I am not praying that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. (John 17:15-17, HCSB)
So here are my marching orders:
Before you speak a Word, speak to the Father.
To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
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Let’s Pray Big in Community:
My desire is to lift up holy hands and “Pray Big.” Want to join me? I’ve created a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for like-minded sisters to share their stories and surrender each one to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s cry out to God together.
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Need more inspiration to #PrayBig?
- 7 Powerful Prayers to Secure Your Home from Harm
- 6 Simple Prayers to Sizzle up a Stagnant Prayer Life
- 10 Powerful Scriptures to Post on Your War Room Wall
- Organize Your Prayer Life (Every Soldier Needs a Battle Plan)
Corralling my crazy brain is so key to prayer. I need my list! Thanks for encouraging a disciplined and intentional practice with the most important discipline (and the hardest!) in my life.
Man, you’re writing simply gets better and better! Lyli, you took me to that place of prayer – of encouragement to persevere – simply by reading this. Great post that ministered.
“corral your crazy thinking…” Oh, how easy it is for things to grow into something they are not in my mind. Good words!
Another great post with a clear outline for prayer! Thank you for sharing!
Lyli, glad you wrote this – because I feel as though I need to make a big deposit in my prayer bank!
Yes, prayer is where it should begin. Why I don’t always start there, I have no idea. Are you speaking at “She Speaks or attending?” Wish I was going to be there this year it would be fun to meet up.
Thank you for the link up. I am not quite sure I how I found your site, but I am glad I did.
Blessings,
Maree Dee
Lyli, great thoughts about prayer. I sometimes forget, too, and try doing things on my own. But pretty soon it feels hollow and so much harder!
I love the new site and linkup!
And what is your list to do all that corralling? Yes, the first in the morning makes the difference even with overnight company and a to-do list on every counter. Blessings on you and your family, Lyli.