Model Prayers

for Consecrated day of prayer

The Rationale for Two Model Prayers

As members of the “Body of Christ” we are not all at the same place of spiritual development. Some need a little guidance, and it is a wise thing to learn new ways of communicating to the Lord. With this in mind, we have presented two model prayers you can employ to pray at the allotted time during the Consecrated Day of Prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer Model (Matthew 6:9-13)

This prayer can be structurally understood as a template for praying:

First there is the UPWARD LOOK (6:9). Here the person praying must acknowledge God as (Hallowed) which means made Holy; consecrated. Thus, calling him Heavenly Father, Eternal Lord, our Redeemer and Savior are the ways to open our prayer. (6:10) is another aspect of praying for the Lord’s will, God’s indomitable and Sovereign will. Your prayer must include God as the supreme authority of all things under His control.

Next, the model prayer moves INWARD and it involves supplications. The person praying is now focused on himself, his needs, desires, wishes and wants. This is the point in the prayer where the speaker is focusing on him or herself.

The next move is the OUTWARD LOOK (6:12). Here the shift is towards others ("as we forgive our debtors." The prayer ends by refocusing on God; thus, the movement is back to the beginning, the UPWARD LOOK ("For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen" 6:13).

The ACTS of Prayer

This second model uses an acrostic method. An acrostic is usually a poem, word puzzle, or other composition in which certain letters in each line form a word or words. In this case the word is ACTS and each letter becomes a model for your prayer:

First is the letter “A” which stands for ACKNOWELDGE. As you open in prayer your first words are to admit the existence of God by using terms and phrases that reflect who He is. You might say Our Heavenly Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus, and so forth. Just acknowledge the Lord and what He has done in this first movement of prayer.

Secondly is the period in your poem where you begin to CONFESS. Again, allow the Holy Spirit to intercede and help you speak those issues and circumstances, conditions and behaviors, actions and responses that you might want to CONFESS. The Bible tells us confess (James 5:16).

Next, it’s time to THANK the Lord for whatever you feel moved to communicate.

Finally, you can now make SUPPLICATIONS known. Supplication means the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly and we have identified three things that you can pray to God for, but it’s not just limited to what we have requested. Make supplications as the spirit intercedes.

3 Areas of Concern for The Day of Consecrated Prayers

The Consecrated Day of Prayer will be a 24 hour period where Christians from different racial and ethnic groups, different religious denominations, churches and even different states can unite in taking their collective prayers to the Lord.

The impetus for this event was reached after reading and reflecting on 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then, will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Therefore, in light of what has been happening in our nation:

One emphasis during our Consecrated Day of Prayer will be directed towards our Nation, Political Leaders, especially our President, along with Congressional Leaders and Members of the House of Representatives. We must pray for harmony and peace, knowing that peace is not the absence of war but the presence of love, respect and mutual relationships.

Secondly, the entire membership of Union Baptist will be calling on God to help with their pastoral selection process. This has been the aim of this church's Deacons and Leadership since their previous pastor of 40 years, namely Pastor Emeritus Rev. Tommy Drayton retired. COVID-19 makes this arduous task even more uncertain, but with God's guidance and his blessings we can feel confident that the work is spirit led.

Finally, we are all praying for a vaccine for COVID-19, including extra blessings on our first respondents.

These may not be the only prayers lifted because the spirit of the Lord has a way of interceding on our behalf to make other issues relevant during our time of prayer. We shall submit to the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Amen.