Deepening Your Ministry Through Prayer and Personal Growth

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The test of such a day is not how exhilarated we feel when the day is over but how it works into life tomorrow.
—Lorne C. Sanny

"I never thought a day could make such a difference," a friend said to me. "My relationship to everyone seems improved. Why don't I do it more often?"

Comments like these come from those who set aside a personal day of prayer.

With so many activities—important ones—clamoring for our time, real prayer is considered more a luxury than a necessity. How much more so spending a day in prayer!

The Bible gives us three time-guides for personal prayer. There is the command to "pray without ceasing"—the spirit of prayer—keeping so in tune with God that we can lift our hearts in request or praise anytime through the day.

There is also the practice of a quiet time or morning watch—seen in the life of David (Ps. 5:3); of Daniel (Dan. 6:10); and of the Lord Jesus (Mark 1:35). For the growing, healthy Christian, this daily time specified for meditation in the Word of God and prayer is indispensable.

Then there are examples in the Scripture of extended time given to prayer alone. Jesus spent whole nights praying. Nehemiah prayed "certain days" upon hearing of the plight of Jerusalem. Three times Moses spent forty days and forty nights alone with God.

Having set aside a day or portion of a day for prayer, pack a lunch and start out. Find a place where you can be alone, away from distractions. This may be a wooded area near your home or your backyard. An outdoor spot is excellent if you can find it; but don't get sidetracked into nature studies and fritter away your time. If you find yourself watching the squirrels or the ants, direct your observation by reading Psalm 104 and meditating on the power of ...

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