'PRAY WITHOUT CEASING' vigils

Last year I drew up some guidelines for 24/7 prayer. Let me share them with you:

Here I am…
How do I pray?
What do I say?

First….remember God longs to speak to us far more than we long to speak to Him!

Second….you’re here to hold vigil. Jesus and the New Testament writers often use the instructions; ‘Watch and Pray’. When your ‘watch’ ends pass the baton (a wooden cross or something appropriate) to the next person and say to them, ‘Watch and pray’

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Third….light a candle. Jesus is ‘the Light of the World’. In a desperate world we proclaim victory over dark powers and affirm our Christian Hope. And we ourselves are ‘lights’……as having been in His presence we go out to reflect His glory. (2 Cor 4v6)

Fourth….. pray (briefly is fine) with others present. Maybe you want them to pray for you or for a problem you have. Just ask. And vice versa….be ready to pray for them.

Fifth…..as you are quiet before God, pray for each person or situation that comes into your mind. You may admit to God that you don’t know what to pray….just say ‘Lord, here is N……you know their needs. Please touch them.’

Sixth…..If, like most of us, your mind wanders….offer to God those thoughts, especially the things you are most concerned about, leave them with Him, and experience His peace. (Phil 4 v6-7)

Seventh…. Don’t be surprised if God speaks to you. It probably will not be audible, but as you are quiet before God a thought may be implanted in your mind. Test it (because there are ‘voices’ other than God’s). A particular sin may be highlighted to enable you to repent of it before God. (again…test it…. If it’s from God, it will be specific). A particular course of action may be revealed to you in answer to a dilemma you have prayed for.
Share these with others if you feel you can, and don’t be afraid to ask if you’re uncertain.

Eighth*…..


*this isn’t a complete list ! You can add to it !!