Spotlight

Dan.9:³ “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.”

You and I need to bring our prayer lives under God’s light this season. I pray that as we do, God will do His special work in us and take our prayer lives higher in Jesus Name [say Amen]. Describe your prayer life in one word, what is going well, and what could be better? If you are to describe your prayer life in one word, would it be hot, cold, nonexistent, struggling, or much to be desired? _________________________________________________. Now I want you to write down that word and I would explain why. When you look back after this season is over, it would be a point of thanksgiving for you. That whereas I was…, but now I am on fire for God. Which of the following obstacles or distractions make prayer challenging for you? (Check all that apply)

• I am too busy.
• My mind wanders.
• Text, email, social media, etc. distract me…
• I am not sure prayer can make a difference, the situation before me is huge.
• I feel too guilty or too distant from God.
• I am angry at God.
• I do not have a quiet place to pray.
• Others: _______________________________________________________________________________________.

The idea behind this is so that you are able to introspect and know where you are. Then you can know the next steps to take. Have you ever prayed for something that was humanly impossible and God answered your request? If your answer is yes, then you need to worship God with it. If your answer is no, then it is time to pray bold prayers. Prayer works, and it is a privilege to bring our burdens before God in the place of prayer. Please read Dan.6:10 and Dan.9:3. A couple of things stand out about Daniel’s prayer life from these scriptures. Prayer was Daniel’s life style. He consistently prayed three times in a day. Daniel also knew when he needed to increase the level by adding fasting, ashes, and humbling himself before God. Daniel did not rely on his daily prayers alone, he knew when to focus on specialized periods of prayer.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I pray that like the sons of Issachar, I would be able to discern the times and seasons and plug in as is required spiritually, in Jesus Name. Amen!