What’s the longest you’ve ever spent praying at one time? If you’re like me, long periods of prayer do not come naturally. I’m much more inclined to spend time reading or studying than praying. On top of that, with work, kids, phones, entertainment, and activities, even the opportunities for quiet moments with the Lord are often filled with distractions.
Jesus’ habit of withdrawing to pray for extended periods of time (Luke 5:16) has always been a challenging example to me. If the Son of God recognized His need for an extended time with His Father, how much more should we practice it? What are we missing if we ignore this powerful discipline of prolonged fellowship with God?
I want to make a case for building a “Day of Prayer” into your monthly routine. This isn’t another burden to add to your already busy schedule. This is a personal discipline I believe will fuel your faith and inspire you to walk more deeply with God. You will come to crave this day!
One of the amazing privileges of being on staff with a campus ministry has been learning and living out this habit in my life. I remember the first time I sat down for a Day of Prayer (DOP). I had planned to pray from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (you don’t have to go that long…stick with me and I’ll give some tips on how to do it yourself). I sat down at a coffee shop at 9:00 and began praying for our campus, disciples, and staff. I looked up and at 9:45 am I wasn’t sure what else I had to pray for
Needless to say, this discipline will stretch you. Prayer is an endurance muscle. Most of us wouldn’t be able to walk out the door and run a marathon right now. But after months of training and preparation, a lot of us could! There are people who even ENJOY running a marathon. Imagine that!
Prayer is similar. Don’t expect to thrive spending an entire day in prayer the first time you try it. Build this habit and muscle up and you’ll find it become more natural. You’ll be craving and loving this extended time with the Lord.
I asked some of our staff if they looked forward to their DOP. Here is what they said:
- “It’s some of the most refreshing time I ever spend with God.”
- “I look forward to this day every month.”
- “It’s calming, refreshing and refocused my heart on the Lord.”
- “It’s one of the most important things I do on staff.”
So how do you go from never having done it to those response?
Here is a guide:
Put it into Practice:
How much time do I pray?
Our staff members typically spend one full day per month (9am—5pm). You can modify that to fit your schedule depending on your job and life stage. It could mean one Saturday per month would work best. Try starting with a half-day. The specific amount of time isn’t the point. The point is to extend your normal time with the Lord. It will be difficult at first, but do what you can and build up from there.
Plan Ahead for your Day of Prayer:
You can’t wing a DOP. A couple of days before you do this spend time planning what you will pray for each 30 minute to an hour block. Every 2 hours or so I like to change locations. It helps keep my mind fresh. Here is a simple chart you can print and use to plan out your time.
What do I need on my Day of Prayer?
I always take:
- A physical Bible
- A journal or notepad
- Any book or devotional you plan to use.
- A place to hide your phone and computer!
My best DOP’s are done without my phone or computer. I always regret it when I take those with me. There might be some benefit to using technology, but it usually leads to greater distraction. Remember, this is a unique time for you to connect with God.
What should I pray for?
Make a list of topics you want to pray through before your day begins using the guide.
Here are some ideas:
- your disciples
- your church & pastors
- missionaries
- friends & family
- supporters (if you’re in ministry)
- your city
- co-workers
- yourself
- tasks & projects
- etc.
There is more time so you can go broader with your prayers. If you plan ahead, text some of your friends, family, and supporters and ask them for specific ways to pray.
What if I run out of things to prayer for?
You will! DOPs have been sweet for me not so much for what I say to the Lord but for the things He says to me. The time is great because it extends beyond your talking to a posture of listening and waiting on the Lord. I build extra time into my DOP to wait, listen, and just slow down to ask the Lord to teach me.
In some of that extra time you can:
- Worship – have a playlist with good, biblical songs.
- Read the Bible – read longer sections.
- Study passages of Scripture – give extra time to thinking through certain texts.
- Pray through your Scripture Memory verses – pray it for the first person that comes to mind.
- Read a book about God’s attributes and praise Him (Knowledge of the Holy is a great one).
- Write prayers in a journal.
- Go on a prayer walk
- Pray through your previous month and write lessons learned.
- Look ahead to the upcoming month, set goals, and pray for them.
- Write overall lessons you believe the Lord is teaching you.
- Pray with other people
Give it a shot! Pick a day on your calendar and plan a DOP. If you’re in ministry, plan one for you and your staff to take together. I’d love to hear some stories of how it goes for you.
