I do Breath Prayer weekends with those concerned about unsaved family and friends. We exchange prayers by texting during the day. Here’s the format.
SATURDAY: DESPERATE PRAYER
Talking Points to influence our prayer are based on the story from SyroPhoenician mother who won’t go away. (Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28) Her prayer was based on these points:
- Her compelling need: a daughter’s torment
- Her helplessness: can’t fix this herself
- Her disqualification from getting an audience (pagan, woman, foreigner, Jesus’ “Do not Disturb” sign)
- Her shamelessness: I’ll do anything for my child
- Her acknowledgement: the Messiah, “Son of David”
- Her humility: kneeling, worshipping. “Lord… Lord… Lord”
- Her persistence: The disciples beg Jesus to send her away, she ignores them
- Her passion: “shouting out,” “pleading”
- A bewildering silence and seeming insult, “dogs” [doggies]
- Her fixation on, “First…” (v 27); “Then I’ll be next!”
- Her respectful, creative, desperate prayer: “Give me what I don’t deserve because of your goodness – and I need it now.” (Tim Keller)
- Her anticipation, “Granted!”
- Her honor: one of only two Jesus commended, “Your faith is great!”
Breath prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, hear our cry for mercy and choose, call and reveal Jesus to [our friend] (Galatians 1.15-16)
SUNDAY: TEAM PRAYER
Talking Points to influence our prayer are based on the story of Four men partnering to save their friend (Mark 2.1-12).
- Their compulsion to see a friend get healthy
- Their decision: get him to Jesus, then we’re done
- Their teamwork; can’t do it alone
- Their “impossible… difficult… done” spirit (Hudson Taylor)
- Their creativity
- Their work maneuvering him upstairs, opening the roof
- The crowd’s irritation with dust and distraction; but not Jesus
- Their teamwork: Jesus sees their faith and responds
- Our Lord’s affectionate, “Son…”
- The bewildering surprise: spiritual healing first
- Then physical healing, eliciting the man’s faith to respond
- Our desire: creative, persistent, team faith
Breath prayer: See our faith, Lord Jesus, and forgive and heal [our friend] spiritually.
(Bonus: FRIDAY: PERSONAL PERSISTENCE)
Talking points to influence our prayer are based on The widow seeking justice (Luke 18.1-8), the man needing bread at midnight (Lk 11.5-8).
Breath prayer: Jesus, I persist in prayer, expecting a response. You asked, “Will I find faith when I return?” Yes, in me! Save [my friend]!
Written by Paul Johnson, Canadian National Baptist Convention Team Leader, Church Strengthening
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