One Hour Prayer

Begin by naming the names of God, thinking about His nature, praising Him, and delighting in Him and His work. “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4).

Ask God to give you understanding as you read His Word. Let the Scriptures fill your mind and impact your heart. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16–17).

Take time to meditate on the Scripture you have just read or on other passages that come to mind. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee…I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways” (Psalm 119:11, 15).

Evaluate specific attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions that God brings to mind as you come before His throne of grace. Confess your sins to God and humbly ask for His forgiveness and cleansing. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

Pray to the Lord on behalf of others. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (I Tim 2:1)

Wait before God in worshipful silence. Quiet your heart and be still before God. “…The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty” (Psalm 29:2, 4)

Keep a prayer journal. Write out prayers of worship, intercession, and petition. Write down the insights and direction God gives to you during your prayer time.

Bring your personal requests to God. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Pray for your family. Then, pray for families in general. Ask the Lord to strengthen marriages and uphold family relationships. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

Pray for the unity and purity of believers, those in your church, your church leadership, and the universal Body of Christ. “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ… Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular” (I Corinthians 12:12, 27).

Pray for local, national, and international concerns. Pray that their values would line up with the Truth of God’s Word. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God… For he is the minister of God to thee for good” (Romans 13:1, 4).

Think about the good gifts God has given you and express your gratitude for His care and provision. Praise God for all that He has done and for all that He will do. “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18).