"It is necessary to iterate and reiterate that prayer, as a mere habit, as a performance gone through by routine or in a professional way, is a dead and rotten thing." E.M. Bounds

The Persian poet Rumi Mo’avia was asleep one day in his palace. A strange man came and awakened him.

“Who are you?” he asked.
“I am Lucifer.”
“And what do you want?”
“It’s time for your prayer, and you’re still asleep.”

Mo’avia was impressed. But why was the Prince of Darkness, who always wants the souls of men of little faith, trying to help the poet fulfill a religious duty?

Lucifer explained,
“Remember, I grew up as an angel of light. Despite everything that happened in my life, I cannot forget my roots.”

Knowing that something was amiss, Mo’avia desperately began to pray for God to enlighten him. He spent all night talking and arguing with Lucifer, and despite the brilliant arguments he had, Mo’avia could not be swayed.

When the next day was dawning, Lucifer at last gave in, and said,
“Okay, you’re right. When I arrived this morning to wake you, my intention was not to bring you closer to God. I knew that failing to fulfill this obligation, you’d feel a deep sadness, and over the coming days would pray with double the faith, asking pardon for having forgotten the correct ritual.

“In God’s eyes, each of these prayers made with love and regret, is worth the equivalent of 200 ordinary prayers said automatically. You would end up feeling like you are more purified and inspired, that God loves you this much more, and I wouldn’t be the farthest away from His soul.”

Pray Purposively, Not Automatically.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 (N.I.V)

• Pray that God will turn people’s hearts toward Himself, and that He will be glorified in the outcome of the elections.

•  Pray that Christians will put their confidence in God, rather than any political candidate. (Ps. 118:8-9)

•  Pray that God’s people will demonstrate a spirit of repentance and prayer–individually and corporately. (2 Chron. 7:14)

• Pray that God will raise up righteous leaders who will model integrity and authenticity. (Eph. 4:1-2; Prov. 14:34)

• Pray that all will see their spiritual poverty; that the citizens will awaken to their great spiritual need. (Joel 3:12)

• Pray that godly men and women will be placed in positions of authority so that God’s people can rejoice. (Prov. 29:2)

• Pray that leaders we elect will be just, fear God rather than men, and depart from evil. (2 Sam. 23:3; Prov. 1:7; 14:26; 16:6)

•  Pray that people will be able to see truth (Ps. 86:11), that error will be exposed, and that people with wicked agendas will be made weak. (Prov. 25:5)

• Pray that citizens will seek wise leaders who listen to biblical counsel. (Prov. 1:3-5)

• Pray that citizens will vote with wisdom and discretion. (Prov. 3:21b)

• Pray that Christians will speak the truth, but in love, concerning those running for office. (Eph. 4:15)

• Pray that Christians will avoid negativity, fault-finding, and contentiousness, but instead, will stand out as God’s loving, pure children. (Phil. 2:14-15)

• Pray that those who love righteousness and truth will fulfil their responsibility to vote. (Matt. 22:21

•  Pray for truth in the media. (Prov. 12:22)

• Pray that Christians will look to God to overcome the enemies of truth and righteousness. (Ps. 60:11-12)

• Pray that God will work through leaders to keep the doors open for His Gospel to be proclaimed. (Col. 4:3a)

• Pray for God’s will to be accomplished in the elections. (Ps. 33:11; 103:19; 115:3)

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. CHRONICLES 7:14

PRAYER BEFORE STARTING WORK

Bless the fruit of my work

My heavenly father, as I enter this work place, I bring your presence with me. I speak your peace, your grace, your mercy, and your perfect order in this office.

I acknowledge your power over all that will be spoken, thought, decided and done within these offices.

I thank you for the gifts you have blessed me with. I commit to use them responsibly in your honor. Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job. Anoint my projects, ideas and energy so that even the smallest accomplishment may bring you glory.

Lord, when I am confused guide me. When I am weary energize me. When I am burnt out infuse me with the Holy Spirit. May the work I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy and a smile to all that I come in contact with today.

And Oh Lord when I leave this place give me traveling mercy.

Bless my family and keep my house in the order I left it.

Lord, I thank you for everything you have done, everything you are going now and everything you will do in the future.

In the name of Jesus I pray with much love and thanksgiving. AMEN.

May God comfort you and strengthen you

A Prayer for You
Prayer is powerful and is one of the best gifts we can receive. This prayer is my gift to you.

Father, I ask You to bless those who are reading this right now. Bless their friends, relatives and all those they care deeply for.Show them a new revelation of your love and power.

Almighty Father, I ask you to minister to them by the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray that you comfort and strengthen them at this very moment.

Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence
through your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs in a mighty way.

Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings.

I pray this in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.