Boston Marathon Prayer Guide

Earlier this week, I met a man who ran the Boston Marathon.  I was at Starbucks when he walked in.  He was probably in his 60's.  Apparently he is a regular, because everyone began calling him by name.  It was his first day back from the race.  Whatever people were working on didn't matter at that point.  All eyes were on him.  We all had thousands of unanswered questions.  He told everyone he was fine and wasn't in danger at any point.  He said, "You know how I found out about it?  I ran past one water station, and everyone was on their knees praying.  I thought that was odd.  Then, I ran past the next water station, and everyone was on their knees praying.  I knew something bad happened."

I was very moved by his story.  Before he witnessed any of the carnage, the pain, the suffering, the evil...he witnessed love, compassion, and faith.  He saw light first and darkness second.

Prayer was the natural instinct of people who saw the effects of sin, and we should also respond to this tragedy in prayer.  Here are some ways you can pray for all those involved:

1.  Pray for the government.  As of this post, one suspect is dead and one still on the loose.  Pray for the suspect to be apprehended so justice can be served.  Also pray the government would trace this back to the source and stop future attacks before they happen.  God uses government to enforce justice and protect people.  Pray for God to help them and protect them.  

2.  Pray for the families of victims who died.  

Pray for Krystle Campbell's family.  Her parents went to the hospital thinking she was alive.  They walked into the room and found Krystle's friend alive.  The doctors informed them they had the two mixed-up.  

Pray for Martin Richard's parents, Bill and Denise, and his younger sister, Jane.  Martin was killed in the explosion, and his Mom and sister were seriously injured. 

   

Pray for Lu Lingzi's parents.  China's one-child-policy made Lu the only child in her house.  Her parents are heartbroken and their dreams are dashed.  

3.  Pray for the victims who are still recovering from major injuries.  

You can find a list of victims HERE.

"Pray without ceasing."  1 Thess. 5:17

"Weep with those who weep."  Romans 12:15

-Pastor Ryan  

Improving your prayer life

What grade would you give your prayer life?  Most believers are disappointed with the quality and effectiveness of this spiritual discipline.  How can your prayer life grow stronger than ever?  Three words will make your prayer life stronger and healthier than ever:

1.  FREQUENCY.  How frequently do you pray?  Once a day?  Once every other day?  Once in a while?  Try increasing the frequency of your prayers.  Pray several times each day.  I'm not talking about several, long, serious, deep prayers.  I'm talking about choosing to pray when you otherwise wouldn't have.  A brief prayer before a tough phone call, a family prayer before the kids head to school, a prayer of dedication at your desk before the work starts---find slots and insert prayers.

2.  INTENSITY.  How is the quality of your prayer life?  Are your prayers routine?  Predictable?  Heartless?  Try increasing the variety and intensity of your prayers.  Pray with passion and energy for a variety of crucial matters.  Here are some tools:  
Pray for Harvest churches around the world HERE
Pray for Harvest Senior Pastors HERE
Pray for the staff and leaders of Harvest Palos HERE 

3.  TIME.  How long do you pray for?  While most prayers are brief, try to work extended times of prayer into your week.  Carve out 15 minutes.  Carve out 30 minutes.  Carve out 60 minutes.  When you have a choice to surf the web or watch an extra episode of your favorite show, give that window to God instead.  Put on some worship music, open your Bible, kneel down, and pray.  Here are some ways to make that time meaningful:

Adoration: take time to tell God everything you love about Him.  Delight yourself in the Lord.
Confession: take time to tell God everything you don't like about yourself currently.  Confess your sins, be honest about your weaknesses and admit your need for grace (again).
Thanksgiving: take time to remember what God has done in your past.  Celebrate God-stories.  Visit the "trophy case" God filled, and thank Him for what He has accomplished in you and through you.
Supplication: ask God to meet all your needs.  Pray for your family, your marriage, your extended family, your neighbors, your coworkers, your government, your finances your worries, your ______________.  Just pray.
(Notice the first letters spell ACTS)

Challenge yourself starting today!