How to Pray for 60 Minutes
You Signed up for a 60 Minutes Prayer Shift...
Now What?
The first time you commit to praying for 60 minutes, it may feel like a task too big to handle. The suggested structure is a guide to help you, but keeping the form from blocking you from the Spirit's voice or movement is essential. Find the rhythm and space that works for you. For example, don't set a timer and force yourself to move from one section to the next when the time is up. The minute markers show where to slow down and spend more time.
Structuring Your Prayer Time
00 – First things first, be sure to set your phone to Do Not Disturb and remove distractions. Note: Family is not a distraction. Prayer, especially this 24/7 prayer movement we're doing, is excellent when done with others. If you have a family member who wanders in, comment that you're praying and invite them to join if you wish. There are some articles below about ways to pray with your family.
00-05 – Take a few moments to sit and be still. Then pray 1 Sam. 3:10 "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times." Take a moment and imagine God's Spirit rising from within you, filling your space. Take some breaths and picture the Spirit in your mind as the essence of your breath. When you're ready, pray the second part of the verse, "Speak, for your servant is listening." (NIV)
05-15 – Now that you've asked God to speak, it's only fair to listen. Take a piece of paper and something to write with. Then, sit with your paper and listen for things to note. This time isn't for to-do lists. Instead, you're listening for names to pray for, scriptures that come to mind, or even convictions from God. Consider reading the prompting question from the day's Prayer Challenge if you need direction.
15-40 – Work through the church's prayer list and pray over each item. The password for the page is prayingislanders. Interceeding upon someone else is an incredible way to use the Spirit's power through prayer to grow ourselves. When we put others before us, we live into the purpose of the body of Christ. To help you with this, I have given some guiding prayers on the page. Again, these guides, and you are free to pray for each person as the Spirit leads you.
40-55 – Now that you've prayed for the church's specific needs, take the next slot to pray over the church's Mission and Vision: Our Vision is to be a place where you can Love God, Love Others, and Share Jesus. Our Mission is to be a relevant, vibrant, growing church that seeks and shares God's love with the community. Pray over each aspect, asking God to empower our church and members to execute our Mission and Vision.
55-60 – In the time left, thank God for all the people and resources he has brought to us. Thank him also for the people we haven't met yet and the finances we have yet to receive. End with a few moments of silence and listen to anything God brings to your mind.
CONGRATULATIONS! You just just prayed for 60 minutes (or more). Scroll back to the top of the page and sign up for another shift to keep the prayer movement going.
00-05 – Take a few moments to sit and be still. Then pray 1 Sam. 3:10 "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times." Take a moment and imagine God's Spirit rising from within you, filling your space. Take some breaths and picture the Spirit in your mind as the essence of your breath. When you're ready, pray the second part of the verse, "Speak, for your servant is listening." (NIV)
05-15 – Now that you've asked God to speak, it's only fair to listen. Take a piece of paper and something to write with. Then, sit with your paper and listen for things to note. This time isn't for to-do lists. Instead, you're listening for names to pray for, scriptures that come to mind, or even convictions from God. Consider reading the prompting question from the day's Prayer Challenge if you need direction.
15-40 – Work through the church's prayer list and pray over each item. The password for the page is prayingislanders. Interceeding upon someone else is an incredible way to use the Spirit's power through prayer to grow ourselves. When we put others before us, we live into the purpose of the body of Christ. To help you with this, I have given some guiding prayers on the page. Again, these guides, and you are free to pray for each person as the Spirit leads you.
40-55 – Now that you've prayed for the church's specific needs, take the next slot to pray over the church's Mission and Vision: Our Vision is to be a place where you can Love God, Love Others, and Share Jesus. Our Mission is to be a relevant, vibrant, growing church that seeks and shares God's love with the community. Pray over each aspect, asking God to empower our church and members to execute our Mission and Vision.
55-60 – In the time left, thank God for all the people and resources he has brought to us. Thank him also for the people we haven't met yet and the finances we have yet to receive. End with a few moments of silence and listen to anything God brings to your mind.
CONGRATULATIONS! You just just prayed for 60 minutes (or more). Scroll back to the top of the page and sign up for another shift to keep the prayer movement going.