Adding Dimensions in Prayer

[Reimagine Curator]

Adding Dimensions of Prayer in Your Network

by Kevin Boer

Originally posted by the National Network of Youth Ministries

In your networking with others, does your prayer time sometimes seem flat? it is easy to get into a rut in our prayer. Sometimes we think of prayer only as a "to-do" list for God.

However, there are ways to bring new dimensions to prayer in your network. During a break at a recent youth ministry conference, Mark Orr, our New England regional coordinator, shares simple principles that can help your network pray in three dimensions: up, across and out.

Praying Up

What does it look like for a ministry network to put the focus on God during thier time together?  In one San Diego network, the core team brought in a worship leader and devoted the whole meeting to praise and thanksgiving through a mini concert of prayer. The power of so many youth leaders singing thier praise to God was powerful!

Praying Across

So how can youth workers pray for one another in thier network? A network up in the Portland area decided to meet weekly in order to intercede for one another's needs. Through these times, the relationship of the youth workers were deepened and they saw God show up in powerful ways as they supported one another in prayer.

Praying Out

How can a network add the dimension of praying out to thier network?  One network a few years back held a 24 hour prayer retreat at a local Christian camp to pray for the needs of teenagers in thier community.  They came back refreshed and encouraged to equip and empower teenagers to love Jesus. 

 

Adding Dimensions in Prayer

Praying together is vital in your network! God will give you the vision and the resources you need to reach and equip every teenager in your community. But we need to be in constant communication with Him about what He wants to see happen. It's what comes as a result of "abiding" in Christ (John 15:7-8). Jesus said that when we do that, "you can ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." But how do we pray on that level? What Mark Orr described in the video is a great starting point. The questions below will help add new dimensions to your network's prayer life. I encourage you to use them in your group, as well as personally.

Praying Up - Connecting with God (Psalm 30)

• How can your heart express glory to God today?
• Is there anything keeping you from worshipping Him?
• Spend time praising and thanking Him.

Praying Across - Praying for one another (James 5:13-16)

• How can you pray for other youth workers in your ncommunity?
• How can you encourage youth workers to pray for one another throughout the month?

Praying Out - Interceding for youth in your community (Nehemiah 1)

• What needs of youth in your community does God bring to your mind for prayer?
• Ask God what his vision is for youth in your community.
• Who within your community should be involved with you in reaching teenagers?

If you've had success in helping make prayer more vital in your network, we'd love to hear about it. Please submit your "best practices" on our website so others can benefit from what God has taught you.