21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2021: Day 11

DAY 11: MAKING AN IMPACT THROUGH PRAYER
Thursday, February 18

READ
Romans 15:30-33

REFLECT
We often tell others, “I’m praying for you,” or we type in the word, “prayers!” on a social media comment when others reveal an urgent need. Sometimes we even use the praying hands emoji. This is all well and good, but it begs the question: do we actually pray? If we do, when do we pray? And what for? For those who view prayer as a lifestyle, they will tell anyone that prayer works because God works.

While we attempt to impact culture in a variety of ways, prayer is one of the most underutilized tools the Christian has to use in making an impact on modern culture. Scripture reveals that it is through prayer that God works. This is why Paul urged the Roman Christians to pray for him. He knew that God responds when His people pray.

Rather than only looking at prayer as a tool to impact culture, we must view it as a means to know God personally. When we pray, our hearts are drawn closer to God’s heart and we begin to see the world as God does. We begin to discern what God wants us to do and how to make an impact on the world around us.

If we believe in Scripture, then prayer will be our primary weapon, not a secondary one. Further, we will not just pray small prayers, but we will learn to make bold requests to God. As Mark Batterson writes, “Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers. God isn’t offended by your biggest dreams or boldest prayers. He is offended by anything less. If your prayers aren’t impossible to you, they are insulting to God” (The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears). If we want to make a big impact on our culture, we need to pray big prayers!

RESPOND
Spend time in prayer, following the Upward, Inward, Outward, Upward format.

Upward: Who God is; What God has done, is doing, will do
Inward: Who you are; How you live
Outward: Intercession for others; unified prayer focus with Pathway

TODAY’S PRAYER: God, help us not to be a church that just prays, but to be a praying church. Make Pathway a place that is saturated with prayer for other believers and our lost culture. Use our prayers to shake this city for your glory. Use us as we grow closer to you and discern how you want us to make an impact.

Upward: Thanksgiving and Worship