Becoming a Praying Church
A Five-Day Prayer Journey
Before You Begin
Prayer is not simply bringing a list of requests before God. Prayer is learning to live in the presence of God. As you spend time with Him each day, He shapes your heart, aligns your desires with His will, and prepares you to join Him in His work.
This guide follows the same rhythm each day:
Praise God through a Psalm.
Listen to God through the Gospels.
Respond to God in prayer.
Go and live what you have received.
Set aside about 30 minutes each day. Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God. Bring your Bible, something to write with, and a journal if you have one.
Day 1 — Come Follow Me
1. Be Still & Worship
Begin by quieting your heart before God. Set aside the distractions of the day and simply remember who you are meeting with.
Read Psalm 63 slowly.
A Prayer of Longing
Father,
You are my God, and today I seek You first. My soul thirsts for You because nothing else can truly satisfy. In a world that constantly demands my attention, help me to desire Your presence above everything else.
Let me behold Your power and Your glory today. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, I will praise You with my lips and lift my hands in worship.
Satisfy my soul as only You can. Quiet my anxious thoughts and remind me that You uphold me with Your righteous hand.
As I begin this day, keep me close to You. May my heart cling to You, knowing that You are faithfully holding on to me.
Amen.
Notice: This prayer was built from today's Psalm. As you continue praying, try using the words and phrases from the Psalm to continue the conversation with God in your own words.
2. Read & Listen
Read Luke 5:1–11 slowly. Imagine yourself standing on the shore with Jesus and the disciples.
As you read, ask yourself:
What does this passage teach me about Jesus?
What stands out to me today?
What might Jesus be inviting me to leave behind so I can follow Him more fully?
3. Respond in Prayer
Spend time talking with God about what you have read.
Pray about:
Areas where you need to surrender.
Anything God may be asking you to leave behind.
Your desire to follow Christ more faithfully.
Friends or family members who need to know Jesus.
4. Go & Live
A Prayer of Commission
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for calling me to follow You. Help me to walk in obedience today, trusting Your voice more than my own. Wherever You lead, give me the faith to say yes. May others see You through my life today.
Amen.
Memorize Today
Following Jesus begins with surrender.
Day 2 — Abide With Me
1. Be Still & Worship
Slow down. Resist the temptation to rush into the day. Simply enjoy being with your Heavenly Father.
Read Psalm 27 slowly.
A Prayer of Confidence
Lord,
You are my light and my salvation, so I will not fear. You are the stronghold of my life, and today I choose to rest in Your strength instead of my own.
There is one thing I ask: that I may dwell in Your presence, gaze upon Your beauty, and seek You above everything else.
When my heart becomes distracted by the demands of today, gently call me back to Yourself. Teach me Your way and lead me on a level path.
Help me to wait for You with courage. Strengthen my heart as I trust in Your goodness.
Amen.
Notice: This prayer was built from today's Psalm. As you continue praying, try using the words and phrases from the Psalm to continue the conversation with God in your own words.
2. Read & Listen
Read Luke 10:38–42.
Ask yourself:
What can I learn from Mary?
In what ways am I more like Martha?
What does it look like for me to choose "the better portion" today?
3. Respond in Prayer
Pray about:
Anything distracting you from Christ.
Your desire to know Him more deeply.
Areas where you have become too busy.
Your willingness to slow down and listen.
4. Go & Live
A Prayer of Commission
Father,
As I go into this day, remind me to remain close to You. When life becomes busy, draw my heart back to Your presence. Let everything I do flow from being with You before doing for You.
Amen.
Memorize Today
Prayer is about being with Jesus before doing for Jesus.
Day 3 — Love Like Jesus
1. Be Still & Worship
Begin by thanking God for His mercy and compassion toward you.
Read Psalm 103 slowly.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Father,
I Bless you, Lord, O my soul; help me not forget all Your benefits. Thank You for forgiving my sins, healing my brokenness, redeeming my life, and surrounding me with steadfast love and compassion.
As You have been merciful toward me, help me extend that same mercy to others. Give me the humility of Christ, the compassion of Christ, and the servant's heart of Christ.
May my life today reflect Your kindness, just as You have shown kindness to me.
Amen.
Notice: This prayer was built from today's Psalm. As you continue praying, try using the words and phrases from the Psalm to continue the conversation with God in your own words.
2. Read & Listen
Read John 13:1–17.
Ask yourself:
What does this teach me about the heart of Jesus?
Who might God be calling me to serve?
How can I show Christ's love in practical ways today?
3. Respond in Prayer
Pray about:
People who are difficult to love.
Opportunities to serve others.
Humility.
A heart that reflects Christ's compassion.
4. Go & Live
A Prayer of Commission
Jesus,
Fill me with Your humility and compassion today. Open my eyes to people who need encouragement, grace, or kindness. Help me to love as You have loved me and to serve without seeking recognition.
Amen.
Memorize Today
Time with Jesus always produces love for others.
Day 4 — Sent Into the World
1. Be Still & Worship
As you begin today, remember that God blesses His people so they can become a blessing to others.
Read Psalm 67 slowly.
A Prayer for Mission
Lord,
Be gracious to me and bless me today. Let the light of Your face shine upon me, not so that I might keep Your blessings to myself, but so that Your ways may be known throughout the earth.
Fill me with Your joy and make me a blessing to those around me.
Open my eyes to the people You place in my path today. Give me courage to speak with kindness, to serve with humility, and to represent Christ faithfully.
May my life point others toward You, and may the nations rejoice because of Your goodness.
Amen.
Notice: This prayer was built from today's Psalm. As you continue praying, try using the words and phrases from the Psalm to continue the conversation with God in your own words.
2. Read & Listen
Read Luke 10:1–20.
Ask yourself:
What does Jesus teach about His mission?
Where has God already placed me to represent Him?
Who needs to experience God's peace through me today?
3. Respond in Prayer
Pray for:
Your family.
Your church.
Your neighbors.
Your workplace.
Someone who does not yet know Christ.
Courage to faithfully represent Jesus today.
4. Go & Live
A Prayer of Commission
Holy Spirit,
Send me into my home, my workplace, and my community with courage and peace. Make me attentive to the people You place in my path, and help me faithfully represent Christ in every conversation. Use me to bring hope wherever I go today.
Amen.
Memorize Today
God sends those who first learn to sit at His feet.
Day 5 — Empowered to Make Disciples
1. Be Still & Worship
Lift your eyes to the Lord and remember that your strength comes from Him alone.
Read Psalm 121 slowly.
A Prayer of Trust
Father,
Today I lift my eyes to You, knowing that my help comes from You alone, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Thank You for watching over my life. When I feel weak, remind me that You neither slumber nor sleep.
Keep me from evil today. Guard my coming and my going. Direct my steps, strengthen my faith, and help me walk with confidence because You are always with me.
As I go into the world, remind me of Christ's promise that He is with me always. Help me live faithfully in His presence.
Amen.
Notice: This prayer was built from today's Psalm. As you continue praying, try using the words and phrases from the Psalm to continue the conversation with God in your own words.
2. Read & Listen
Read Matthew 28:16–20.
Ask yourself:
What has Jesus commissioned every disciple to do?
What promise gives me confidence?
Who might God be inviting me to encourage or disciple?
3. Respond in Prayer
Pray about:
Courage to live for Christ.
Opportunities to encourage others in their faith.
Your church and its mission.
Friends and family who need Jesus.
Your willingness to make disciples wherever God places you.
4. Go & Live
A Prayer of Commission
Father,
Thank You for promising that You are always with me. As I go today, help me walk confidently in Your presence, speak truth with love, and faithfully make disciples wherever You lead. May my life point others to Jesus.
Amen.
Memorize Today
The presence of Jesus is the power for the mission of Jesus.