Maybe this is a season where you’ve found yourself at a fork in the road. Instead of making a decision because you’re impatient for change, here is one powerful thing you can do that I guarantee will bring you clarity and peace: a morning of prayer.
Our first experience with a morning of prayer was when we were going through Equipped Disciple at Watermark. At that point, neither of us had done one before. We thought praying for a solid 4 hours sounded intimidating and I honestly didn’t know what I would say. In our modern times, doing anything at all for 4 hours straight seems nearly impossible with all the distractions and our short attention spans. I had read Romans 8:26 countless times before but after this period of prayer, it took on a new whole meaning to me. It says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
How often do you pray for the Lord’s guidance yet don’t wait patiently for an answer? God speaks to us through his word so instead of rushing your prayers, this 4 hour period allows time for you tell God in specific what’s on your heart (Ephesians 6:18), dive into the word and do more of what you don’t want to do, WAIT. Wait on the presence of the Lord (Micah 7:7). I spent 4 hours praying, journaling, listening to music, reading my Bible and doing my study. I doodled, cried, sang, praised God, wondered what everyone else was doing, zoned out, talked out loud, cried a little more and received a very clear message that was not of my own.
Below are tips on how to prepare to have a spirit-filled and meaningful morning of prayer and what to do once you start. You may receive answers that are far from what you expected or hoped for so our advice is to not walk into this with preconceived expectations, but instead be open to what God has to show you.
How to Prepare:
Tell Your Community- Let them know you’re doing this and why. If there is a specific reason, such as needing guidance in your career, ask them to pray that during this time God reveals answers to you.
Find Relevant Passages- Whatever you are currently struggling with at that time, find specific passages that are applicable prior to your morning of prayer that you can use to meditate on.
Sleep- Get a great night of sleep the night before. You’re about to spend hours in solitude so the last thing you want to happen is start to “meditate” and fall asleep. Although it can feed your soul, prayer can be also draining emotionally so you’ll be glad you have all your strength.
Gather Your Materials- It’s doubtful you will spend all 4 hours in prayer, especially when you don’t know what you’re praying for or about. I feel closest to God while worshiping in song. When I packed up my bag, I brought my Bible, a notebook, 2 pens, a study and created a playlist with my favorite worship songs. So you don’t get distracted by your stomach growling, pack a snack, water bottle and in my case coffee!
Find A Location- If you are extremely disciplined then you could do this at home, but chances are you will get distracted by a pet or the laundry you forgot to put in the dryer. Using Jesus as the best example, he continually found places of solitude to pray (Luke 5:16). A great place to do this would be at your church. You can reserve a room for a morning and that way you will have solitude, without distractions and a place you already associate with spending time with God.
Start- When you truly think of what prayer is, what an honor it is to have the undivided audience of the God of the universe. Start out by telling HIM how much you love him and how thankful you are (Philippians 4:16) for his grace. God is yearning for this time with you, his child that he loves. He delights in you. Come to Him openly and diligently seeking to please and know him more. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: he that comes must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).
This may seem intimidating to you but I encourage you to approach God in confidence and to openly seek Him with all your heart. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Whatever you’re currently going through, we know the one true source of healing and changing love is our Father, and his love for you is unconditional!
Start- When you truly think of what prayer is, what an honor it is to have the undivided audience of the God of the universe. Start out by telling HIM how much you love him and how thankful you are (Philippians 4:16) for his grace. God is yearning for this time with you, his child that he loves. He delights in you. Come to Him openly and diligently seeking to please and know him more. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: he that comes must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).
This may seem intimidating to you but I encourage you to approach God in confidence and to openly seek Him with all your heart. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Whatever you’re currently going through, we know the one true source of healing and changing love is our Father, and his love for you is unconditional!
Photography by Justin James
Dress // Blue Moon Kimono Dress (sold out, similar options below)
Boots // Circus by Sam Edelman (on SALE here)
Prayer Beanie // One Crown Apparel (here)
We would love to hear your stories of how God has spoken to you during prayer! Also, if anyone is interested in participating in a morning of prayer at Watermark please let us know and we’ll help direct you to the right people.
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