Prayer devotion

Originally given to Site Directors at the beginning of COCUSA training 2008
OPEN IN PRAYER
“You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.” -- A. J. Gordon A quote that we don’t totally understand, but have misquoted numerous times to each other as full time staff.
Discuss. What does this mean? Talk to me. Do you buy this? Why or why not?

If I could emphasize one thing for this devotion but more importantly for this summer, it is this: Pray!
(Isaiah 58-59)
Two Biblical references prayer that we can look at: one positive, one negative.
Negative: Open your Bibles to Joshua 9. Can anyone tell me what happens in Joshua 9? The Gibeonites deceive the leaders of Israel… Joshua 9:14… who failed to pray. They hindered themselves (chapter 10’s battle was a result of this treaty) because they did not pray.
Positive: Acts 4:23-24. As we turn there, who can tell me what Acts 4 is about? After being threatened to no longer tell about Christ, the disciples FIRST and immediate response was to pray. It was a great prayer too... so great that there was an earthquake.

Examples of People: Daniel (6:10), Jesus (Mark 6:46), Peter (Acts 10:9)

So Prayer is important. How do we make it happen? How can we do it better?
Two categories for prayer that have been helpful to me. There could be more… Brittany reminded me of ‘corporate’ prayer (in keeping with the ‘Cs’)
Closet Prayer. Where would that be referenced in Scripture? Matthew 6:6. A specific reference to going somewhere alone and purposefully spending time in prayer to God; just you and the Lord. Think of your ‘classic’ prayer time.
Constant Prayer. Where would that be in Scripture? I Thessalonians 5:17. A good description I read in a book recently (and edited a little): “When you understand the concept of being [constantly in prayer] it’s as if you have one ear tuned in to the conversation you’re in, while the other ear is tuned in to God. You may be in dialogue with someone about any number of things – the latest news or sports; [how camp is going] whatever – but you are constantly asking , ‘God, is this an open door? Do you want me to encourage? What do you need me to do? Guide me please.’” (Just Walk, Hybels)

So turn to some blank paper in your notebook (we want you guys to be writing constantly these 2 days… it will really help you lock in to what we’re saying). On one side write down ‘Closet’ and the other side ‘Constant’ Take a moment to think. Circle the one that you know you need to work on this summer. Now let’s talk about that.

Discuss Helps:
Closet: have a location (car, shower-Brad), have a list (Philippians 1:3-4), have a system: (ACTS, divide days of week), make sure you are alone
Constant: pray for it in your ‘closet’ time, memorize a prayer or two that you can use, use a place/sound/site to remind you, cell phone alarm, discipline of thought (brother Lawrence),

Write down one idea for the area you circled. Improving our relationship with God is the best thing we can do for this summer.

A closing thought for both your closet and constant prayer time… as well as our prayer time which will follow. I heard this story about a pastor in Hawaii [tell rain and evangelism event]. Remember: our focus should on the Lord. The logistics and plans that we’ll spend the next 2 days talking about are important, but we need God to show up this summer. I’ll end with a quote: “When I work, I work, but when I pray, God works.” (Hybels). Who do you want working this summer?