"When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get."

Guided Prayer: God, help us  pray in a way that is humble. Help us keep our egos in check while we maintain a posture of honoring you through our prayers to you. Thank you for the gift of prayer and that we can talk to you like we’d talk to anyone else. We don’t have to use fancy words or quote scripture back to you. We can come as we are, and simply speak. Thank you for this gift, help us to not take it for granted.

Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute talking to God how you’d talk to your favorite person.

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"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"

Guided Prayer: God, we know that  you made everyone in your image, and that you love them. You send your son to save our enemies too. We know this can be a hard truth; help us work through any negative feelings surrounding our feelings. Give us the courage to forgive, press on, and keep our eyes focused on you. We know you can empathize with  loving those who are against you. Help  us be brave and love like you do. 

Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute praying for your enemies and asking God to help you love like He does.

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"But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God."

Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the ability to develop habits and routines that honor and glorify you. Help us establish a regular prayer routine with you. We know that the only way to grow any relationship is by spending time together. Let us lean in to this season of prayer, and guide us in our next steps to building a foundation of prayer on you. Help us stay committed and consistent to regular conversation with you.

Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute  asking God for next steps on establishing a regular prayer routine.

"You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

Guided Prayer: God, thank you for helping us take simple steps to communicate with you. We call on you, come to you, and pray  to you. You promise to listen to our prayers when we  do this. Help us have a posture of honor and respect as we come to you with whatever it is we’re feeling. Help  us to remain consistent with seeking  you and talking with you.  As you listen to our hearts, we pray that we have the discipline to listen to what you have to say.

Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute calling on God, coming to Him, and praying to Him about  whatever is on  your mind.

"The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous."

Guided Prayer: God, thank you for reminding us multiple times in scripture that you hear our  prayers. Help us remember to faithfully trust that you are who you say you are, and that you do what you say you’ll do. Thank you for the  promise  to  listen to your children. Remind us to continue on our righteous path,  using your standards as our moral compass. Give us the endurance to follow you no matter what.

Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute thanking God for listening to your prayer

"The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright."

Guided Prayer: God, thank you for delighting in  our prayers. Not only do you listen to us, but you have joy when your children talk to you. Help us not be preoccupied with what the world says or does, but let our focus be on you and your righteousness. We are grateful  that you continue to  make us more like you each day. Guide our paths  to  make choices that honor and glorify you.

Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute talking to God about the joy He brings to your life.

Guided Prayer: Celebrate week one of the 40 Day Prayer Challenge! God, thank you for being with us this week  as we spent intentional time in prayer. Please  give us the endurance to continue through the next  week as we seek the  truth about you through prayer, and grow our relationship with you. Help us  reflect and see the good growth we’ve made so far these past several days. We pray  for  holy excitement and curiosity for  what’s to  come through this 40 day prayer challenge. We love you and we’re so grateful for the time spent  with  you.

Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute praying for the people (past, present, and future) who are completing this 40 day prayer challenge. Pray they are encouraged through this challenge and can feel the fellowship of other believers in this  prayer challenge.

"The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth."

Guided Prayer: God, thank you for being near. This is such a gift that we do not deserve, yet you choose to be close to your children. You are not hard to find, and you are with us every step of the way. No matter the circumstance, we know that you are alongside us, guiding us, and loving us well. Let us  hold fast to these truths of the Bible and who you say you are. Help  us learn to  call  on you, holding the truth of your word  up to  what our thoughts say.

Independent Prayer: Spend the next  minute asking God to remind you that He is near and that you can call on Him for truth and guidance.

"Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering."

Guided Prayer: God, let us lift all our praises and worries to  you. Let us  approach you with hands lifted, giving you all of us. Our talents, passions, materials are all given to us  by you. Don’t let us waste these gifts. We pray that all we possess furthers the kingdom of Heaven. Help us be intentional with our offerings to you, and show us the best way for us to use those abilities. Let our lives glorify you and point others to  you.

Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to show you what you can offer in a way that furthers His kingdom.

"He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas."

Guided Prayer: God, thank you for always providing for your children, no matter their circumstance. Give us hearts of humility as we pray for those who are in need, whatever that need may be. You are the God of miracles, and we are thankful that you dress the lilies, watch over the sparrows, and give good gifts to your children. God, you are so good and so powerful. Show us where we can do our part and be the body of Christ.

Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to show you areas you can support those in need.