Join us for Prayer! Starting Oct 1, 2023.
Welcome to Pray First! We are excited about what God is going to do through One Church during the next 31 days. We say this often, Praying is not the least we can do, but the Most! We partner with God through prayer, igniting a movement to reach a disconnected culture!
Prayer brings Heavenʼs influence into earthly situations. More than ever, people are searching and in need of a move of God— in our world, our nation, our city, and our families. Prayer is a key ingredient in navigating life with the hope and assurance of Jesus.
As we journey through the next 31 days, you will see the following on each day: one topic, a corresponding verse, and a prayer prompt. The Word of God is one of the most valuable tools we have to build a dynamic daily prayer life. It brings power, truth, and encouragement to our prayer time, and it has the ability to dissolve fear, worry, and anxiety as we place our trust in His promises.
Our intent is to have this guide help you find a new level of purpose, effectiveness, and enjoyment in your prayer life.
While prayer does take commitment and can require discipline to develop into a daily habit, we also want to remember that it's a “get to” not a “got to.” Itʼs a privilege to be able to partner with God in prayer!
Day 1: Abounding Love
Philippians 1:9-10 — "And this is my prayer: that your LOVE may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best."
Prayer: Lord, help me to abound in your love so I can clearly see when it comes to where I give of my time, energy, and resources. May I always be a cheerful giver as I trust you to direct my every step.
Reflection: Is there any place I use my resources, my time, or my energy that is not necessary and does not glorify you Jesus?
Day 2: Faith Works
2 Corinthians 5:7 — For we walk by faith not by sight.
Prayer: Jesus I pray that you would help me walk by faith, to live by faith, to pray in faith, and to trust all that is written in your Word of truth-by faith. Lord, I pray you help me become a disciple that shares my hope, faith and gifts, even when it is difficult because faith works by love.
Reflection: Are there any difficult areas in my life that I need faith to believe in God and His Word?
Day 3: A Cheerful Giver
2 Corinthians 5:7 — Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that you will create in me a generous heart that gives freely, abundantly, and with Joyful purpose! Use me to be a blessing to someone else.
Reflection: Do I give compulsively or give to things that do not glorify you?
Day 4: Bless You
Deuteronomy 15:10 — You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.
Prayer: Lord, you are a generous and loving Father who pours out blessings and love to your children. Father help me to reflect who you are to those around me and to give generously with your heart.
Reflection: What has the Father blessed me with that I may have taken for granted?
Day 5: Teach Me
Psalms 86:11-12 — Teach me, LORD, what you want me to do, and I will obey you faithfully; teach me to serve you with complete devotion. I will praise you with all my heart, O Lord my God; I will proclaim your greatness forever.
Prayer: Jesus, teach me your way so that I may be faithful. Do not let me steer away from your truth. Give me an undivided heart so that I will not be distracted by the cares of this world. For I desire to do what is right and noble in your eyes.
Reflection: What distractions are keeping me from spending time in His presence each day?
Day 6: Thanksgiving
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 — “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be
generous on every occasion and….your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
Prayer: Dear Father, righteous and gracious God, I believe that you will enrich me in every way for great generosity, and I pray that my giving will produce thanksgiving to you! Let my giving not only serve mankind but also glorify your name.
Reflection: What is the motivation of my heart when I choose to give?
Day 7: Good Measure
Luke 6:38 — Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Prayer: Father, you are the giver of all gifts. You’ve given me physical gifts, spiritual gifts, and material gifts. Be with me and give me eyes to see the needs around me. Allow me to open my heart to be a generous giver towards everyone around me.
Reflection: How can I give of my time, talents, and resources to serve others, ultimately serving you?
Day 8: Even If
Timothy 2:13 — If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being faithful even when I am not at times. Your faithfulness does not rely on who I am or what I am doing, It is just simply who you are! Holy Spirit help me to be your image bearer and be faithful in the purpose you have for my life.
Reflection: How has Jesus proven to me He is faithful and can be trusted?
Day 9: Love is Greater
Luke 12:22 — Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.
Prayer: Jesus, your Word says not to worry or be anxious about our most basic needs. What you have called me to is a life of Freedom. You want me to be concerned with faith, relationships, truth, salvation, love, and hope! Holy Spirit I give you all my anxieties and worries. Thank you for providing everything I need. I trust your Word and pray you give me strength and courage to overcome any fears, worries, or anxiety about earthly needs in Jesus' Name.
Reflection: What am I worried about today that is keeping me from fully letting go and trusting the Lord?
Day 10: Wisdom
James 1:5 — If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Prayer: Jesus you are the source of truth and the source of wisdom. You know my heart, my intentions, and my struggles. Today I ask you for wisdom. Be with me when I make decisions. Help me to be the best version of me today.
Reflection: What current situation in my life today presents an opportunity for God’s wisdom and power to be demonstrated?
Day 11: Jireh My Provider
Philippians 4:19 — And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Father, thank You that You’re a more-than-enough God. Thank You that You take pleasure in prospering me and supply all my needs according to Your riches. I believe that You are opening doors that I can’t open and showing me favor that I don't deserve. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflection: How do I hear the invitation to stop and surrender to the Father in trust today?
Day 12: He Gave
Galatians 2:20 — I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Prayer: I praise you for your spirit in me, for the life I have by your spirit. I live by your spirit today, God. What a gift that you've not left me alone. That you have put your Holy Spirit inside of all of us who have trusted in Jesus. Help me to give myself fully to you as you have given yourself fully to me.
Reflection: What does it mean to live this life according to His will and not my own?
Day 13: Entirely in You
Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Prayer: Lord, I will not be anxious about tomorrow, but instead I want to place my trust in you entirely . Father, help me remember that you have always been faithful to provide in any and every situation. Help me remember that your plans are to prosper me, and never to harm me. Teach me to meet each day with grace, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
Reflection: What is God asking me to trust Him for?
Day 14: Good Sacrifice
Hebrews 13:16 — Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Prayer: Lord, You always do good and share with me. Help me to be intentional about doing good and sharing with others. Thank you for this reminder for me to set reminders to do your will in giving to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection: Who in my life are you calling me to share the love of Jesus with?
Day 15: Excel in Grace
2 Corinthians 8:7, 9 — See that you also excel in this grace of giving… For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Prayer: Jesus, we praise you for becoming poor so that we might become rich. Rich in a way that nothing in this world could ever compare with. Your riches, oh God, in Christ made available to us. All glory be to your name, for your generosity, for your sacrifice.
Reflection: What riches of this world do I need to empty myself of in order to make room for His riches?
Day 16: Honor
Proverbs 3:9-10 — Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
Prayer: God, use my wealth for your purposes, not the purposes of this world. Help me to honor you with my wealth. You have provided all my needs Lord and I am so grateful! In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reflection: Do I view ”my wealth” as something that belongs to me or belongs to God?
Day 17: The Future of Grace
Philippians 1:6 — And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that you began this amazing work of grace in me. You knew me before I was formed in my mother's womb, and you knew each day of my life. In your grace and mercy, you will perfect and complete the good work that you have begun, to my eternal benefit, and to your eternal praise.
Reflection: We don’t have to live plagued by the anxiety of the unknown. What fears am I having a hard time surrendering to the Lord?
Day 18: Removing Obstacles
Acts 20:35 — In every way, I showed you that by working hard like this we should help the weak and remember the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the blessings in my life. I want to bless others. It’s such a simple thing, but so often, I find obstacles to keep me from acting on my gratitude-–limited finances, time, energy, indecision. Help me overcome the challenges I face that prevent me from doing your good works to bless others as you have blessed me.
Reflection: What obstacles or fears keep me from giving generously to God’s plans?
Day 19: Prayer and Power
Isaiah 42:6 — “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you;
Prayer: Father, I know you have blessed me with your salvation because of your great mercy, grace, and kindness. Please empower me as I commit to sharing your great blessings with others. In Jesus' name.
Reflection: What joys and fears accompany my giving?
Day 20: Abide in Me
John 15:7 — If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Prayer: Lord, you have made me your vine, that I may bear fruit. I give you thanks for the fruit that you have borne in my life. And for the blessing that I am able to share with others around me that they may have the fruit that brings joy.
Reflection: If we get into God’s word, God’s word will get into us. It was meant to be prayed and practiced. How am I practicing the word of God in my giving?
Day 21: Faith Rewards
Hebrews 11:6 — And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek Him.
Prayer: Father, I realize how quickly and easily I can move from trusting you to doubting you. I pray that like the men and women of faith in Hebrews, my trust in you will not falter. Help me to earnestly seek you day by day, for I know that your desire is to reward me in every area of my life.
Reflection: Do I trust that He will do what His word says? If not, what/who am I placing my hope in?
Day 22: Continual Communion
1 Thessalonians 5:17 — Pray without ceasing.
Prayer: Loving Heavenly Father, I praise and thank you for all Your loving-kindness to me. Thank you that I can come to you in prayer any moment of the day. Help me to come boldly to your throne of grace, where my prayers are like sweet smelling fragrance to You. Keep me ever humble before Your throne.
Reflection: You and I weren’t created for independent living. We were created to be dependent on God. What area of my life is God asking me to surrender to Him?
Day 23: Treasures in Heaven
Phillippians 4:17 — Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
Prayer: Loving Father, I stand amazed at Your gracious bounty, knowing that You care about both the little things that I need today, as well as the eternal blessings that are being laid up for me in heaven, for which I praise your holy name.
Reflection: Do I desire what He has planned for me and through me or am I seeking my own selfish desires?
Day 24: All to the Lord
Psalm 24:1 — "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."
Prayer: Prayer You are the creator of heaven and earth. The Lord of heaven’s armies. You spoke all things into existence and I stand in awe of your power and authority. Teach me to steward your earth well and to honor others by loving them well.
Reflection: Am I acting as if everything belongs to You already?
Day 25: For Your Glory
Psalm 115:1 — Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness!
Prayer: Lord, there is none like you. I want to know you as my Father, the one who sets me free to live this life for you. Far above all this world has to offer. Far above all my loyalties or expectations. I want to live this life for your glory alone.
Reflection: Am I living this life according to the culture’s standards or the LIving God’s standards?
Day 26: Belonging
Romans 12:5-8 — In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously.
Prayer: Father God, I am so grateful for my brothers and sisters in Christ and for the gift of community. We aren't meant to walk through this life alone. I pray that I may do all to the glory of God and present my body as a living sacrifice unto You.
Reflection: How am I using the gifts of the Holy Spirit within the body of Christ?
Day 27: Contentment
Psalm 73:25-26 — Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Prayer: Lord, always remind me that if I don’t have you I have nothing. Remind me that nothing else will satisfy me. What makes heaven is that You are there. You will be my portion forever.
Reflection: He is the God of heaven and deserves my adoration. Do I need to ask for forgiveness for putting other things or people above Him?
Day 28: Generous Hearts
2 Corinthians 8:2-3 — For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord
Prayer: Father, show your grace to me and my family by giving us hearts so generous that we will share liberally with those who need our help. May we give ourselves first to you, and then to our brethren. Help us to give of our means, even beyond our means, and of our own free will joyfully!
Reflection: Am I giving of my own free will, in my means and beyond my means joyfully?
Day 29: The Good Fight
1 Timothy 6:12 — Fight the good fight of the faith.
Prayer: Father, today I submit my dreams, desires and thoughts to You. Use my imagination for your purposes. Grant me the grace to store up your word in my heart. Help me to rely on your word to fight and win.
Reflection: It’s important to know what God’s word says so I can fight the battle and win. Am I making time to hide His word in my heart?
Day 30: Offering Sacrifice
Mark 12:41-44 — And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.
Prayer: Father in heaven, you have graciously given me everything in Jesus. Please help me as I seek to be a responsible and generous steward of the gracious gifts you have lavished upon me. Help me, Lord, to know what it means for me to give generously and sacrificially.
Reflection: Have I fallen for the lie that I just don’t have enough to give, despite the fact that the greatest examples of giving in Scripture were poor people?
Day 31: Your Will Be Done
Matthew 6:10 — Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I humbly come to you today and invite your will to be done in my life. I submit every area of my heart to you. Let everything I say and do bring glory to You.
Reflection: As we finish our month of prayer together, celebrate what God has done in you and One Church, continue to pray that we would surrender to His will and His Kingdom each day as we KNOW HIM AND MAKE HIM KNOWN.