Prayer Guide 1

2 Pray First
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Lifestyle Prayer ...................................................................... 1

The Lord’s Prayer .................................................................. 3

Tabernacle Prayer ................................................................. 7

Prayer and Scripture Devotional ..................................... 13

Warfare Prayers ....................................................................17

Personal Prayer Targets ..................................................... 23

My Prayer Journal ................................................................ 30

Prayer Guide 3
 PRAY FIRST
Dear Friend,

The dream and idea of Hope City was birthed in a time of prayer. It
was prayer that helped me see Hope City before we ever launched
our first service. I believe prayer is the only way we will continue
to witness God’s miraculous work in our church. However, prayer
isn’t just about what can happen in our collective church family; it
is a conversation with God that helps us know Him more. Too often
people act first and pray later. Prayer is more than a solution that
bails us out of tough situations, instead it should be the first thing we
do and not our last resort.

Understanding the importance of prayer is not enough. In order for

it to become a part of our life, it needs to become something we look
forward to doing. I’m convinced most people don’t pray because they
have never been taught how. This simple prayer journal can help.
Using several prayer models out of the Bible and having some guides
to make prayer more personal, this booklet is designed to bring
joy into your time with God. When you discover the beauty of daily
conversation with Him, you’ll experience the presence of God that will
change your life.

Once you learn how to pray, prayer can become a part of everyday
life. And then...

Before the day begins,

Before you go to bed,
Before you go to work or school,
Before you send that text,
Before you eat, drive or travel,
When bad things happen,
Before bad things happen,
In every situation - PRAY FIRST!

I believe that PRAYER changes everything!

Pastor Jeremy Foster

Prayer Guide 5
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LIFESTYLE PRAYER

Prayer Guide 1
 LIFESTYLE PRAYER
How do we make prayer a part of our everyday life? We can learn from
three things that Jesus did…

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the
house and went off to a solitary place,
where he prayed (Mark 1:35).

• A CERTAIN TIME

Jesus got up very early in the morning to spend time with His Heavenly
Father. In order for prayer to work, we should do the same. Make a daily
appointment with God and keep it.

• A CERTAIN PLACE

Jesus had a prayer place. Your prayer place needs to be an undistracted

environment where you can pray out loud and perhaps have some
worship music playing in the background.

• A CERTAIN PLAN

Go into your prayer time with a plan; if it changes, that’s fine. When
Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He gave His disciples a prayer
outline. We call it the Lord’s Prayer. This outline along with several other
tools are available in this booklet.

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THE LORD’S PRAYER

Prayer Guide 3
 THE LORD’S PRAYER
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one
of his disciples said to him, “Lord,
teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1).

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,

your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily
bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for
yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever”
(Matthew 6:9-13).

“Our Father in heaven...”

1. CONNECT WITH GOD RELATIONALLY

You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead,
you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.
Now we call him, “Abba, Father”
(Romans 8:15 NLT).

God loves for us to call Him our Father. Establish your intimate
relationship with Him and thank Him for the relationship you have with
Him.

“…Hallowed be Your Name…”

2. WORSHIP HIS NAME

God’s name is a place of protection—the righteous can run there and

be safe (Proverbs 18:10 MSG).

What are His Names?

Righteousness – He makes me clean.
Sanctifier – He has called me and set me apart.
Healer – He heals all my diseases.
Banner of Victory – He has defeated my enemy.
Shepherd – He speaks to me and leads me.
Peace – He is my peace in every storm.
Provider – He supplies all of my needs.

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 “…Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on
earth as it is in heaven…”
3. PRAY HIS AGENDA FIRST

He will always give you all you need from day to day if you will make
the Kingdom of God your primary concern
(Luke 12:31 TLB).

God’s priorities:
Saving the Lost.
Guiding those in authority – parental, spiritual, governmental,
workplace.
His will in us.

“…Give us this day our daily bread…”

4. DEPEND ON HIM FOR EVERYTHING

I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help

comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:1-2
NLT).

Ask God for what you want and need and then trust Him for the answer.

“…Forgive us our debts as we forgive our

debtors…”
5. GET YOUR HEART RIGHT WITH GOD AND PEOPLE

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our
sins and purify us from all unrighteousness
(1 John 1:9).
Ask God to check your heart and motives. Receive His forgiveness for
any area that He brings to mind.

Forgive anyone who has offended you in any way. You can even forgive
people in advance.
Prayer Guide 5
 “…And do not lead us into temptation but
deliver us from the evil one…”
6. ENGAGE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians
6:12).

Take your stand against the enemy and fight the good fight of faith.
Every lie that the enemy has told you should be replaced with the truth
of God’s Word.

“…For yours is the Kingdom and the Power and

the Glory forever.”
7. EXPRESS FAITH IN GOD’S ABILITY

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by
your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you”
(Jeremiah 32:17).

End your prayer time by reminding yourself of God’s ability. Return to

praise and make your faith declarations.

“Yours is the Kingdom” – all rule belongs to You.

“Yours is the Power” – all mightiness flows from You.
“Yours is the Glory” – Your victory shall be complete.

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TABERNACLE PRAYER

Prayer Guide 7
 TABERNACLE PRAYER

THE TABERNACLE
Holy of Holies The Outer
Court
Ark Brazen Altar

The Holy Place

Altar of Incense

Laver
Table of Shewbread Candlestick

The Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God where He met His people.
As they entered the Tabernacle, they passed through seven stations as
a protocol to God’s presence. Today, these same steps can help us to
connect with God and lead us through important elements of prayer.

1. THE OUTER COURT – THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give
thanks to him and praise his name (Psalm 100:4).

As the people of God entered the Tabernacle, they came in with

thanksgiving on their lips. Thanking God for all the blessings in your life
is a great way to begin. Every day, think of a fresh reason why you love
and appreciate God.

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2. THE BRAZEN ALTAR – THE CROSS OF JESUS

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives
all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from
the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your
desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s
(Psalm 103:2-5).

In the Old Testament, everyone who had committed sin had to bring
animal sacrifices. Jesus paid for all your sins once and for all. You simply
need to receive the benefits of what Jesus did for you.

Salvation – God forgives all my sin.

Healing – God heals all my diseases.
Redemption – God rescues me from every attack.
Transformation – God puts His love in me.
Provision – God provides everything I need.

3. THE LAVER – CLEANSING AND PREPARING

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your

bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your
spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1).

The next step in the Tabernacle was a bowl of water where people could
wash. Checking your heart and motives and then surrendering your life
to God is an important part of daily prayer. Here are some ways to keep
your heart right with God.

Repent from any known sin.

Offer your body to God:
Your tongue – to speak good and not evil
Your eyes – to see God and the needs of others
Your ears – to be sensitive to His voice
Your hands – to do good to others
Your feet – to walk in God’s ways
Offer your mind to God (Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:2).
Ask God to give you the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Prayer Guide 9
4. THE CANDLESTICK – THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of
understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the
knowledge and fear of the LORD
(Isaiah 11:2).

Every day you should invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your
life. The next piece of furniture in the Tabernacle was a seven-branched
golden candlestick, each candle having a different meaning, with the fire
representing the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of the Lord.

The Spirit of Wisdom.
The Spirit of Understanding.
The Spirit of Counsel.
The Spirit of Might.
The Spirit of Knowledge.
The Fear of the Lord.

You should also ask God to give you spiritual gifts

(1 Corinthians 12:8-10).

5. THE TABLE OF SHEWBREAD – THE WORD OF GOD

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and
night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then
you will be prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:8).

A table with twelve loaves of bread represents the importance of

reading God’s Word for daily sustenance. With this in mind, here are
ways to nourish your soul:

Read God’s Word.

Claim His many great promises.
Ask for fresh revelation of the Word.
Take time to read and meditate on the Word.
Get a Word for the day.

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6. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE – WORSHIP

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and
are safe (Proverbs 18:10).

A small altar of burning incense stood at the entrance to the Holy of

Holies, where God’s presence dwelt. This altar represents worship. The
people of God literally entered God’s presence worshipping the Names
of God, including:

God is My Righteousness – Jeremiah 23:6

God is My Sanctifier – Leviticus 20:7-8
God is My Healer – Exodus 15:26
God is My Provider – Genesis 22:14
God is My Banner of Victory – Exodus 17:15
God is My Peace – Judges 6:24
God is My Shepherd – Psalm 23:1
God is Always There – Ezekiel 48:35

7. THE ARK OF THE COVENANT – INTERCESSION

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and

thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in
authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness
and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all
men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy
2:1-4).

The final place in the Tabernacle was the place where God’s presence
dwelt. It was there that the priest interceded on behalf of the people.
In the New Testament, you and I are all called priests and instructed to
intercede for others, including:

Those in authority – spiritual, civil, family, and workplace

My family.
My church – pastor, small group, members, and vision/mission.
My city, nation, and world.
My needs.

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12 Pray First
 PRAYER AND
SCRIPTURE DEVOTIONAL

Prayer Guide 13
 PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE
DEVOTIONAL
The following is a great prayer outline mixed with Scripture readings.
Simply walk through the outline while you look up the passages of
Scripture.

1. THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE – PRESENT YOURSELF TO GOD

(MARK 12:30)

Think of a fresh reason to thank Him (Psalm 100:4, 118:24).

Present your body in worship (Romans 12:1; Psalm 63-3,4) by:

Kneeling before Him as your Lord.
Lifting your hands to Him as your Source.
Standing in praise before Him as your King.
Clapping your hands with rejoicing.
Dancing with joy as a child.
Bowing your head in humility.

Sing a new song to Him (Psalm 96:1,2; Colossians 3:16).

Invite Holy Spirit assisted praise (Jude 20; 1 Corinthians 14:15).

2. CONFESSION AND CLEANSING – PRESENT YOUR HEART

TO GOD (PROVERBS 4:23)

Ask God to search your heart (Psalm 139:23,24) for:

Sin – receive cleansing and righteousness.
Selfishness – receive holiness and sanctification.
Stress – receive life and power.
Sickness – receive healing and strength.

Remember the danger of self-deception (Jeremiah 17:9;

1 John 1:6-10).

Set a monitor on your mouth and heart (Psalm 19:14, 49:3).

Ask God to help you keep His purposes and goals in view
(Psalm 90:12; Philippians 3:13-14).
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3. ORDER AND OBEDIENCE – PRESENT YOUR DAY
TO GOD (PSALM 37:5)

Present the day’s details

(Psalm 37:4,5, 31:14,15; Deuteronomy 33:25):
Choose the fear of the Lord.
Commit your works to God.

Indicate your dependence upon God

(Proverbs 3:5-7; Psalm 131:1-3).

Request specific direction for actions and decisions

(Psalm 25:4,5; Isaiah 30:21).

Choose to obey God’s explicit instructions

(Matthew 6:11, 7:7-8):
In the Word of God.
By choosing to do His will.

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WARFARE PRAYERS

Prayer Guide 17
 WARFARE PRAYERS
Prayer is not only communion with God; it is confrontation with the
enemy. The following prayers are very helpful in spiritual warfare:

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against
the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of
this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day
of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you
have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth
buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in
place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from
the Gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the
Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of
prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on
praying for all the Lord’s people (Ephesians 6:11-18).

THE ARMOR OF GOD

(Based on Ephesians 6:13-17)

“Thank You, Lord, for my salvation. I receive it in a new and fresh way
from You, and I declare that nothing can separate me from the love of
Christ and the place I have in Your kingdom. I wear Your righteousness
today against all condemnation and corruption. Cover me with Your
holiness and purity—defend me from all assaults against my heart.
Lord, I put on the belt of truth. I choose a lifestyle of honesty and
integrity. Expose the lies I have believed, and show me the truths I need
today. I choose to live for the Gospel in every moment. Show me where
You are working and lead me to it. Give me strength to walk daily with
You. I believe that You are powerful against every lie and assault of the
enemy. You have good in store for me. Nothing is coming today that can
overcome me because You are with me. Holy Spirit, show me the truths
of the Word of God that I will need to counter the traps of the enemy.
Bring those Scriptures to mind today. Finally, Holy Spirit, I agree to walk
in step with You in everything as my spirit communes with You in prayer
throughout the day.”
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THE WEAPONS OF WARFARE
(Based on 2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

“Father, Your Word says that no weapon formed against me shall

prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Therefore, I declare that no weapon formed
against me prospers this day or any day to come, in Jesus’ name.
Your Word says that trouble will not arise a second time (Nahum 1:9).
Therefore, I declare that Satan cannot make trouble for me again, in
this manner as he did in the past, in Jesus’ name. I declare all of these
prayers accomplished and brought to pass by trusting you through faith
and expectation, in the name of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, I confess to You all of my sins this day, yesterday and every
day past. I repent and renounce them, those known and unknown,
those of omission and commission, in what I have done and in what I
have failed to do. I lay down at Your feet all of the sins of the flesh, the
tongue, and of the heart, and all unholy thoughts and actions. Thank
You, Lord, for shedding Your precious blood for me.

I stand on Your Word. The enemy is driven out from before me, above
me, around me, and below me; from my home, workplace, church and
its ministries, children, and loved ones; from my works and labors, land,
and my presence. I declare that he is not able to stand against me, and
his works are taken captive and destroyed. No weapon formed against
me will prosper, for the Spirit of the Lord shall raise a standard against
them. I declare all of these things accomplished by Your Word. Jesus, my
Lord, I give You thanksgiving, praise, glory, honor and worship for Your
righteousness and holiness, given to me by Your Word on my behalf.”

Prayer Guide 19
PROTECTION PRAYER
(Based on 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, 10:3-5; Romans 12:1,2)

“Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before You. I cover

myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ as my protection. I
surrender myself completely and unreservedly in every area of my life
to You. I submit myself only to the true and living God and refuse any
involvement of the enemy in my life. I choose to be transformed by the
renewing of my mind. I pull down every thought that exalts itself against
the knowledge of Christ. I pray and thank you for a sound mind, the
mind of Christ.

Today and every day, I ask for protection over my spouse, each of my
children, immediate family members, relatives, friends, acquaintances
and myself. I also ask for protection during all of our travels and
provision over our finances, possessions, health, safety, and welfare. I
put all of these things under the covering of Your precious blood and
declare that Satan cannot touch them, on this day or any day to come.”

GENERAL CONFESSION PRAYER

(Based on Romans 10:10; James 5:16; I John 1:7-9, 3:8)

“Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God. You are the Messiah,
come in the flesh to destroy the works of the devil. You died on the
cross for my sins and rose again the third day from the dead. I now
confess all my sins and repent. I receive your forgiveness and ask you
to cleanse me from all sin. Thank You for redeeming me, cleansing me,
justifying me, and sanctifying me in Your blood.”

FORGIVENESS PRAYER
(based on Matthew 6:14,15; Leviticus 19:18)

“Lord, I have a confession to make. I have not loved, but have resented
certain people and have unforgiveness in my heart. I call upon You,
Lord, to help me forgive them. I now forgive (name them). I also forgive
and accept myself, in the name of Jesus Christ.”

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PRIDE PRAYER
(Based on Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, 26:12; 1 Timothy 3:6)

“Father, I come to You in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I know pride
is an abomination to You. I renounce anything that would cause me to
have pride in my heart in dealing with other people. I renounce these
and turn away from them. I humble myself before You and come to You
as a little child.“

Study Proverbs 6:16-19 and remember that fasting is a means by which

a person humbles himself before the Lord.

GENERATIONAL BONDAGE PRAYER

(Based on Exodus 20:4-6, 34:7; Numbers 14:18)

“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I now renounce, break, and
loose myself from all bondages or bonds of physical or mental illness
upon me, my family or family line as the result of parents or any other
ancestors. I thank You, Lord, for setting me free.”

Prayer Guide 21
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PERSONAL PRAYER TARGETS

Prayer Guide 23
PERSONAL PRAYER TARGETS
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in
authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness
and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants
all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1
Timothy 2:1-4).

Pray for those in authority and those under your authority.

MY GOVERNMENT

President

National leaders

State leaders

City leaders

MY FAMILY

Spouse

Children

Parents

Siblings

Extended family

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MY CHURCH

Pastor

Dream Team leader

Dream Team members

Connet Group leader

Connect Group members

MY LIFE

Employer

Co-workers

Employees

Teachers/Professors

Prayer Guide 25
THOSE I INFLUENCE

Close friends

Neighbors

THOSE WHO NEED GOD

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1. PRAY THAT THE FATHER WOULD DRAW THEM TO JESUS

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him
(John 6:44).

2. BIND THE SPIRIT THAT BLINDS THEIR MINDS

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they
cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the
image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4).

3. LOOSE THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION (SONSHIP)

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear,
but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba,
Father” (Romans 8:15).

4. PRAY THAT OTHER BELIEVERS WILL CROSS THEIR PATHS AND

ENTER INTO POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEM

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his
harvest field (Matthew 9:38).

5. LOOSE THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION ON THEM SO

THEY MAY KNOW GOD BETTER

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious
Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you
may know him better
(Ephesians 1:17).

Prayer Guide 27
MY NEEDS

Prayer Request

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Date Date Answered

Prayer Guide 29
 MY PRAYER JOURNAL

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Prayer Guide 31
 MY PRAYER JOURNAL

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Prayer Guide 33
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