€¦ · Web viewIf you are doing the 40 Days of Prayer by yourself and you would like a copy of the videos, ... Emphasize a different word or phrase each time you read the passage

Name:

Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power

at work within us is able to do far more

than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of -

infinitely beyond our highest prayers,

desires, thoughts, or hopes.

Ephesians 3:20

Understanding Your Study Guide

SUNDAY NOTESBring this booklet to church during your 40 Days of Prayer. Use these pages to take notes on the weekly messages.

KEY VERSEEach week you will find a key Bible verse to focus on. If you are in a small group, and someone in the group has a different translation, ask them to read it out loud so the group can get a bigger picture of the meaning of the passage.

VIDEO LESSONThere is an optional video lesson for each week. If you are in a small group, you may watch it together each week. If you are doing the 40 Days of Prayer by yourself and you would like a copy of the videos, contact Mike, [email protected].

INDIVIDUALLY OR IN SMALL GROUPStudy these questions individually or in a small group. Don’t feel like you have to cover every question. Choose the questions that seem most relevant. The point is to learn and grow your faith as you go through the session. Go through “DISCOVERY QUESTIONS,” “PRAYER,” and “THIS WEEK.” Close your time with prayer and plan for your next session.

DAILY PRAYER JOURNALTake a few minutes each day to read the verse several times, slowly. Emphasize a different word or phrase each time you read the passage. Underline key words or phrases that are especially meaningful to you. Follow the Spirit’s moving and write down your responses in the journal space. Finish with prayer.

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SERMON NOTESFebruary 11, 2018

Week 1: The Purpose of Prayer

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you,ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7

Individually or in Small GroupDiscovery Questions

What role has prayer played in shaping your relationship with God?

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Based on this week’s message, what can you do to deepen your conversation with God?

What are you hoping to get out of this study for the next 40 days?

PRAYERWhat are you lacking in your life simply because you’ve never asked God for it? What is your greatest need? Don’t hold back. Share your prayer request with your group, then pray together. Write down your prayer requests in Prayer & Praise on page 59 and see how God answers our prayers.

THIS WEEKDAILY PRAYERSet a daily alarm as reminder to pause and pray this week. This idea works best if you pick the same time every day. The best time to pray is when you’re at your best. Consistency is more important than quantity.

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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL February 11, 2018Day 1, Sunday

I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do

nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you,

ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.John 15:5-7

What did God say to you as you read today’s Bible passage?

What does this passage mean to you? How does it apply to your life?

Take a minute and pray. It could be a confession, gratitude, or praise. Anything that you want to share. Write down some words.

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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL February 12, 2018Day 2, Monday

I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends,

because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I

appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.

John 15:15-16




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL February 13, 2018Day 3, Tuesday

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to

God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL February 14, 2018Day 4, Wednesday

Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything

in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

John 16:23-24




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL February 15, 2018Day 5, Thursday

Trust in the LORD, and do good;so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.

Take delight in the LORD,and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL February 16, 2018Day 6, Friday

Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these,

because I am going to the Father.John 14:12




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL February 17, 2018Day 7, Saturday

I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything,

I will do it.John 14:13-14




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Week 2: How to Pray with Confidence

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.1 Peter 5:7


God is caring, consistent, close, and competent. Which of these characteristics has the greatest meaning to you, and why?

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Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask

or even dream of - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.

Ephesians 3:20 (TLB)

Read Ephesians 3:20, is there something you’re afraid to ask for or dream of? God can do far more than you can imagine.

Psalm 34:18 says, The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. How has this been true or false for you?

PRAYERTake this time to pray with confidence for anyone in your group or life who may be in a season of heartbreak or experiencing a crushed spirit. Write down your prayer request in Prayer & Praise on page 59 and see how God answers our prayers.

THIS WEEKPRAY WITH CONFIDENCERead Ephesians 3:20 at the top of the page.

What did God say to you as you read this passage?What does this passage mean to you?With this passage, what is your prayer?

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For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor

height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39




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Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, [God] remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are a part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us.

2 Timothy 2:13 (TLB)




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Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said,

“I will never leave you or forsake you.”Hebrews 13:5




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How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!How vast is the sum of them!

I try to count them - they are more than the sand;I come to the end - I am still with you.

Psalm 139:17-18




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL February 22, 2018Day 12, Thursday

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven

give good things to those who ask him!Matthew 7:11




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL February 23, 2018Day 13, Friday

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,nor the human heart conceived,

what God has prepared for those who love him”1 Corinthians 2:9




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL February 24, 2018Day 14, Saturday

But to all who received him, who believed in his name,he gave power to become children of God.

John 1:12




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Week 3: The Pattern for Prayer, Part 1

Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,for his wonderful works to humankind.

Psalm 107:15


Prayer starts with who God is; it doesn’t start with what you need. Why do you think Jesus taught us to praise God (hallowed be Thy name) and to surrender to God (Your kingdom come, Your will be done) before we make our requests to God?

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There are many names of God: Creator, Father, Savior, Shepherd, Shield, Counselor, Comforter, and Friend. Which name reminds you most of God’s presence in your life or resonates with you in your current circumstance?

The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to ask God for our daily bread. Share a story of how God has provided for you.

PRAYERShare a prayer request based on what stood out to you as an area of growth in this session. As you pray, remember to start with praise, then surrender your will to God’s will, and then make your requests.

THIS WEEKGRATITUDE LISTThis week, start your daily prayer time with praise and worship. Notice what happens in your prayer life.

Praying with your palms up symbolizes that you are bringing your requests and cares to God. Turning your palms down symbolizes that you are letting go and releasing your cares into God’s hands. Turning your palms up again symbolizes that you are receiving God’s grace, and that your hands are now available to God to be used for his purposes. Try it this week.

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Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

What did God say to you as you read the Lord’s prayer? Slowly read it again.

What does this mean to you? How does it apply to your life?


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I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith,as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that

you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints,what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:17-19




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Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,for his wonderful works to humankind.

Psalm 107:15




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We know that all things work together for good for those who love God,

who are called according to his purpose.Romans 8:28




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL March 1, 2018Day 19, Thursday

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you:Take your everyday; ordinary life - your sleeping, eating,

going-to-work; and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does

for you is the best thing you can do for him.Romans 12:1 (The Message)




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL March 2, 2018Day 20, Friday

Abba, Father, for you all things are possible;remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.

Mark 14:36




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL March 3, 2018Day 21, Saturday

So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Matthew 6:34




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SERMON NOTESMarch 4, 2018

Week 4: The Pattern for Prayer, Part 2

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.

Psalm 115:1


If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes

no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity;

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

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Psalm 32:1-2, 5According to the these verses, why does God want us to confess our sins to Him?

Rick Warren says, “Forgiveness isn’t about fairness; forgiveness is about grace. You will never have to forgive anyone more than God has forgiven you.” How does this encourage you to be more forgiving?

Share how you can be more forgiving in your daily prayer life.

PRAYERShare a prayer request based on what stood out to you as an area of growth in this session. Admit your faults, release others, guard your heart, depend on God’s power, and praise God.

THIS WEEKPRAYER OF FORGIVENESS & TOOLS FOR TEMPTATIONIf you feel bitterness, anger, or other negative emotions toward anyone, make this prayer. See page 55.

Dear Lord, I may not be able to forget, but I’m choosing to forgive . I realize trust may take time to rebuild, but I choose to hold no grudges. Help me to let go of bitterness or anger in my heart, so that I may live in freedom. Give me your grace so that I may relinquish my “right” to get even. Help me understand that you have forgiven me and that I can forgive through you. I trust in your power to do that. I ask you to bless . In particular, I ask you to bless him/her with these things: .God, please replace my hurt with your healing. Replace my pain with your peace. Replace my loss with your love. May the past truly be the past. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL March 4, 2018Day 22, Sunday

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial,

but rescue us from the evil one.Matthew 6:9-13




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL March 5, 2018Day 23, Monday

If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL March 6, 2018Day 24, Tuesday

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit. While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions

to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.Psalm 32:1-5




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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL March 7, 2018Day 25, Wednesday

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32




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[Love] keeps no record of wrongs.1 Corinthians 13:5b




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Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will

receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24




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Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory,because of your love and faithfulness.

Psalm 115:1




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SERMON NOTES March 11, 2018Week 5: Praying for a Breakthrough

You will seek me and find mewhen you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

Individually or in Small GroupDiscovery QuestionsDaniel waited seventy years for his breakthrough. How do you identify with Daniel’s story? Have you ever had to pray for months or even years for a breakthrough? What was the outcome?

What is a breakthrough prayer you are asking God about right now?

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Jeremiah 29:13 says, You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. What does it mean to you to seek the Lord with all your heart?PRAYERShare a prayer request based on what stood out to you as an area of growth in this session. Write them down on page 59. Commit to praying for others every day this week. Let people know you are praying for them.

THIS WEEKTHE IMPORTANCE OF FASTINGHave you ever fasted while praying and waiting for the breakthrough? The Bible is clear that there is power in our prayers when they are coupled with fasting. Throughout history God’s people united in prayer and fasting to seek God’s favor, deliverance, direction, or provision. Jesus not only practiced fasting, he also taught us to fast. In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said this:

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Notice Jesus doesn’t say if you fast. He says when you fast. He assumed we would do it, so he taught the proper attitude about fasting. A Biblical fast means to reduce or eliminate food intake for a specific period of time for the purpose of seeking God. The proper way to fast is to use the time you would have spent preparing, eating, and sharing a meal to feast on the Word and talk to the Lord.

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There are many ways to fast. You can abstain from food and liquids for one or more days. If you have never done it before you can fast one meal; using that time to “feast” on the Lord.DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL March 11, 2018Day 29, Sunday

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13




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If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

John 15:7




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I love those who love me,and those who seek me find me.

Proverbs 8:17




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I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed:“O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of

love with all who love him and obey his commands.”Daniel 9:4




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The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving,even though we have rebelled against him.

Daniel 9:9




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Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you

because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.Daniel 9:18




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While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill - while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had

seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to

tell you, for you are highly esteemed.Daniel 9:20-23




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SERMON NOTES March 18, 2018Week 6: How to Pray in Crisis

This is what the LORD says to you:‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.

For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’2 Chronicles 20:15


Has there ever been a time when you stopped to praise and thank God first in a moment of crisis? If so, how did that act of faith impact your perspective on the crisis? What changes did you experience physically, emotionally, and mentally?

Jehoshaphat prayed, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” Is there a situation that is overwhelming or

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intimidating you? What steps can you take to shift your focus from your problem to the Problem Solver?Rick Warren says, “When you let God fight your battles, it is a witness to everyone around you.” What are you communicating to the people around you by the way you handle the crisis in your life? What does it say about your faith?

PRAYERJehoshaphat didn’t try to handle his crisis alone, and neither should you. If anyone is in crisis, or in need of a big breakthrough right now, gather around them, place your hands on their shoulders, and pray for them. Close your time together by giving thanks as a group - thanking God for his presence and for his victory in your lives.

PLAN A PARTY! Plan a party to celebrate what God has done in your lives through this study of 40 Days of Prayer and your time with each other (if you are in a group).

THIS WEEKPRAY THE PLAN

If you or someone you know is going through a crisis, use Jehoshaphat’s model of prayer this week.

1. Admit your inadequacy.2. Rely on God’s resources.3. Relax in faith.4. Thank God in advance for hearing and answering your prayers.5. Expect God to turn your battle into blessings.

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DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL March 18, 2018Day 36, Sunday

O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.

Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.2 Chronicles 20:6




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O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a

sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’

2 Chronicles 20:7-9




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You would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. See how they are repaying us… O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We

do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.2 Chronicles 20:10-12




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Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not have to fight this

battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you… Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.2 Chronicles 20:15-17




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And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.Hebrews 11:6




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SERMON NOTES March 25, 2018Week 7: Why Doesn’t God Always Answer the First

Time I Pray?

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PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS

Dear Lord,

I may not be able to forget, but I’m choosing to forgive

.

I realize trust may take time to rebuild,

but I choose to hold no grudges.

Help me to let go of bitterness or anger in my heart,

so that I may live in freedom.

Give me your grace so that I may relinquish

my “right” to get even.

Help me understand that you have forgiven me and that

I can forgive through you.

I trust in your power to do that.

Now, Lord, I ask you to bless .

In particular, I ask you to bless them with these things:

.

God,

please replace my hurt with your healing.

Replace my pain with your peace.

Replace my loss with your love.

May the past truly be the past.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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7 STEPS TO ESCAPE TEMPTATION

The temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

It is not a sin to be tempted. The Bible says Jesus was tempted just like we are, but he never sinned. God will never get angry with you when you are tempted. He wants to show you a way out. Here are seven Biblical steps that will help you escape temptation.

Step 1: Get Into The Word.

When Jesus was tempted, his only defense was the Word of God. He said, “It is written… It is written… It is written.” You cannot say, “It is written,” if you don’t know what is written.

I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.Psalm 119:11

Step 2: Identify Your Vulnerabilities.

Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.Matthew 26:41

Notice that Jesus said it’s not enough just to pray. You also have to watch. Be on your guard. Ask yourself these questions:

When am I most tempted?What day of the week? What time of day?Where am I most tempted?

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At work? At a friend’s house? At the mall? At a sports bar? In front of a computer? You need to be honest with yourself and admit your area of vulnerability.

Who is with me when I’m most tempted?Am I most tempted when I’m alone? When I’m with friends who lead me in the wrong direction?

How do I feel before I’m tempted?What is the emotional trigger? Is it frustration exhaustion, anger, or stress? Is it loneliness or self-pity?

Step 3: Plan What You’re Not Going To Do.

Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.Proverbs 4:26-27

Plan in advance to stay away from people, places or circumstances that cause you to be vulnerable to temptation. Plan what you are not going to do and what you are going to do; then stick to your plan.

Step 4: Guard Your Heart.

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. James 1:14

Temptation is an inside job. The devil can’t make you do anything. He can try to lure you into temptation, but your actions come from your own decisions, and your decisions reflect the condition of your heart.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

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Step 5: Pray For Deliverance.

The prayer of deliverance can be boiled down to just one word: HELP! When your back is against the wall, when you’re in over your head, when it seems everything and everyone is conspiring for your downfall, pray the prayer of deliverance. Call out to God for help.

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.1 Corinthians 10:13

Step 6: Refocus Your Attention.

Whatever gets your attention gets you. The battle for sin always starts in your mind. The only way to win that battle and escape temptation is to change your focus and think about something else.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect.Romans 12:2

Step 7: Find A Friend.

You need a spiritual partner to live a spiritual life. If you had a trusted friend to whom you could confess your temptations, you would have fewer sins to confess to God. If you want to have that kind of friend, you must be that kind of friend.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)

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Prayer & PraiseThis is where you can write down requests for prayer. You can also make a note when God answers a prayer. Write down your requests and other’s requests.

It can be as simple as:“God, please help to .”

Date/Person Prayer Request Praise Report

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Seattle Community Church4501 46th Ave. N.E.Seattle, WA 98115

206-527-2232www.seattlechuch.org

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Documents

€¦ · Web viewIf you are doing the 40 Days of Prayer by yourself and you would like a copy of the videos, ... Emphasize a different word or phrase each time you read the passage