Read these three scriptures, and ask yourself this question: How can I do this?

Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”   (Matthew 7:7)

“Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18)

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” (I Timothy 2:1-3)

We have a lot to prayer about!  Here’s a list of questions aimed at stirring your imagination for prayer.  God has placed you where you are and given you perspectives on the world for a reason.  He is prepared to take action, and invites you to be a part of that through prayer. Take about 15 minutes. Get out a sheet of paper or some other note taking technology.   Using this sheet as a guide, ask the Lord to bring things to your mind, and when you are done, pray.

Who has God shown himself to be in your life?  (e.g. Provider, Sovereign Lord, Great Physician, Friend, Comforter, Guide, Helper)

What are some of the great things God has done in your own life or in history?

What are one or two of the great problems in the world?  God’s people are there.  What do they need to be faithful given what they face?

In addition to the upcoming election, what are one or two of the big problems facing our nation?  What do God’s people in our nation need to be more faithful given the problems?

What are some of the problems facing the First Coast?  What do the churches across the First Coast need to faithfully respond?  Can you think of ministries that are engaged?  What are their needs?

You have neighbors, networks, and places in your life.  Identify one or two and jot down and idea or two about how they could be more like heaven than earth.

What needs to happen in your own life in order for you to respond faithfully, consistently, and effectively?

What are the needs close to your heart for yourself or loved ones?

You are God’s child!  What, if anything, is making it hard for you to remember that?

You have been given authority by God to be his representative!  What, if anything, is saying otherwise?

Compared to a year ago, how’s your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control?

Is there anything you are seeking guidance for?

“You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed”  (attributed to the founder of Gordon-Conwell Seminary, A.J. Gordon)  Now… take some time and pray!