Matthew 6:19-21 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.
We have begun prayer covenants in our churches -- praying for each other intentionally. Our friend and personal pastor, Pastor Judy Junkermeier, introduced the concept to our churches from some work shared with her by Dr. Stanley Ott, head of the Vital Churches Institute. While our prayer convenants are for a few weeks, Ott recommends a 30 day prayer covenant and we are working toward that goal.
Have you ever heard of a 30-day prayer covenant? The typical response to this question, says Stan Ott of The Acts 16:5 Initiative, is “No.”
A prayer covenant is an agreement between two (or more) people to pray an agreed upon prayer for one another. Jesus said, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:19 NIV)
Think about agreeing with one another to be in a prayer covenant to pray an agreed upon prayer, for yourself and for the other person(s). Thirty days seems to work well. Ott says, "I have tried it for a longer time, but now think 30 days is more realistic. After the 30 days, of course, you can renew the prayer covenant with the same person; or you can enter a new prayer covenant at any time with anyone who will agree to enter it with you."
Stan says that if you ask someone, “Would you like to make a prayer covenant?” the vast majority of people will say, “Yes!” People love and appreciate being prayed for. Praying for one another gives them and us a formal means of growing in our prayer lives. And God answers our prayers.
One prayer for use in prayer covenants that I Dr. Ott recommends goes:
God, grant _____________ and me the grace each day to commit our lives without reservation to the Lordship of Jesus Christ; and grant _______________ and me the grace to know your strength and your guidance each day. Amen.
It’s brief and to the point. The members of our Acts 16:5 team in our area recently covenanted to pray a prayer like this for each other.
Scripture can also be used as the basis for a prayer covenant. See Ephesians 3:16-19 and Colossians 1:9-12 for possibilities.
Ask someone to make a 30-day prayer covenant with you and as you pray for one another expect God to answer your prayer!
in our churches already, we have seen several prayers answered. Some have even been the unspoken desires of our hearts. Sometimes though being part of a prayer group or covenant can be difficult. Yes it requires putting aside that time to bring others before God in prayer. It requires fitting it into a busy schedule. But it can also be discouraging to see the prayers of others answered if yours are not, or don't appear to be being answered.
It's about letting God be God and answer, as and when He chooses. Sometimes answers come quickly. It is like what Joseph said to Pharaoh with regard to the meaning of his dreams, 'the matter is determined by God, and God will quickly bring it about,' Genesis 41:32. God's answer was clear, specific and prompt.
Other times we may need, as my friend reminded all of us before we started this prayer covenant, to be like Jacob in Genesis 32:24-30. Jacob wrestled with God until he received the blessing. Often these prayers where we really have to persist and keep praying, bring the greatest blessing when they are answered.
The key thing is to intentionally pray for each other on a regular, committed basis. God knows each one and where we are at. As we have prayed for each other and exposed the concerns of our hearts God has brought blessing and helped us connect in a very real way.
Maybe God is calling you to initiate a prayer covenant? Think about it. Pray about it. Pray for others! As you pray for them and they pray for you,the blessing is magnified by the Lord your God!
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