It’s human nature to feel a deep need for something, yet also feel like it’s out of reach.

That’s why, when someone sets a goal, there are two main things that usually stand in the way of reaching it:

1. Beginning.
2. Continuing even when you don’t see immediate results.

These common obstacles to our goals and desires also connect to our spiritual lives. Many Pastors and disciples recognize the need for a more robust prayer life, both for themselves and their church. And yet, the days bleed into each other with no progress to show for it. 

This is why Strategic Renewal exists, to help local churches return to Scripture-fed, Spirit-led, and worship-based prayer. Our ministry has witnessed time and time again the renewal that comes when a church commits themselves to praying in this way. 

We have seen Pastors transformed by prayer. But Prayer Activation is not only vital to the Christian and the Church, it is achievable. 

This is why Strategic Renewal released the Prayer Activation Guide. 

A vibrant culture of prayer is within reach for Pastors and Churches. Once you’ve done the hard work of beginning, the next step is having a clear understanding of what to expect in the first 30 days. 

In the first month of a renewed emphasis on prayer, one should anticipate a few possible things: 

No perceived outward change

This is important. 

What many people see as a barrier can actually be viewed as something to expect.

After the excitement of starting something big, things often begin to feel normal again. It is in this immediate period that many wish to experience something. The irony is that change is occurring, but it has not yet yielded anything. The challenge in these tender early days is to trust that what cannot yet be seen is happening. Fruit takes time to develop. Keep watering and planting the seeds of prayer and renewal.

The ever-so-subtle realization you are being changed from within

It is likely no one else will yet notice, but you will begin to sense a subtle shift within you. 

This quiet change is critical, because it highlights an essential truth about prayer, it does not change God. Prayer changes us. Pay close attention to the quiet, easy-to-miss ways you are being reshaped in these early days of prayer activation. 

The more you dedicate yourself to  prayer, the more it begins to permeate your thoughts, your perspective, and your attitude. This is one reason why journaling in the midst of a prayer journey is a useful supplement. You will capture in your notes the ways prayer is subtly reorienting you. 

You will see notes of submission and trust where before there was only requests and angst. 

Prayer beginning to fill more of your days

As Pastor Daniel Henderson has previously observed, Time = Commitment. 

Part of establishing a vibrant culture of prayer is transitioning from prayer as peripheral to prayer as central. Again, this is an internal sensation. Do not expect anyone else to pick up on it. There will likely not be any dramatic shifts, but you will feel prayer being pulled into more aspects of your daily life. 

Prayer implemented

This is where prayer begins to be felt in the midst of other elements of the Christian life. 

As you begin on this journey, you will discover how prayer is meant to compliment  the Word of God. 

So much of the Bible’s content consists of prayers. This means portions of the Bible are meant to be prayed, and you will desire to. You will recognize how a significant portion of worship are simply prayers we sing. You will no longer be merely singing, but also praying. 

Prayer will start to feel more natural when you’re spending time with another believer. You will find yourself more apt to respond with let’s pray about that now when a fellow Christian shares a difficult or challenging aspect of their life. 

 Pastors, remember that God desires intimacy with you, and your flock needs a prayerful ministry leader. If you want the help of collective of praying pastors, become a member of our pastors network at 64fellowship.com

 If you are a disciple who desires to help support your Pastor, consider joining 6:3 Discipleship. 

And so, do not fear small beginnings. The Lord is at work in you from the beginning and will complete His work in you until He comes again (Phil 1:6)

 Download the full guide