10 Day of Prayer 2025 Material - 8-18 Jan 2025

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January 8–18, 2025
But When
You Pray . . .
“But when you pray . . . pray to your Father
who is in secret. And your Father who sees
in secret will reward you.”
M AT T H E W 6 : 6 , E S V
W W W.T E N D AY S O F P R AY E R . O R G
PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL CONFERENCE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
]
Leader’s Guide
Welcome to Ten Days of Prayer! We believe prayer is the birthplace of revival. God has worked so many miracles in
past years as we have sought Him together in prayer and fasting. The Holy Spirit has brought about conversions,
renewed passion for evangelism, revived churches, and healed relationships.
Has God’s voice been calling you to revival? The Bible is full of promises for you:
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their
wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32).
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and
dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).
Wherever you are in life right now, God is closer than you think. He wants to pour out His blessings on your family,
your church, your community, and your world.
General Items for Ten Days of Prayer

Daily Prayer Guides
We have provided a prayer guide for each of the ten days. Each guide includes a Bible passage, devotional
reading, Bible texts to pray through, prayer suggestions, and song suggestions. We recommend that you copy the
daily guides so each participant can have one to follow during the prayer time.
Churches around the world will unite in praying about each day’s topic. Join them in praying through the verses
and prayer requests, but don’t feel that you must rush through the entire list of prayer suggestions. You may want
to divide into small groups and have each group pray for a portion of your prayer requests.
We also included a document called World Church Prayer Requests. It’s important to pray together for our world
church family, but you may want to spend extra time praying for local needs if your group includes visitors from
the community. Pray about how you can best welcome guests and make them feel a part of your group.
Suggested Times for Each Prayer Session
Keep your prayer time simple so the group can focus on actually praying. How much time you spend on each
section will vary. The following guide is just a suggestion:
Welcome and introduction: 2 – 5 minutes
Read devotional (in daily prayer guide): 5 minutes
Pray through the verses in “Praying God’s Word” (in daily prayer guide): 10 – 15 minutes
Pray about the items in “More Prayer Suggestions” (in daily prayer guide): 20 – 30 minutes
Respond in song and praise: 5 – 10 minutes
Pray for Others

Encourage each person to pray consistently for five to seven people that God has placed in their life. They can be
relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or simply acquaintances. Encourage them to ask the Holy Spirit for
guidance in choosing these names and in reaching out to these people during the ten days. You may want to
provide some cards or pieces of paper on which people can record the names they will be praying for.
Sabbath Services During Ten Days of Prayer
Have a special prayer focus and share testimonies of answered prayer during the church services on both
Sabbaths. Be creative—there are many ways to share with the church family what is happening during the daily
prayer meetings.
Final Sabbath Celebration
The final Sabbath should be designed as a time of great rejoicing in all that God has done throughout the ten
days. Include ample time for testimonies of answered prayer, biblical teaching/preaching on prayer, and singing.
Lead the congregation in a time of prayer so that those who have not attended the daily meetings can experience
the joy of praying with others. Please see the Sabbath Celebration handout for more ideas.
Follow-up to Ten Days of Prayer
Pray about how God wants your church/group to continue what He has begun during Ten Days of Prayer.
Perhaps you will continue with a weekly prayer session. Or perhaps God wants you to begin a new ministry in your
church or an outreach to the community. Be open and follow where God leads. You’re sure to be amazed as you
walk with Him. The document called Outreach Challenge is filled with ideas for service.
Testimonies
Please share stories of how God has worked through Ten Days of Prayer! Your stories will be an encouragement
to many others. Testimonies may be submitted online at www.tendaysofprayer.org.
United Prayer Pointers

Agree Together
When someone prays a request to God, be sure some others pray for that same request and agree together—this
is powerful! Don’t think that because one person has prayed about the request, no one else needs to. “Again I say
unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them
of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). How encouraging it is to be lifted up in prayer!
Claiming God’s Promises
Encourage the group to claim God’s promises as they pray. It is so easy to focus on our problems. But when we
claim God’s promises, we increase our faith and remind ourselves that nothing is impossible with God. The
promises help us take our eyes off our weaknesses and difficulties and set them on Jesus. For every weakness and
every struggle, we can find Bible promises to claim. Encourage people to search for more promises and write
them down so they can claim them in the future.
Fasting
Invite those joining you in Ten Days of Prayer to consider some type of fasting, such as fasting from TV, secular
music, movies, the Internet, sweets, or other types of food that are hard to digest. Use the extra time to pray and
study the Bible, asking God to help you and your congregation to abide more fully in Christ. By adopting a simple
diet, we allow our minds to become more receptive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit
Be sure to ask the Holy Spirit to show you what to pray for in a person’s life or in a particular situation. The Bible
tells us that we do not know what to pray for and that the Holy Spirit is the one making intercession for us
(Romans 8:26, 27).
“We must not only pray in Christ’s name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant
when it is said that the Spirit ‘maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.’ (Romans 8:26).
Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of
Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer ‘exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think’ (Ephesians 3:20)” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 147, emphasis supplied).
Journaling
Keeping a prayer journal during the Ten Days of Prayer can help participants to internalize the daily prayer theme,
make concrete commitments to God, and recognize His blessings. Writing out our prayers and keeping a record of
God’s answers is a proven path to encouragement.
If you wish, you might provide time during the prayer meeting for people to journal their responses to God in
private prayer journals. Or you could keep a group journal of prayer requests and answers—either in a notebook,
on a large poster, or online. It is exciting and faith-building to look back and see how God has answered prayers!
Reverence
Encourage and model a reverent attitude. We are approaching the throne room of the King of the universe. Let’s
not treat this prayer time carelessly in our posture or mannerisms. However, it is not necessary that everyone
kneel continuously. You want people to be comfortable for an hour, so encourage everyone to kneel or sit or stand
as God leads and as they are comfortable.
Sentence Prayers
Prayers should be short and to the point. This gives others an opportunity to pray as well. Try to limit your prayers
to a few sentences. Each person can pray multiple times. Short sentence prayers keep the prayer time interesting
and allow the Holy Spirit to impress the group how to pray. You don’t need to open and close each short sentence
prayer with phrases such as “Dear God” and “Amen.” It is an ongoing conversation with God.
Silence
As a leader, don’t dominate the prayer time. The goal is to get others praying. Times of silence are wonderful, as
they give God time to speak to our hearts. Allow the Holy Spirit to work and give everyone time to pray.
Singing
Spontaneous group songs, mingled between prayers, add beauty to the prayer meeting. Suggested songs are
listed at the end of each theme sheet. Do not feel that you need to use all the songs—these are simply
suggestions. Singing is also a good way to transition from one prayer section to another.
Taking Prayer Requests
Don’t ask for prayer requests from the group. Instead, tell people to pray their requests and encourage others to
join in agreement and prayer for those requests. Here’s why: time! Talking about the requests will take up most of
your prayer time. Satan is thrilled if he can keep us talking about the problem instead of praying about the
problem. Group members will often begin counseling and suggesting solutions. The power is from God! The
more we pray, the more His power is unleashed.
Your Daily Time
This is so important! Make sure that you as a leader are spending time daily at the feet of Jesus, talking with Him
and reading His Word. If you will make knowing God a first priority in your life, it will open such a beautiful
experience to you. “From the secret place of prayer came the power that shook the world in the Great
Reformation. There, with holy calmness, the servants of the Lord set their feet upon the rock of His promises” (The
Great Controversy, p. 210). When a leader prays, God works on hearts!
Introduction
Welcome to Ten Days of Prayer! We believe prayer is the birthplace of revival. God has worked so many
miracles in past years as we have sought Him together in prayer and fasting. The Holy Spirit has
brought about conversions, renewed passion for evangelism, revived churches, and healed
relationships. Here are just a few testimonies from a previous year:
During this year’s Ten Days of Prayer, the Almighty God did so many awesome miracles. . . . In the
neighborhood of one of our churches, there has been no electricity for almost two years. . . . So during
the last Ten Days of Prayer, the church pastor was inspired to ask the church to pray each morning for
electricity to be restored. To the glory of God, that prayer is being answered. (P.C.O.)
[During Ten Days of Prayer] there was renewed commitment, motivation, zeal, and sincerity among
the flock. Personally, I found it rejuvenating, and even more so during the culmination with a fruitful
night prayer vigil! We need more of such wonderful sessions that bring us closer to the feet of Jesus.
(E.A.)
My commitment to reading Scripture and spending time on prayer was not that serious. After Ten
Days of Prayer I greatly changed my attitude about prayer. I started to spend more time in prayer,
praising God, praying for others, and reading Scripture. I had hypertension, but it has since reduced.
All my thanks to the Almighty. (H.R.)
[During Ten Days of Prayer, everyone prayed for a sister who had a job interview.] She was offered the
job—a job that needed someone with the highest qualifications, but it was given to her. [We are
amazed at] what God does, after many years of struggling and waiting. How many times have we
prayed? We can’t count. I want to encourage us all to continue praying because our prayers won’t be
in vain if we believe. (L.B.)
Has God’s voice been calling you to revival? The Bible is full of promises for you:
• “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face,
and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal
their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
• “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah
29:13).
• “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32).
• “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
• “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will
come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).
Wherever you are in life right now, God is closer than you think. He wants to pour out His blessings on
your family, your church, your community, and your world!
Prayer Theme: But When You Pray . . .
This year our daily readings were prepared by Dr. Pavel Goia, editor of Ministry magazine. He uses
stories from his own ministry to explore the Lord’s Prayer and other teachings of Jesus. Follow along as
he unpacks the deeper meaning and spiritual significance of familiar lines. What does it mean to
“hallow” God’s name? What does God’s kingdom look like here on earth? How can forgiving others
transform our relationship with God? And does God ever lead people into temptation?
Whether you’ve been praying for a lifetime or just a few days, these story-filled readings will awaken
your sense of need and desire to meet Jesus on your knees every day. Read thoughtfully and keep your
Bible nearby. And if possible, find a group of believers to pray with during these ten days. When two or
three gather in the name of Jesus, miracles happen!
Suggested Guidelines for Prayer Times
• Keep your prayers short—just a sentence or two on one topic. Then give others a turn. You can pray
as many times as you’d like, just as you talk in a conversation.
• Do not be afraid of silence, as it gives everyone time to listen to the Holy Spirit.
• Singing songs together as the Spirit leads is also a huge blessing. You do not need a piano for this;
singing acapella is fine.
Rather than using up valuable prayer time talking about your prayer requests, simply pray them. Then
others can also pray for your requests and claim promises for your need. happen!
Claiming the Promises
It is our privilege to claim God’s promises in our prayers. All His commandments and counsels are also
promises. He would never ask from us something that we could not do in His strength.
It is so easy to focus on our needs, our difficulties, our challenges—and to wail and whine about our
situation when we pray. This is not the purpose of prayer. Prayer is meant to strengthen our faith. That
is why we encourage you to claim God’s promises in your prayer time. Take your eyes off yourself and
your weaknesses and look to Jesus. By beholding Him, we become changed into His image.
Ellen White offers this encouragement: “Every promise in the Word of God is for us. In your prayers,
present the pledged word of Jehovah and by faith claim His promises. His word is the assurance that if
you ask in faith, you will receive all spiritual blessings. Continue to ask, and you will receive exceeding
abundantly above all that you ask or think” (In Heavenly Places, p. 71).
How can you claim His promises? For instance, when praying for peace, you can claim John 14:27 and
say, “Lord, You have told us in Your Word, ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the
world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ Give me the peace
that You promised to leave with us.” Thank the Lord that He is giving you peace, even though you may
not feel it right then.
Fasting
We encourage you to do a Daniel Fast during these ten days. Starting the year with prayer and fasting
is a wonderful way to consecrate our lives to God for the upcoming year. Ellen White tells us, “Now and
onward till the close of time the people of God should be more earnest, more wide-awake, not trusting
in their own wisdom, but in the wisdom of their Leader. They should set aside days for fasting and
prayer. Entire abstinence from food may not be required, but they should eat sparingly of the most
simple food” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 188, 189).
We know about Daniel, who ate fruits and vegetables for ten days. We likewise encourage you to adopt
a very simple diet during these ten days. If we want clearer minds for hearing God’s voice, and if we
want to draw closer to Him, we need to make sure that our diet is not hindering us.
Fasting is not only about abstaining from food. We also encourage you to fast from TV, movies,
computer games, and even Facebook and YouTube. Sometimes things that are not bad in themselves
can take so much of our time. Put aside everything possible so you can have more time to spend with
the Lord.
Fasting is not a quick way to obtain a miracle from God. Fasting is all about humbling ourselves so God
can work in us and through us. Let’s draw closer to Him through prayer and fasting, and He will draw
closer to us.
Holy Spirit
Be sure to ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you should pray for in a person’s life or in a particular
situation. The Bible tells us that we do not know what to pray for and that the Holy Spirit is the One who
intercedes for us.
“We must not only pray in Christ’s name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is
meant when it is said that the Spirit ‘maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be
uttered’ (Romans 8:26). Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness and intensity we
breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God that He is about
to answer our prayer ‘exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think’ (Ephesians 3:20)” (Christ’s
Object Lessons, p. 147).
Faith
We read in the Spirit of Prophecy that “prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can
accomplish” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 509). We are also told that “for any gift He has promised, we
may ask; then we are to believe that we receive, and return thanks to God that we have received”
(Education, p. 258). So make a habit of thanking God in advance through faith for what He is going to do
and how He is going to answer your prayers.
Pray for Others
During these ten days we encourage you to pray consistently for the people God has placed in your life.
Choose five to seven people—they can be relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or simply
acquaintances. Take some time to ask God whom He would like you to pray for. Ask Him also to give
you a real burden for these people. Write the names on a piece of paper and keep it in a prominent
place, such as in your Bible. You’ll be amazed at how God works in response to your prayers!
Ten Days of Prayer Outreach Challenge
Jesus calls us not only to pray but also to serve the practical needs of those around us. “For I was
hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me
in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me”
(Matthew 25:35, 36).
In The Ministry of Healing we read, “We must live a twofold life—a life of thought and action, of silent
prayer and earnest work” (p. 512). We have received so much love from our Savior, and we have the
privilege of sharing that love with friends, neighbors, and strangers in need.
Ask God how you and your church can serve others after Ten Days of Prayer. As you work to organize
service activities, avoid letting the arrangements distract you from praying. “Personal effort for others
should be preceded by much secret prayer; for it requires great wisdom to understand the science of
saving souls. Before communicating with men, commune with Christ. At the throne of heavenly grace
obtain a preparation for ministering to the people” (Prayer, p. 313).
In the online Ten Days of Prayer resources, you’ll find a document with dozens of outreach ideas. Jesus
invites you to be His hands and feet to a world in need!
About the Author

Pavel Goia, DMin, is an ordained minister, public speaker, and editor. He started his path to the ministry
in his home country of Romania. Pavel and his lovely wife, Daniela, moved with their two sons to the
United States to continue Pavel’s education for the ministry. He found fulfillment in being a pastor of
several congregations in Romania and the United States, and has traveled the world speaking on
prayer and other topics. He was the subject of one book, One Miracle After Another: The Pavel Goia
Story and is author of many articles and a book, In the Spirit and Power. Pavel is currently an associate
ministerial secretary for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and lead editor for Ministry,
International Journal for Pastors. He loves spending as much time as possible with his dear wife,
Daniela, their two sons, four grandchildren, and his devoted dog.
Ten Days of Prayer materials are prepared by the Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Unless otherwise marked, texts in Introduction and Leader’s Guide are taken from the New King James Version.
In daily readings, texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Night of Prayer
Consider holding an all-night prayer service as part of Ten Days of Prayer. For example, you could begin at 6:00
p.m. and finish at 6:00 a.m. Choose a schedule that’s suitable for your group.
Why a Night of Prayer?

There is nothing “holy” in staying awake and praying all night. However, night might be the only time when
people are not busy or in a rush. We believe that your purpose should not be to stay up the whole night but to
pray as long as necessary and until you have prayed for everything you feel God wants you to pray for.
We suggest that several people lead out during the night. Be sure to have some breaks. As a leader, you can sense
the atmosphere and know when a break is needed and when you need to move on to the next section of prayer.
You can also incorporate the reading of Bible passages into your prayer time. You may want to do all of the
suggested items or only some of them, depending on what is best for your group. Feel free to change the order.
Possible Format for Night of Prayer
Start with a session of praise. Praise God in your prayers and also through songs.
Take some time for confession, making sure that nothing is hindering God from hearing you. Give people time
for private confession and have a time of corporate confession. Encourage the people to confess private sins
privately and to confess publicly only the public sins. In Daniel 9:1-19 we read about Daniel, who interceded and
publicly confessed the sins of God’s people.
Pray for the needs of people who are at the prayer meeting. So many people are hurting or in need of prayer,
or know someone else who is in desperate need of prayer. Make a circle, put a chair in the middle, and invite those
who have a special prayer request to come one by one and share their requests. Then gather around the person
and have two or three people pray for the person’s specific need and claim God’s promises.
Divide the group in two. Have the females pray in one room (with a female leader) and the males in another
room (with a male leader). Many personal needs cannot and should not be shared with everyone. It is easier to
share with those of the same gender.
After you come back together, pray for needs in your community and church. Also take time for world church
prayer requests (listed in a separate document in the Ten Days of Prayer materials). Don’t feel that you must rush
through the entire list. You may want to divide into small groups and have each group pray for part of the list.
Pray for the list of five to seven people you have been praying for during these ten days.
Choose a Bible passage and pray through it.
Close the prayer time with another session of praise and thanksgiving.
Outreach Challenge for Ten Days of Prayer
Jesus calls us not only to pray but also to serve the spiritual and physical needs of those around us. “For I was
hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was
naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me” (Matthew 25:35,
36).
In The Ministry of Healing we read, “We must live a twofold life—a life of thought and action, of silent prayer and
earnest work” (p. 512). We have received so much love from our Savior, and we have the privilege of sharing that
love with friends, neighbors, and strangers in need.
Ask God how you and your church can serve others after the Ten Days of Prayer. As you work to organize the
service activities, avoid letting the arrangements distract you from praying. “Personal effort for others should be
preceded by much secret prayer; for it requires great wisdom to understand the science of saving souls. Before
communicating with men, commune with Christ. At the throne of heavenly grace obtain a preparation for
ministering to the people” (Prayer, p. 313).
Here are some ways of helping others. Choose whatever fits the needs of your community, and feel free to add
your own ideas.
• Cook a meal for someone who has been sick.
• Invite a neighbor/co-worker to a social gathering.
• Give food to a homeless person.
• Donate clothing that you would want donated to you.
• “Adopt” an elderly person. Visit the person on a regular basis and help with chores, shopping, cooking, or
garden work.
• Bake some bread and share a loaf with a neighbor.
• Help with neighborhood projects.
• Offer to stay with a sick or disabled person so their caretakers can run an errand.
• Participate in neighborhood projects.
• Introduce yourself to a new neighbor by taking them a meal. Make them feel welcome in the
neighborhood.
• Buy groceries and deliver them to a needy family.
• Donate your old eyeglasses.
• Offer to give a Bible study.
• Visit people in nursing homes.
• Give some “food” money to a student.
• Collect clothing for the needy. You might start a clothes closet at your church for sharing with others.
• Donate your old laptop or other electronics.
• Donate a used car.
• Organize a “Health Expo.”
• Send a card to a shut-in.
• Organize an evangelistic series.
• Call your neighbors and ask how they’re doing.
• Give someone a book you think they’d like.
• Pass out GLOW tracts (available to order here: http://www.glowonline.org/).
• Invite someone to accept Jesus.
• Hold a cooking school.
• Give away sharing books about biblical topics.
• Take some food to someone who has lost a loved one.
• Visit someone in the hospital to encourage them or help them in some way.
• Read to an elderly person.
• Visit a children’s home and offer your help to the staff.
• Start a sewing/knitting/crocheting group to make clothes to give away.
• Read the Bible aloud for someone who can’t see or read.
• Host a youth night at your home.
• Volunteer at a shelter for abused persons.
• Donate some books to a children’s home or shelter.
• Take children from your church to visit a home for elderly people. Present a program for them.
• Plan and host a fun day for special-needs kids and their families.
• Have a community clean-up day.
• Start a healthy living club in your church. Invite friends and neighbors.
• Ask someone if they would like to join you in watching a DVD with a spiritual message. As you watch
together, pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to the person’s heart.
• Design your own project.
For more resources about sharing your faith, visit www.revivalandreformation.org/resources/witnessing.

Bible Promises to Claim in Prayer
All Scripture quoted from NKJV
Promises for the Holy Spirit

“Ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain. The Lord will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers
of rain, grass in the field for everyone.” Zech. 10:1
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to
your remembrance all things that I said to you. . . . And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment.” John 14:26; 16:8
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than
these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may
be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14
“So he answered and said to me: This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by
My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Zech. 4:6
Promises that God Answers Prayers

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John
15:7
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of
need.” Heb. 4:16
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will
have them.” Mark 11:24
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Ps. 50:15
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by
My Father in heaven.” Matt. 18:19
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matt. 21:22
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in
My name, I will do it.” John 14:13, 14
“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He
will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
John 16:23, 24
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if
we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we asked of Him.” 1 John
5:14, 15
Promises About God’s Power

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and
Sarah shall have a son.” Gen. 18:14
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Ex. 14:14
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are
possible.’” Mark 10:27
“He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thess. 5:24
“I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.” Job 42:2
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own
Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:31, 32
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or
has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Num. 23:19
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth,
neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who
have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly
fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they
shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isa. 40:28-31
Promises for God’s Guidance

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for
the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Josh. 1:9
“ Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave
you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” Gen. 28:15
“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have
prepared.” Ex. 23:20
“But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with
all your soul.” Deut. 4:29
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jer. 33:3
“Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight
and the rough places smooth; the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the
mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isa. 40:4, 5
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Ps. 32:8
“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do
not fear nor be dismayed.” Deut. 31:8
“Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.” Ps. 25:12
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct your paths.” Prov. 3:5, 6
“If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and
your darkness shall be as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and
strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”
Isa. 58:10, 11
“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isa. 65:24
Promises for a Changed Heart
“Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God,
for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.” Jer. 24:7
“And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.” Deut. 30:6
“ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give
you a heart of flesh.” Ezek. 36:26
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of
Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have
become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the
flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be
preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1
Thess. 5:23, 24
Promises for Forgiveness

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their
wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chr. 7:14
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.” Ps. 86:5
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven
may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Eph. 4:32
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1
John 1:9
“Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as
snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” Isa. 43:25
“For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Jer. 31:34
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Eph.
1:7
Promises for Victory Over Sin

“ For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—
our faith.” 1 John 5:4
“ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Rom. 8:37
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will
uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isa. 41:10
“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
Eph. 6:16
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the
flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Phil. 2:13
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Gal. 5:16
“And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Amen.” Rom. 16:20
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove
what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Rom. 12:2
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1
John 2:15
Promises for Healing

“If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His
commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the
Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.” Ex. 15:26
“Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; as your days, so shall your strength be.” Deut. 33:25
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your
diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who
satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Ps. 103:2-5
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to
your bones.” Prov. 3:7, 8
“He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces
from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He
was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
Isa. 53:3-5
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise.” Jer. 17:14
“‘For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord, ‘because they called you an
outcast saying: This is Zion; no one seeks her.’” Jer. 30:17
“Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.”
Jer. 33:6
“But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out
and grow fat like stall-fed calves.” Mal. 4:2
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him
with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he
has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” James 5:14, 15
Promises for Strength to Do God’s Will
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed
day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the
things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:16-18
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Gal. 6:9
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Phil. 2:13
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most
gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor. 12:9
Promises About Being God’s Witnesses

“Do not fear, nor be afraid; have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a
God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.” Isa. 44:8
“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” Isa. 60:1
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of
reconciliation.” 2 Cor. 5:18
“But the Lord said to me: Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I
command you, you shall speak.” Jer. 1:7
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim
the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a
reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15
Sabbath Celebration
Design the final Sabbath of Ten Days of Prayer to celebrate God’s goodness and mighty power. Tell
how you have experienced the power of prayer and share the valuable spiritual insights gained during
the past ten days. Rejoice in what God has done, is doing, and will do.
The needs of each congregation are unique, so please work with local leaders to develop a specific plan
for your church. Here are some possible items to include in your final Sabbath church service.
2025 Theme:
But When You Pray . . . (Prayer Principles from Jesus)
Theme Verses:
“Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1, NKJV)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come. Your 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 do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
(Matt. 6:9-13, NKJV)
Possible Hymns:
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (#290)
Standing on the Promises (#518)
It Is Well With My Soul (#530)
Live Out Thy Life Within Me (#316)
He Lives (#251)
Sermon Ideas:
Single Sermon: Have a pastor, elder, or prayer leader preach a sermon about how we can live out the
principles of the Lord’s Prayer.
[OR]
Short Summaries: Have the Ten Days of Prayer participants take turns offering short summaries (1–2
minutes) for each of the 10 daily prayer guides. Share the title, the main verse, and a key thought. (Plan
ahead so summaries stay within 1–2 minutes. For most people, one minute is 125–150 spoken words.)
[OR]
Short Talks on a Related Theme: Enlist three members of different ages to give short talks (5–7
minutes) on a chosen theme, such as the Lord’s Prayer or prayer stories from the Bible.
Other Program Ideas:
Member testimonies of answered prayer, small-group prayer time, announcement of future prayer or
service activities, children’s story, special music selections, etc.
World Church Prayer Requests
• Lord, please let a mighty revival of primitive godliness sweep Your church in the final days. May we stand for truth
though the heavens fall. Let this revival start with me.
• Lord, show us how to be consistent in daily worship, individually and as a family.
• Lord, open our eyes to the distractions in our lives. The things that keep us from being able to focus entirely on
You. Give us undivided hearts of worship.
• Lord, help us to allow You to wake us up each morning, no matter how early, so that we can have sweet, unrushed
time in Your Word and prayer.
• We pray that You would help us to come to You as we are, with all our feelings, our imperfections, our sins, and
our needs, and allow You to love us, change us, and remake us into the person You long for us to be.
• Lord, teach us how to plead for a daily baptism of the Holy Spirit.
• We pray for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit to empower our witness and enable us to engage in the work You
have given us to do before Your return.
• Show us how to love our families sacrificially and how to make disciples for the Kingdom, starting with our own
children and loved ones.
• We pray for wisdom to search, understand, and follow God’s Word. Teach us to rightly divide the words of truth
and faithfully share them with others.
• Lord, please renew our appreciation for the instructions found in the inspired writings of Ellen White.
• We pray for religious liberty and freedom of conscience throughout the world. Lord, please open doors for the
proclamation of Your Word in closed territories.
• Lord, may Your world church accept the call to widely proclaim the Three Angels’ messages to every nation and
tongue. Show us how to center all these teachings on the love and righteousness of Christ.
• Lord, help us model to our youth and young people what living the Three Angels’ messages looks like.
• Lord, may Adventists worldwide declare “I Will Go” and take up the call to serve You and proclaim the good
news of salvation.
• We pray for medical professionals, scientists, government leaders, and public health officials to have wisdom for
the many decisions they make.
• We pray that Adventists around the world will offer practical aid and encouragement to those who are suffering.
Give us courage, creativity, and an unselfish spirit when our neighbors need us most.
• We pray for those financially affected by job losses due to the changing economy.
• Lord, please show church members how to help those struggling with mental health issues or isolation.
• We pray for pastors and churches to find ways of keeping church members actively praying together. Lord,
please draw Your church together in worship and service.
• We pray for a spiritual revival among Seventh-day Adventist young people attending colleges and universities
worldwide. May they become vibrant ambassadors for Christ.
• We pray for the 69 percent of the earth’s population who have not received an unclouded presentation of Jesus.
• We pray for the 62 million people in the 28 least-reached cities of the former Soviet Union (Euro-Asia Division).
• We pray for God to raise up brave missionaries willing to work among the 746 people groups in the 20 countries
of the Middle East.
• Lord, please raise up modern-day Waldensian-type students willing to serve You in difficult places.
• We pray for Adventist members facing persecution or imprisonment because of their beliefs.
• We pray for the 202 million people in the 41 least-reached cities of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division to know
Jesus.
• We pray for the Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Department of each local church as they seek God’s plan
and reach out to their communities with loving service, Bible study, and personal witnessing.
• We pray for Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) as they meet practical needs worldwide.
• We pray for the 16 million people in the 6 least-reached cities of the South Pacific Division.
• We pray for the Holy Spirit to help us know how to reach the 406 million people in the 105 least-reached cities of
the Northern Asia-Pacific Division.
• Lord, please bless as Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries mobilizes chaplains and interested members to minister to
those in prison.
• Lord, we pray for our Sabbath School teachers. Please let them know how important their work is for our
children.
• Lord, we seek your guidance for the many Centers of Influence, health and family programs, and Pathfinder
clubs worldwide.
• Lord, please show us how to send more truth-filled literature (printed and electronic) into our communities. We
pray that people will read it and that the Holy Spirit will convict them of Bible truth.
• Lord, we ask for Your protection over missionaries working in dangerous places.
• Please raise up literature evangelists, student volunteers, authors, media specialists, and financial supporters to
spread words of hope and life.
• We pray for Adventist schools, students, and teachers worldwide. May these schools faithfully teach Bible truth
and lead young people into mission, service, and a saving relationship with Christ.
• Lord, give us wisdom to reach secular cultures without interest in religion. Let Your Holy Spirit break down the
walls that surround secular hearts.
• Bless us as we reach out to people enslaved by spirit worship, idolatry, and animistic beliefs. Help us to
understand their worldview and introduce them to a personal Saviour.
• Lord, please inspire Seventh-day Adventists worldwide to pray as never before. Teach us to claim Your promises
and expect You to move mountains when we pray.
• We pray for the 541 people groups in the 18 countries of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division. Please lead
them to biblical truth.
• Show us how to meet the practical and spiritual needs of refugees. May our church be known for our love of all
people, no matter who they are or where they come from.
• We ask You to raise up urban missionaries to plant churches for the 806 people groups in the 20 countries of the
Inter-European Division.
• Please raise up an army of workers to plant churches for the 948 people groups in the 38 countries of the Inter-
American Division.
• Please teach us to proclaim our fundamental church beliefs with clarity, creativity, and biblical authenticity. May
the love of Jesus be at the core of everything we believe.
• Lord, please prepare young people to plant churches for the 789 people groups in the 9 countries of the North
American Division.
• We ask You to prepare volunteers to serve the 70 people groups in the Israel Field.
• We ask You to raise up medical missionaries to plant churches among the 830 people groups in the 11 countries
of the East-Central Africa Division.
• We ask You to raise up prayer warriors to intercede for the 2,568 people groups in the 4 countries of the
Southern Asia Division.
• Please let our families reveal Your love in our homes and communities. We ask You to bring harmony into
homes, heal broken relationships, protect the vulnerable from abuse, and reveal Your sanctifying power in
seemingly hopeless situations.
• We ask You to raise up nurses and doctors to plant new churches among the 1,978 people groups in the 22
countries in West-Central Africa Division.
• We pray for the 49 million people in the 19 least-reached cities of the Trans-European Division.
• We pray for our children. Please empower them to stand boldly for You when facing obstacles and pressure.
Help them to make wise choices and stand for truth.
• Teach us to follow Christ’s selfless example by meeting the daily needs of people close to us. Equip us to serve
as medical missionaries, community volunteers, and friends to the needy.
Published by the General Conference Ministerial Associa7on
Daily Readings by Dr. Pavel Goia
WWW.TENDAYSOFPRAYER.ORG
But when you pray . . .
DAY 1—ABIDE IN ME
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can
do nothing” (John 15:5, NIV).
Con$nually Connected—the Vital Condi$on for Producing Fruit
AFer graduaGon I was called to a district that had three small churches. It was winter. One of the churches had a mostly
elderly membership. On a very good Sabbath, like for the Christmas program, we had maybe 40 people. On a bad
Sabbath, about 10.
One Sabbath it was very cold, around -32°F, and nine people showed up: my family of four and another five. I wondered,
Should I even preach? The head elder, a lady who was about 90 years old, said, “We pay Gthe, so you need to preach.” So
I did.
I preached from John 15:4–8. In four verses Jesus repeats “Abide in Me” three Gmes. In Hebrew culture, something
repeated three Gmes is very important, even essenGal. I emphasized that it is not so much what we do in the ChrisGan
life. While we are called to serve, we will never have results by ourselves. However, Jesus gave His word that if we remain
in Him, whatever we ask, it will be done. There is no ambiguity; it’s 100 percent assurance for success.
“So,” I told the listeners, “it is not what we can do, but what God can do that makes the real difference.”
Author Ellen G. White states, “It is not the capabiliGes you now possess, or ever will have, that will give you success. It is
that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do, and far more confidence in
what God can do for every believing soul” (Chris6an Service, p. 262).
I told my lible congregaGon that prayer “is the secret of spiritual power” (Prayer, p. 12). It connects us with the “Source
of strength” (Prayer, p. 272). Prayer gives us access to God’s “boundless resources” (Steps to Christ, p. 95). It is the most
efficient weapon against Satan’s abacks (Tes6monies for the Church, vol. 1 pp. 295, 296, 345, 346).
I told them about the promise Jesus gave in Mabhew 18:19, 20. “Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about
anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there
am I with them” (NIV). It doesn’t say “If 200 or 300 ask” but “If 2 or 3 ask” for something in agreement, in unity. And it is
not “I might do it” but a very clear “I will do it.”
I told my few listeners, “It’s not an opGon to do nothing. We must pray and work, and God will give the results as He
promised.” It was a strong sermon on the power of prayer.
As my wife and I drove home, I told her, “We need to move. There is no hope of growth or in fact of anything in this
church.” She repeated back to me my sermon, with Jesus’ promise, and she asked me, “Why don’t you call them to
prayer?” I hesitantly did so. Those few ladies came every morning at 6:30 a.m. to pray together for the Holy Spirit, church
growth, families, the city, God’s plan for our church, and clarity on what we needed to do. Three months later the church
had an abendance of about 120.
God is calling you to conGnually remain in Him, pray without ceasing, never disconnect, and walk with Him. He invites
you to abide in Him, and you must daily invite Him to abide in you. That’s your only source of true power. That’s your
safety. As long as you are connected to God, Satan has no power over you. Christ in you and you in Him is the single way
to growth and success.
Let’s pray together.
Prayer Time (30–45 Minutes)

All prayer groups have different ways of praying together. We encourage you to spend the next 30-45 minutes in
united prayer, in whatever way the Holy Spirit leads. We encourage short conversaConal prayers (1-3 sentences). This
allows for more people to pray mulCple Cmes. Below are some examples of praying through Scripture based on the
theme. You may pray through other passages also and include other subjects in your prayer Cme. See the Leader’s
Guide and World Church Prayer Requests for prayer ideas.
Praying God’s Word — John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can
do nothing.”
“Remain in Me and I in you”

Jesus, teach us how to abide in You every day. Without You, we are like dead branches separated from the life-giving vine.
Walk with us, work in us, speak through us. Please dwell in our hearts and love the world through us.
“You will bear much fruit”

Lord, we know that all righteousness comes from You. Grow the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Fill us with Your love, joy,
peace, pa6ence, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let our lives reflect Your spotless character
to everyone we meet.
“Apart from Me you can do nothing”

Lord, our own righteousness is like filthy rags. We break our promises, offend our enemies, and betray those we love.
Apart from You, we are helpless and lost. We need Your love, Your pa6ence, and Your grace in our hearts every day. Keep
us close to Your side.
More Prayer Suggestions

Thanks and Praise: Give thanks for specific blessings and praise God for His goodness.
Confession: Take a few minutes for private confession and thank God for His forgiveness.
Guidance: Ask God to grant wisdom for current challenges and decisions.
Our Church: Pray for regional and world church needs (see separate sheet with requests).
Local Requests: Pray for current needs of church members, family, and neighbors.
Listen and Respond: Take Gme to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.
Song Suggestions
SDA Hymnal: Abide With Me (#50); Draw Me Nearer (#306); In the Garden (#487)
Other Songs: Into My Heart; As the Deer; Open My Eyes, Lord; Unto Thee, O Lord
But when you pray . . . WWW.TENDAYSOFPRAYER.ORG
DAY 2—TEACH US HOW TO PRAY
“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, NIV).
The Heart of the Chris.an Life
Prayer is essenIal, even vital.
“Every morning take Ime to begin your work with prayer. Do not think this wasted Ime; it is Ime that will live through
eternal ages. By this means success and spiritual victory will be brought in” (Tes$monies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 194).
The disciples oTen witnessed Jesus praying. They noIced that He had a prayer life different from theirs. The disciples
were good spiritual people. They had dedicated hearts and wanted to serve God. They went to church, kept Sabbath,
returned Ithe faithfully, and ate clean foods. Everybody in Israel, especially the disciples, knew how to pray, right?
We think we know how to pray. Even children know how to pray. But when the disciples watched Jesus praying—and
compared their prayers with His—they realized that they didn’t know how to pray. That’s the reason they said, “Teach us
to pray” (Luke 11:1).
We assume that prayer is so simple. And yes, God would listen to the simplest prayer. But we must conInually improve
our prayer life.
The disciples noIced that they would preach, but nobody was impressed. They would try to heal or cast out demons, but
they had no power. They asked Jesus, “How do You do that?” Jesus said, “By prayer and fasIng.”
Jesus basically says that you can’t do things in your own wisdom; it’s only in God’s power. For you to succeed, you need
to pray seriously. In the book of Romans, Paul says that Holy Spirit must intercede for us because we don’t even know
how to pray (Rom. 8:26).
“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. . . . Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in
prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God” (Prayer, pp. 12, 13).
Jesus had a powerful prayer life and would oTen spend the whole night in prayer. “Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among
men, was oTen in prayer. . . . He is our example in all things. . . . His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He
found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Savior of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer,
how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer” (Steps to Christ, pp. 93, 94).
Jesus made prayer His priority, the first thing before the day started. “Now in the morning, having risen a long while
before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35, NKJV). Jesus had a Ime
and a place for prayer.
When the disciples said, “Teach us how to pray,” Jesus didn’t tell them, “Pray with these words,” like a mantra. In fact, He
clearly told them not to repeat the same words every Ime they prayed (Mai. 6:7). Jesus Himself prayed a different kind
of prayer in John 17, according to the needs of the situaIon.
“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend” (Steps to Christ, p. 93). In prayer we open our heart to God in
honest conversaIon, like a dialogue. If you repeat the same words every Ime you pray, it will become rouIne and you
will not even think about what you say.
Prayer and study of the Word should always go together. Through prayer we talk to God; through the Word God talks to
us.
Jesus lived a life of prayer. He prayed early in the morning, He went to a specific place for prayer, and He openly
conversed with God. He is our example. He is calling us to pray just like Him.

Praying God’s Word — Luke 11:1

“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’”
“Jesus was praying in a certain place”

Father, teach us to pray like Jesus. We confess to making excuses and geAng distracted and busy. Help us to choose the
best $me and place for mee$ng with You every day. Change our priori$es and form new habits that lead us into Your
presence.
“Lord, teach us to pray”

Yes, Lord, show us how to pray just as You showed the disciples. Thank You for the beau$ful example of the Lord’s Prayer.
Show us how to model our prayers and our lives aIer You. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, and use our prayers to transform
our homes, our church, our community, and Your kingdom.

Listen and Respond: Take Ime to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.
Song Suggestions
SDA Hymnal: Sweet Hour of Prayer (#478); Hear Our Prayer, O Lord (#684); What a Friend We Have in Jesus (#499)
Other Songs: Seek Ye First; Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus; In Moments Like These
DAY 3—BE SPECIFIC
“And when you pray, do not use vain repe44ons as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many
words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (MaB. 6:7,
8, NKJV).
Pray Specifically
Our son, Ovidiu, purchased a house at an extremely low price, but the house was in poor shape and quite small. He had
to remodel and expand it to accommodate his family’s needs. However, prices had gone up considerably. He men4oned
repeatedly that he would most likely not be able to complete the work due to lack of finances.
I asked Ovidiu to present his needs before God because He cares for them. He responded that he had prayed about the
house, in general.
I then asked him to be very specific in prayer, to present one need at a 4me, not to pray today for what he would need
next month or tomorrow, but to pray today for the need of today. God answers specifically to specific requests. God does
not answer generic prayers.
Do not go to God and say, “Lord, save my neighbors.” Instead, you might say, “My Father, I intercede for my neighbor
John. Please touch his heart. Also, please give me wisdom and opportuni4es to build a friendship with him and reach
him with the good news of the gospel.”
Mark 10:47 presents Bartimaeus asking Jesus for help. He cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” That is a
generic request. In verse 51 Jesus asks him to be specific: “What do you want Me to do for you?” Bartimaeus responds,
“Rabboni, that I may receive my sight” (NKJV).
Back to my story—our son started praying specifically. He asked God to help him find a team that would dig the hole for
the founda4on of the house. Then he began searching. However, all teams he contacted were scheduled months in
advance, and they all charged somewhere between $18,000 and $22,000. Eventually he managed to nego4ate with one
team to lower the price to $16,000 and come the following week to dig.
The leader of the team came, but the heavy machinery did not show up. Aeer wai4ng all morning, the leader lost his
pa4ence, said he couldn’t come back for three months, and lee. Our son was devastated. He didn’t have any solu4on.
Finally, Ovidiu asked God specifically for a team to dig a hole fast, and at a good price. As he finished his prayer, his next-
door neighbor approached.
Neighbor: “How are you doing?”

Ovidiu: “I’m OK. Just looking for a team to dig the hole for my founda4on.”
Neighbor: “Well, I have a team digging the hole for my house right now. Ask them. Maybe they can do yours too.”
Ovidiu instantly ran next door and asked.
The team leader responded: “Well, since we’re already here with our heavy equipment, as soon as we finish here, we
can come and do your job.”
Ovidiu: “Can you come and give me an es4mate?”
Upon looking, the team leader said, “I will do it for $2,500.”
What joy! Ovidiu saw that God had already prepared an answer, and He was wai4ng for Ovidiu to ask for it.
“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend” (Steps to Christ, p. 93). God is calling you to have an open
conversa4on with Him, to present your needs in a clear and specific way. He wants you to have faith in Him, to expect an
answer based on His love, wisdom, and promises. He will answer in His 4me and way, but if you wait upon Him in faith,
you will know that His answer is the best answer.

Praying God’s Word — Matt. 6:7, 8

“And when you pray, do not use vain repe44ons as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many
words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”
“Do not use vain repe55ons”

God, teach us to talk to You as a Friend. Some9mes our prayers fall into monotonous pa<erns, and it seems that our
words go no higher than the ceiling. Wake us up spiritually! Help us to sense the reality of Your presence right beside us.
“Your Father knows the things you have need of”

Dear Lord, You already know everything about us. You know our fears, our hopes, our strengths, and our weaknesses. We
oFen ask for simple desires like food or money or success, but You know our deepest needs. Thank You that the Spirit
intercedes for us with groans that our words cannot express. We trust You to answer in ways that we cannot imagine!

Listen and Respond: Take 4me to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.
Song Suggestions
SDA Hymnal: Standing on the Promises (#518); I Know Whom I Have Believed (#511)
Other Songs: Give Thanks; Thank You, Lord, for Saving My Soul; Count Your Blessings; He’s Able
DAY 4—UNANSWERED PRAYERS (AND FAITH)
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isa. 40:31a, NKJV).
Wai$ng . . .
Waiting is not fun. Who likes waiting? Waiting at the doctor’s office, waiting in line, waiting for a delayed plane at the
airport, waiting for someone who is late for a meeting.
Abraham had to wait 25 years to get an answer to his prayer. Moses waited 40 years for God to finally intervene. Joseph
was a slave for several years and then sat in prison a few years—not a fun place to wait for God’s intervention! There are
many examples of waiting for help in the Bible.
Though waiting challenges our patience, the Bible says that one characteristic of God’s people is patience. The same in
prayer. Often, we may have to wait for an answer.
“To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will
come in the way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial,
God answers, not always according to your expectations, but always for your good” (Messages to Young People, p. 250).
When we humble ourselves and present our need, in a clear, specific way, acknowledging our total dependance on God,
He answers. However, often we must wait. We often need to use up all our resources and options before God
intervenes, so we can know with certainty that it was Him. If He answered instantly, we might take credit for ourselves.
When we see no possible way to solve a crisis, God says a word, and something that we never could have imagined
happens. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jer. 33:3,
NKJV).
However, if God doesn’t answer at the time and in the way we ask, we may think He didn’t answer at all. God answers
honest, humble prayers, and His answer is the best possible answer.
You are called to know the love of God (Eph. 3:19). That’s all you need. The more you know Him, the more you trust
Him, the more peace you have, and the more you are willing to wait for His leading and intervention. Fix your eyes on
Him, His love, His promises, and the way He has led in past challenges.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You” (Isa. 26:3, NKJV).
God knows the future. He cares for you, but He also cares for others. He may not answer now because He has a better
answer, or it’s not the best time, or you are not ready for His plan. He may have a different answer that addresses other
needs, things you may not think about. He may also allow something in your life as the single way to reach someone
that otherwise would not be reached. Many things happen that we will understand only in heaven.
Keep in mind, Jesus didn’t come and die to give us a comfortable life on earth. In fact, He said that in this world we will
have trials (John 16:33). He often uses trials to teach us lessons necessary for character growth and salvation. “For our
light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor.
4:17, NKJV).
So instead of asking God to remove challenges, ask Him to help you grow and learn through them. Our greatest need is
not the needs that we pray for, though most of the time they are real needs. Our greatest need is to know our God. The
more you know Him, the more you trust Him, and the more you allow Him to work.
God is calling you to pray and seek Him, His presence, His plan, His leading. Seek to know Him before seeking answers
and help, then cast upon Him all your worries and wait upon Him.

Praying God’s Word — Isa. 40:31a

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”
“Those who wait on the Lord”

Father, we don’t like to wait. Wai:ng makes us anxious and fearful, so we rush ahead and look for our own solu:ons.
Teach us to rest in You as a child rests in his father’s arms. Give us faith to know that You hold tomorrow in Your powerful
hands. May we live by faith, not by sight.
“Shall renew their strength”

Lord, some:mes we grow weary of life in this broken world. We’re worn out by illness, disagreements, poverty, injus:ce,
and loneliness. Please liG our eyes to heaven and renew our strength. Teach us to lean on You and find strength in Your
endless promises. When we are weak, connect us to Your power.

Listen and Respond: Take gme to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.
Song Suggestions
SDA Hymnal: Leaning on the Everlasgng Arms (#469); It Is Well with My Soul (#530); Be Sgll, My Soul (#461)
Other Songs: My Peace I Give unto You; I Cast All My Cares upon You; In God’s Green Pastures
DAY 5—HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Ma=. 5:16,
NKJV).
We Are an Open Le+er
One Ime the members of a church, together with the pastor, tried to invite the neighbors to some events. Several
refused. The pastor asked a few families that he knew about why they did not want to come. In different words they all
said, “If Mr. ____ is a member there, we’d rather not come. He’s not kind or loving. He has no respect or sense of shame.
He cheats, abuses his pets, and is always angry and rude.” Most church members could commiserate.
The Lord’s prayer starts with the words, “Our Father in heaven.” God is not only the God of the Universe but He also has
a close, inImate relaIonship with us. Then it says, “hallowed be Your name.” The Greek word is not hagios—meaning
“holy, sacred, worthy”—but hagiazo—meaning “to sancIfy.” How can we sancIty or make God holy when He is holy?
Paul says that we are an open le=er read by all people (2 Cor. 3:2). In 1 Corinthians 4:9 he writes, “For we have been
made a spectacle to the world” (NKJV).
People don’t see God, they see us. Our daily behavior can glorify God and honor Him, or it can dishonor His name and
misrepresent the church and negaIvely affect its work (Ma=. 5:13–16).
Enter God’s presence with praises and then acknowledge Him as your loving Father. Instead of focusing on you and your
needs, first focus on God, His name, and His honor. “God would have us seek for those things that will honor His name. In
no case are we to glorify ourselves; we should seek God for grace and spiritual blessings, that we may glorify His name in
our characters. God is glorified, His name is hallowed, when His children give in their lives a representaIon of Christ’s
character” (Manuscript 34, 1903, par. 15).
Pray something like this: “Father, help me honor you in all I do today. Help me properly represent you and carry your
Name so that when people see me they will praise You. Let me behave in a way that allows people to see Jesus’
character through my every acIon and word.”
Also, in your prayer seek only things that would honor and serve God. 1 John 5:14 says that “if we ask anything according
to His will, He hears us” (NKJV).
We must pray in Jesus’ Name, but that means more than merely saying “in Your Name.” In Bible Imes, a name
represented character. To pray in Jesus’ name is to pray within His will, to ask the things that would represent Him and
His character. James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss” (NKJV). “To pray in Christ’s name
means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works” (The Desire of Ages,
p. 668).
Jesus promised to answer our prayers if we ask in His Name, within His will, and for something that will glorify and honor
God (John 14:13, 14; 1 John 5:14).
And when God answers, make sure that you praise and honor Him. We must not take any credit for ourselves. Satan tries
to take God’s glory for himself. In humility, thankfully acknowledge and glorify God through your words, acIons, and
prayers.
When we complain we give the wrong message about our God. In a way we say that God is not good, He doesn’t care,
He doesn’t keep His promises. Rejoice always (1 Thess. 5:16; Phil. 4:4). Pray, talk, and behave in a way that would honor
God. How can you inspire faith when you doubt? How can you ask others to praise God when you complain?
Our hearjelt prayer should be, “My heavenly, loving Father, help me today to talk and act in a way that properly
represents You before others. Give me only those things that will honor You, and help me use them in a way that serves
You. Let me glorify Your name today.”

Praying God’s Word — Matt. 5:16

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
“Let your light so shine”

Lord, You are the Source of all light. Shine through us so others can see the beauty of Your character. Help us to shine
brightly and boldly so others are a>racted to Your kingdom through our love.
“That they may see your good works”

God, someCmes we forget that others are watching everything we do. Help them to see love, not hate in our lives. Help
them to see generosity, not selfishness. Work in our lives to bless our children, our neighbors, and even our enemies.
“And glorify your Father in heaven”

God, You must increase and we must decrease. Humble us and help our neighbors to glimpse Your power and compassion
in our loving acCons.

Listen and Respond: Take Ime to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.
Song Suggestions
SDA Hymnal: How Great Thou Art (#86); Praise to the Lord (#1); Praise Him, Praise Him (#249)
Other Songs: I Will Enter His Gates; Shine, Jesus, Shine; Majesty; His Name is Wonderful
DAY 6—YOUR KINGDOM COME
“The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21b, NKJV).
Salva%on Has Entered
In Luke 19 Jesus offers to enter Zacchaeus’ house. Then Jesus says, “Today salvaMon has come to this house” (verse 9).
When Jesus lives in your place, heaven is there. And before you can enter God’s kingdom, God’s kingdom must enter
your heart. In John 17 Jesus prayed not that His followers would be separated physically from the world but that they
would not be of the world (John 17:15, 16).
We must get used to already living here as we would live in heaven. If we focus on the things of the world, we will
become like the world. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (MaU. 6:21, NKJV). But if we focus on God
and on His kingdom, His kingdom will move in us and around us. “The faces of men and women who talk with God, to
whom the invisible world is a reality, express the peace of God. They carry with them the soX and genial atmosphere of
heaven” (Medical Ministry, p. 252).
On one of my evangelisMc trips to Cuba, many children and their parents came to listen. I found out from the pastor that
all these visitors came because of one lady. I asked her what she said to get them to come. She replied, “It is not what I
said to them,” and then she invited us to visit her the next day and watch. So we went.
She had an extremely small house, like a tool shed. No furniture inside except two bunk beds, a small table, two small
chairs, and a camping stove. Early in the aXernoon she went out in front of her home. And then they came—almost two
hundred children! She had them sit down on the dirt and show her a paper signed by their parents. Then the kids formed
a line and she gave them all rice. They sat down and ate.
While they were eaMng, she explained to us that most of her neighbors didn’t have a job, but she was blessed to have
one. Her salary wasn’t enough to buy a variety of food, but she could buy rice. And then she said, “We are called to be
like Jesus, to show what God’s kingdom is like so people desire it. We are to use Jesus’ method. To feed them and build
friendships. If I live for myself, how am I like Jesus? And if I just give people physical bread, how does it really help them?
So I am using rice to show these children love. Then I also give them spiritual bread. But kids oXen get distracted. To
make sure that the kids listen, they must go home and, as proof that they have paid aUenMon, tell their parents the story
and the song they learned today. In this way I also reach the parents. Now that I’ve been doing this for a while, they all
love me, trust me, and are willing to listen.”
As soon as the kids finished eaMng, she started to teach them about Jonah and then taught them a song. AXerward, they
gave her hugs and thanked her. I heard them saying, “We love you, AunMe!” She had a big grin on her face. She said, “It is
not only that I am trying to show them God’s kingdom, but they also bless me and fill me with joy too. A greater joy is to
see them coming to church and praying and learning about God. But my greatest joy will be to see them in heaven. So I
want them to taste a liUle drop of heaven now.”
Jesus is coming soon! But for you to be ready to enter His kingdom when He comes, you must have His kingdom live
within you now. You must daily pray, “Lord, please come with Your kingdom into my heart today.” God is calling you to
make His kingdom a reality today. Through daily prayer, study of the Word, and joyful service, live here as you would in
heaven. Let heaven live in you. Be God’s hands here, just as people of faith were His hands in the past.
God wants to move His kingdom into your heart and home today and every day. He wants you to get used to living in His
presence as ciMzens of heaven. Daily invite heaven into your heart and let His love spill over to others through your
acMons.

Praying God’s Word — Luke 17:21b

“The kingdom of God is within you.”
“The kingdom of God”

Lord, we know Your kingdom is not about worldly power or force. Give us wisdom to understand and live out Your humble
kingdom in our lives today. Fit us to serve, to comfort, and to encourage Your earthly children.
“Is within you”

God, help us to live like ci?zens of heaven star?ng today. Turn our eyes from ourselves to others. Which person around us
needs a listening ear right now? Who needs a warm meal or clothes for their children? Who needs to hear our tes?mony
about the transforming power of Jesus? Speak to our hearts and plant Your kingdom in our lives today.

Listen and Respond: Take Mme to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.
Song Suggestions
SDA Hymnal: Live Out Thy Life Within Me (#316); He Lives (#251); So Send I You (#578)
Other Songs: We Are His Hands; Brighten the Corner, This LiUle Light of Mine
DAY 7—YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN
“For I know the plans I have for you. . . . plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11, NIV).
He is the Master
We all have plans, long-term plans and daily plans. In prayer we usually seek God’s help and blessing for our plans
instead of seeking God’s plans. God says, “I know the plans I have for you” (Jer. 29:11, NIV). To have God’s blessings and
resources, you must follow His plan.
In prayer we tell God what to do as if we were the master and He the servant. Remember, He is God, He is the Master. He
should tell us what to do. “Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be
carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of
God” (Steps to Christ, p. 70).
Remember this phrase in the Lord’s prayer: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” In heaven angels serve God.
He gives them an assignment, and they do it. Their answer is, “Yes, Lord,” and they are gone. None of them tell Him what
to do; none negoVate or say, “I am busy” or “I will do it later.” None argue by saying, “I don’t have the resources” or “I
have a beWer idea.” When He tells an angel to do something, they act, knowing He makes all the necessary resources
available.
One day my wife and I were on an eleven-hour drive. As usual, we had sought God’s plan for that day and asked Him to
show us opportuniVes to serve. About five hours into the trip, a good pastor friend called. “Pray for me,” he said. “I am
supposed to go to Cuba for evangelism, but my car broke down, and the bus didn’t come.”
I knew he lived in the area we were driving through right at that moment, so I said, “Where exactly do you live?” He gave
me the exit number. Just as he was telling me, we approached that exact exit. “We are at your exit!” I exclaimed. “How
could that be?” he responded. “You live five hours north of me!” We took the exit, went to his place, picked him up, and
drove him to airport. He caught the plane and went to Cuba!
Too oèn we stress conVnually and fail in our endeavors because we act on our own plans. Yet, we don’t know the big
picture. We don’t know the future. God does, and He loves us.
“Too many, in planning for a brilliant future, make an uWer failure. Let God plan for you. . . . God never leads His children
otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the
purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 479).
To do God’s will you must know it, so you should also listen in prayer. What He says to you is a lot more important than
what you say to Him. We “need to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will of God. We must
individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the
silence of the soul makes more disVnct the voice of God” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 58).
Through prayer we speak to God, and through the Word He speaks to us. Prayer and study of the Word go always
together; they should never be separated. “The Bible is God’s voice speaking to us, just as surely as though we could
hear it with our ears” (Tes9monies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 393).
We can certainly tell Him our needs. We are told to cast all our needs upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). There is nothing wrong in
asking Him for help. However, you’re not informing God of something He doesn’t already know; rather, you’re giving Him
your consent to help. God gave us freedom of choice, and He respects our choice. He will never intervene by imposing
His will on us. He waits for us to ask, to choose His help, and then He can intervene.
Pray, study the Word, think on it. Present your needs and plans, and ask for God’s leading and guidance. Make God’s
plans your priority. Seek God first, then trust that He will take care of all your needs as He promised (MaW. 6:33). Make
yourself available to serve Him and follow His will. Say, “Here I am Lord. Use me today. May Your will be done in my life
today.”

Praying God’s Word — Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you. . . . plans to give you hope and a future.”
“For I know the plans I have for you”

Lord, we get so busy with our own goals. Forgive us for ambi9on, greed, and self-centeredness. Instead, show us Your
plans. Direct our eyes to see the needs around us. Make our hands and feet willing to serve.
“Plans to give you hope and a future”

God, our earthly plans will crumble and come to nothing, but Your plans stretch into eternity. Thank You that our failures
are not permanent. Give us faith to glimpse Your kingdom today. Live out Your life in us.

Listen and Respond: Take Vme to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.
Song Suggestions
SDA Hymnal: I Surrender All (#309); Take My Life and Let It Be (#330); Give Me Jesus (#305); Be Thou My Vision (#547)
Other Songs: All in All; Create in Me a Clean Heart; Make Me a Servant
DAY 8—GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper 8me we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as
we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:9, 10,
NIV).
God Will Provide
One day I spent some 8me doing finances. ALer seMng aside our 8the and a smaller percentage for missions and the
needy, I paid all the bills, set aside some for our sons’ school tui8on, and had a small por8on leL over for the rest of the
month for food and other expenses. I got into our van to drive the tui8on money over to the school and leL. It was
raining heavily.
Right before entering the school driveway, I saw a young lady visibly distressed. I stopped the van and no8ced it was a
young woman I had just bap8zed a few months before. She was crying.
“What’s the issue?” I inquired. She finally shared that she, together with many others, had lost her job when a nearby
factory closed. Then she, with her two small children, was evicted from her apartment since she couldn’t pay the rent.
And now they had no more food.
I took her to a grocery store and filled the cart with food, paying for it with part of the school tui8on. In driving her back
to school, I called the apartment landlord and barely managed to nego8ate an agreement where I used the leLover
tui8on money to pay half of what she owed, while the landlord forgave the other half. I called church board members
and they paid the electrical bill. “Also,” I said, “aLer you get back on your feet, help someone else in need.” She was so
grateful.
When I got home and told my wife that I was concerned about how we would pay tui8on, she joyfully said, “God will
provide.” That aLernoon when I checked the mailbox, I found an envelope with a check in it. It was the same amount
that I spent helping the young lady.
God cares for us more than we care for our own children. He promises that our bread will be supplied (Isa. 33:16). But
no8ce the word us in the verse: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus clearly implies that we should not only ask for
ourselves but also for those around us. In fact, the Bible is clear that we must love others just as much as we love
ourselves (Mark 12:31), and we must pray for others (James 5:16). “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of
Christ” (Gal. 6:2, NKJV). The first-century disciples did that. They were one in everything they did (Acts 4:32).
“Our prayers are not to be a selfish asking, merely for our own benefit. We are to ask that we may give. The principle of
Christ’s life must be the principle of our lives. . . . We are to ask blessings from God that we may communicate to others.
The capacity for receiving is preserved only by impar8ng. We cannot con8nue to receive heavenly treasure without
communica8ng to those around us” (Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 142, 143).
Note that the Lord’s prayer doesn’t talk about bread for tomorrow, only for today. Israel could collect manna only for one
day at a 8me (Exod. 16:4). God doesn’t want you to worry for tomorrow (Mad. 6:34). Ask for today. Ask to share. Seek to
bless. Before Christ’s followers preach, they should demonstrate their love for God by being a blessing to those around
them.
At the judgment Jesus will not ask if you went to church or did other good things, although we should not miss our
assemblies (Heb. 10:25). He will say, “I was naked and hungry and thirsty. The way you loved those around you shows the
real way you loved Me” (see Mad. 25:31–45).
God is calling you to pray for your neighbor, love your neighbor, and be a blessing to all around you.

Praying God’s Word — Galatians 6:9, 10

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper 8me we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as
we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
“Let us not become weary in doing good”

Father, some6mes ministry leaves us exhausted. We focus too much on plans and results and forget that You are the
Source of all strength. Please turn our eyes toward You. Revive our spirits and fill us with Your inexhaus6ble love for a
needy world.
“We will reap a harvest if we do not give up”

Lord, thank You for this promise that the day of harvest is coming. Make our hands faithful as we plant and water the
seeds of faith in others. The results are up to You!
“Let us do good to all people”

God, give us Your eyes to see opportuni6es for service. Show us how we can demonstrate love to our children, our
spouses, our neighbors, and our fellow church members. We’re so glad to be part of the family of God!

Listen and Respond: Take 8me to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.
Song Suggestions
SDA Hymnal: Seeking the Lost (#373); Bringing in the Sheaves (#369); I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go (#573)
Other Songs: We Are His Hands; They’ll Know We Are Chris8ans; Pass It On
DAY 9—FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Ma:. 6:14, NKJV).
“I Didn’t Feel It”
She was old and had been an elder in my church for many years. She was now in the hospital. When I visited her, she told
me, “Do not pray for me, for I am lost.” “Why would you say that?” I responded. “Pastor, I have sinned. I commi:ed a big
sin when I was young.” “Did you ask God for forgiveness?” “Oh, every day of my life, but He never forgave me.” “How do
you know?” “Well,” she said, “I didn’t feel it.” We talked it through, and at the end of our conversaSon she had peace
and joy.
How do you “feel” forgiveness? Is it a warm feeling in your body, or something cold on your right hand, or a Sckling
behind your neck? Do you smell it?
The Bible is clear. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV). It doesn’t say He forgives only small sins or a limited number of sins. It plainly says
that if we confess our sins, He forgives them ALL. The condiSon: you must confess. The promise: God forgives. Do your
part, and God will do His.
Forgiveness is not something that you can feel or prove scienSfically. It is by faith. You take God’s Word for it and believe
that God doesn’t lie. You cannot explain it, you don’t deserve it, but you know that God promised and His promises are
100 percent secure because they are based on His character and Word. Nothing is more secure than God’s Word.
When you confess, in that instant you are forgiven. Jesus already paid the price for your sin at the cross. He is “the Lamb
of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, NKJV). His blood is sufficient, and in His blood you have
redempSon for all your sins (Eph. 1:7).
Aber you confess you need to exercise faith, to choose to believe that God does what He promised. “Abraham believed
God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Rom. 4:3, NIV). Remember, “the righteous will live by faith” (Rom.
1:17, NIV). As you believe, God works, and you are forgiven. Don’t try to explain it or deserve it. “For it is by grace you
have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gib of God” (Eph. 2:8, NIV).
“Through this simple act of believing God, the Holy Spirit has bego:en a new life in your heart. You are as a child born
into the family of God, and He loves you as He loves His Son” (Steps to Christ, p. 52). Forgiveness, righteousness,
salvaSon—they are all received as a gib by faith.
“You are a sinner. You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot change your heart and make yourself holy. But God
promises to do all this for you through Christ. You believe that promise. . . . If you believe the promise . . . God supplies
the fact. . . . Do not wait to feel that you are made whole, but say, “I believe it; it is so, not because I feel it, but because
God has promised” (Steps to Christ, p. 51).
As you fix your eyes on Jesus’ cross, you get a glimpse of that extreme manifestaSon of love: Jesus, Creator, the One who
speaks and it happens, the One that the angels cover themselves before, the God of the Universe who came down and
took human form. He, the Holy One, took your sins, and died for you personally. God died for you.
Fix your eyes on His cross. You will then noSce that those who experience grace also share grace generously. Those who
experience forgiveness, forgive. “The ground of all forgiveness is found in the unmerited love of God, but by our aktude
toward others we show whether we have made that love our own” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 251).

Praying God’s Word — Matthew 6:14

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
“If you forgive men their trespasses”

Father, we confess that some;mes we don’t want to forgive. Release us from biAerness and resentment. Change our
hearts and let Your grace flow through us to others. Transform our enemies into friends and unite our hearts in service for
Your kingdom.
“Your heavenly Father will also forgive you”

Thank You, Lord, for the undeserved giFs of repentance and redemp;on. Some;mes we struggle to accept Your
forgiveness and try to earn Your favor. Teach us to receive Your forgiveness joyfully and extend that grace to others.

Listen and Respond: Take Sme to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.
Song Suggestions
SDA Hymnal: Amazing Grace (#108); Old Rugged Cross (#159); Redeemed (#337); Blessed Assurance (#462)
Other Songs: Grace That Is Greater; Behold, What Manner of Love; For God So Loved the World
DAY 10—DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION
“God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (James 1:13, NKJV).
Does God Really Do That?
God is Holy, He is love. He tempts no one, we tempt ourselves (James 1:14, 15). So then, have you ever wondered what
Jesus meant when He said in the Lord’s Prayer, “Do not lead us into temptaLon”? Jesus was not implying that God
tempts us into sin and we must beg Him not to push us there.
So, what does it mean? As in most, if not all, languages, words can have more than one meaning in Greek. So you must
look at the original word and its context. The Greek word for “lead” is eisphero. This verse can be translated as “do not
let us go, do not abandon us there, do not permit us to go.” It doesn’t mean to “enLce.”
The Greek word for “temptaLon” is peirasmon. It can be translated as “trial, test, adversity,” etc. So the phrase “do not
lead us into temptaLon” can mean, “Please do not abandon me because alone I will slip into sin, or stay in the sin I have
already goTen into” or “If you test me, do not leave me alone or let me stay there for too long for fear of my slipping into
sin.”
At Lmes God allows or puts you in specific situaLons to help you understand your heart and spiritual condiLon, to open
your eyes to see how you are and what you need. The Bible says that you “do not know that you are wretched,
miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17, NKJV). When you know you are sick, you go to a doctor, but how can you
address something that you don’t know about?
When we see how we are, we realize how sinful we are and know we need Jesus. “Those who live nearest to Jesus
discern most clearly the frailty and sinfulness of humanity, and their only hope is in the merit of a crucified and risen
Savior” (The Great Controversy, p. 471).
God tested King Zedekiah (2 Chron. 32:31). Proverbs 17:3 says that God is tesLng our hearts. David prayed, “Test me,
Lord, and try me” (Ps. 26:2, NIV). Peter says that the fiery trials are someLmes meant to test us (1 Peter 4:12).
“A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon; when the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches out aèr
Christ, He will reveal Himself in power” (Steps to Christ, p. 65).
Therefore, “Our great adversary is constantly seeking to keep the troubled soul away from God” (Prayer, p. 270). He
knows that if we separate from God, we will slip into sin.
In the last part of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus is trying to underline the secret of power and victory. He says that our single
hope is to always be in Jesus and have Jesus in us, to never separate, never depart. “Christ in you, the hope of glory”
(Col. 1:27, NKJV).
Alone we don’t have the power to change and develop a new heart. But the promise is clear and secure: “[He who is in
Christ] is a new creaLon” (2 Cor. 5:17, NKJV).
So how do you check yourself to see where you are in your spiritual journey? Jesus says we can know by our fruit (MaT.
7:16). How do you produce fruit? By being conLnually connected with Christ (John 15:1–5) and being filled with His Spirit
(Gal. 5:22, 23).
“A profession of religion places men in the church, but the character and conduct show whether they are in conLnual
connecLon with Christ” (The Desire of Ages, p. 676). And if you remain conLnually in Him, you don’t need to understand
how He works; you just need to trust Him. He saves all those who come to Him (Heb. 7:25).
“The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart” (The Desire of Ages, p. 324).
God is calling you to pray without ceasing, to constantly call on the Name of the Lord, to walk with Him, and, in conLnual
awareness of His presence and total dependance on Him, to never separate from Him. That is your only strength. And He
promises that if you draw near to God, “He will draw near to you” (James 4:8, NKJV).

Praying God’s Word — James 1:13

“God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”
“God cannot be tempted by evil”

Father, we thank You for sending Jesus to resist and overcome evil in our place. With You there is no darkness at all, only
goodness and light. We know that You have already defeated sin and death and that You are transforming us into Your
likeness. Keep our eyes fixed on You!
“Nor does He Himself tempt anyone”

Lord, please keep us far from temptaIons that could separate us from You. Teach us to flee from the selfish desires that
enIce us, and turn our eyes to Your spotless character. Help us to hate what you hate and love what you love.

Listen and Respond: Take Lme to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.
Song Suggestions
SDA Hymnal: Day by Day (#532); Trust and Obey (#590); Draw Me Nearer (#306)
Other Songs: You Are My Hiding Place; Into My Heart; Change My Heart, O God
Re av
ad el
P
in G o
g s ia
by
January 8–18, 2025
But When
You Pray . . .
“But when you pray . . . pray to your Father
who is in secret. And your Father who sees
in secret will reward you.”
M AT T H E W 6 : 6 , E S V
W W W.T E N D AY S O F P R AY E R . O R G
PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL CONFERENCE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
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General Items for Ten Days of Prayer

Pray for Others

United Prayer Pointers

About the Author

Why a Night of Prayer?

Possible Format for Night of Prayer

Choose a Bible passage and pray through it.

For more resources about sharing your faith, visit www.revivalandreformation.org/resources/witnessing.

Promises for the Holy Spirit

Promises that God Answers Prayers

Promises About God’s Power

Promises for God’s Guidance

Promises for Forgiveness

Promises for Victory Over Sin

Promises for Healing

Promises About Being God’s Witnesses

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Con$nually Connected—the Vital Condi$on for Producing Fruit

Let’s pray together.

Prayer Time (30–45 Minutes)

Praying God’s Word — John 15:5

“Remain in Me and I in you”

“You will bear much fruit”

“Apart from Me you can do nothing”

More Prayer Suggestions

But when you pray . . . WWW.TENDAYSOFPRAYER.ORG

DAY 2—TEACH US HOW TO PRAY

The Heart of the Chris.an Life

Prayer is essenIal, even vital.

Let’s pray together.

Prayer Time (30–45 Minutes)

Praying God’s Word — Luke 11:1

“Jesus was praying in a certain place”

“Lord, teach us to pray”

More Prayer Suggestions

But when you pray . . . WWW.TENDAYSOFPRAYER.ORG

DAY 3—BE SPECIFIC

Neighbor: “How are you doing?”

Ovidiu instantly ran next door and asked.

Upon looking, the team leader said, “I will do it for $2,500.”

Let’s pray together.

Prayer Time (30–45 Minutes)

Praying God’s Word — Matt. 6:7, 8

“Do not use vain repe55ons”

“Your Father knows the things you have need of”

More Prayer Suggestions

But when you pray . . . WWW.TENDAYSOFPRAYER.ORG

DAY 4—UNANSWERED PRAYERS (AND FAITH)

Let’s pray together.

Prayer Time (30–45 Minutes)

Praying God’s Word — Isa. 40:31a

“Those who wait on the Lord”

“Shall renew their strength”

More Prayer Suggestions

But when you pray . . . WWW.TENDAYSOFPRAYER.ORG

DAY 5—HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME

We Are an Open Le+er

Let’s pray together.