Pray First
As this new year begins, more than ever before, we want the Bridge Church family to become a people of prayer. May our rally cry become, “Pray First.” In every situation, whether good or bad, we will commit to pray before we act. Instead of acting first before turning to God, prayer should be our first response, not our last resort.
However, understanding the necessity of prayer is not enough.
In order for it to become a part of our life, it needs to become something we look forward to. I’m convinced most people don’t enjoy prayer because they have never been taught how to pray. That’s what we hope to change in 2024! When you discover the beauty of daily conversation with Him, you’ll experience the presence of God that will change your life.
Once you learn how to pray, prayer can become a part of everyday life.
And then…
Before the day begins —
Before you go to bed —
Before you go to work or school —
Before you send that text —
Before you react —
Before bad things happen —
Before you eat, drive, or travel —
In every situation — PRAY FIRST!
During this 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, we are going to focus on PRAYING THE SCRIPTURES.
For each day, we have provided a Scripture for the day, and have offered a sample prayer, to help you claim the promises of that verse through prayer. You can make this as personal as you like. You will find the most benefit when you pray the Scriptures that God is showing you in His Word and that are connecting with you personally in your current season of life.
For even greater benefit, we encourage you to invest 10 minutes on a journaling exercise called “S.O.A.P.”
S – Scripture (write out the verse of the day)
O – Observation (What jumps out to you from the verse? What does it mean to you?)
A – Application (How can you specifically put into practice what you have read?)
P – Prayer (share a brief prayer to God—of response, of gratitude, of confession, etc)
Some people prefer writing in an actual (paper) journal, or you can certainly also record your journal entry in the “Notes” app on your phone, your laptop, or some other electronic device. Simply do whatever works best for you! The more you enjoy the process, the more likely you will be to continue this life-giving spiritual discipline. These next 21 days will be amazing!
GROWING TOGETHER in our faith and purpose,
Pastors David & Michele
Day 1
SCRIPTURE:
Come near to God and He will come near to you. (JAMES 4:8)
PRAYER:
“Heavenly Father, You have promised that if I draw near to You, You will draw near to me. I need more of Your presence today, and I am drawing near to You through prayer, worship, and reading Your Word. I open my heart to You and ask You to be near to me and change me to be more like You.”
Day 2
SCRIPTURE:
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (PSALM 139:23-24)
PRAYER:
“Father God, I ask You to search my heart. If You find anything in me that is offensive, please show me and help me remove it from my life. Teach me to love others well and live a life that points people to You. Help me live my life on earth in a way that impacts eternity.”
Day 3
SCRIPTURE:
But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (MATTHEW 6:33)
PRAYER:
“Your Word tells me that if I seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness, You will lead me to a life of blessing, purpose, and freedom. I am Yours today, God, and I give this day to You. Help me to focus on Your priorities first—sharing Your love, making Your Name known, and advocating for justice in our world. I know that by focusing on You and Your heart for others, rather than myself, I will receive joy and peace.”
Day 4
SCRIPTURE:
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. (JAMES 4:10)
PRAYER:
“God, You have promised that if I humble myself before You, You will lift me up. I recognize today that I cannot succeed on my own, and I need You in every moment. I humble myself before You, and I ask You to work in and through me today. My time, efforts, thoughts, and words are Yours today (name specific parts of your day and give them to God). Show me what I don’t know, and help me grow in the knowledge of You and Your heart for people. Use me for Your purposes, Lord. I trust that You will be with me and lift me up.”
Day 5
SCRIPTURE:
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 TIMOTHY 1:7)
PRAYER:
“Father, I know You have not given me a spirit of fear or timidity, but one of power, love, and self-discipline. When my mind feels out of control, I pray that You will renew my spirit and let power, love, and self-discipline fill me. Help me look more like You every day. With confidence that Your power lives in me, give me boldness to confront the enemy and anything I see in the world that does not reflect Your heart. Thank You for breaking the spirit of fear off my life, and I receive the truth that You have given me a sound and healthy mind.”
Day 6
SCRIPTURE:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (ROMANS 8:28)
PRAYER:
“God, You promise me in Your Word that in all things You work for my good. Right now, there are circumstances in my life that don’t feel good and that I can’t see an ounce of good in (talk to God about the specific situations that are causing you difficulty or pain). Even though this is how I feel, I choose to believe Your truth over my feelings. When You say You will work in all things for my good, I believe You. Even in situations that seem hopeless, I know You are working on my behalf and that You want more for me than I could ever want for myself. Thank You for having a purpose for me and for working all my circumstances for good.”
Day 7
SCRIPTURE:
Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. (PSALM 62:8)
PRAYER:
“Father, in Your Word You invite me to pour out my heart to You. You are my refuge, and I know that anything I think, feel, or do is okay to bring to You. Knowing that You are a safe place for me, I come to You and give You everything on my heart (talk to God about the specific things that are on your heart today). From what is worrying me to what is delighting me, for what I hope for to what I’m afraid of, I bring it all to You because I know I can trust You. Help me and guide me in every area, in Jesus’ name.”
Day 8
SCRIPTURE:
The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. (DEUTERONOMY 28:12)
PRAYER:
“Lord, I believe You have everything I need and You want to bless me. You tell me in Your Word that You will open the heavens to bless the work I do. I know that without You, I can do nothing. I ask that You will open the heavens and pour out Your blessings and power over me. I give my work and my efforts to You and I ask You for favor and blessing in anything my hands touch (surrender specific efforts to Him). May it be for Your glory alone so that others may see Your power and goodness at work.”
Day 9
SCRIPTURE:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ROMANS 8:38-39)
PRAYER:
“God, I am in awe of Your love for me. You are so great, and I am so small, yet You love me fully. I remind my soul today that nothing can separate me from Your love—I am so grateful! There is nothing I can do to win or lose Your love; You love me without condition. Because I know nothing on earth, in time or space, or anything in existence can separate me from Your love, I will live confidently and peacefully knowing I have always been and will always be fully loved by You.”
Day 10
SCRIPTURE:
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. (ISAIAH 54:17)
PRAYER:
“Lord, I know that no weapon raised against me will succeed because I am Your child. I feel pressure in my life right now, and sometimes I feel as though life will overcome me (talk to God about the concerns weighing on you). Even though I feel this way, in faith, I claim Your promise that no weapon can overcome me and that any accusations that come against me will be silenced. This truth is verified by Your love and saving power in my life.”
Day 11
SCRIPTURE:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7)
PRAYER:
“Father, my heart feels anxious (tell God what is giving you anxiety). I don’t like this feeling, but I’m thankful I can come to You and receive peace. You invite me to replace my anxiety with prayer, and even though my mind and heart are racing, I’m coming to You knowing that You provide healing and calm for my soul. Thank You for giving me breath and life. I thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image. I lay down all worries, all my physical and mental anxiety, and any attempt at trying to control it all (tell Him the things you are laying down right now). I surrender it all to You. I need You. I need Your peace that transcends my human understanding. Even if things are unstable around me, I pray that Your peace will be evident in my heart and my life. Guard my heart and mind, God. I trust that You are faithful, and I receive Your peace in my life today.”
Day 12
SCRIPTURE:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (JEREMIAH 29:11-13)
PRAYER:
“My God, I try to make so many plans for my life, but I know Your plans for me are best. You tell me that You have plans for me to prosper and have hope and a future. Thank You for loving me enough to have a plan for my life. You have promised me that when I call on You, You will listen to me. Thank You for listening when I pray. I am confident knowing that I serve a God who cares about my life. I want to find You every day, and You say that if I seek You with all my heart, I will find You. Thank You for showing me the way to You. I lay my plans down at Your feet and receive Your plans for me (mention your plans and lay them down before God). I know that You see the big picture and You know what is better for me than I do. I trust You, and I ask You to guide me toward Your plans.”
Day 13
SCRIPTURE:
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (HEBREWS 13:5)
PRAYER:
“Father, I am so comforted by the fact that You will never leave me. You are always with me, and I am safe with You. As I go through my life and take on each new situation, I’m comforted by knowing I’m not alone because You are by my side. Help me feel Your presence. When I feel uncertain or afraid, I pray You will comfort me through Your Holy Spirit and remind me that I am never alone because You, the Almighty God, have promised to always be with me.”
Day 14
SCRIPTURE:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (MATTHEW 11:28-30)
PRAYER:
“Lord Jesus, I am so tired and worn out (tell God the areas where you’re tired and weary). I feel exhausted mentally and physically. Life feels hard, and I feel like I can’t keep up my current pace. You invite me to come to You when I am weary, and I fall at Your feet desperate for rest, peace, and perspective. Show me where I am trying to do things on my own. Show me where I need to rest instead of strive. Teach me Your ways. Show me how to walk in gentleness, humility, and rest. I know Your ways are higher than my ways, and I pray that You will transform my heart and mind to be more like You.”
Day 15
SCRIPTURE:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (PSALM 91:1-2)
PRAYER:
“God, I claim that I dwell in Your shelter, the Most High God, and I rest in Your shadow, the Almighty One. I claim that You alone are my refuge and fortress. You are my God and I trust You. When I face anything that brings me uncertainty or fear (confess these things to Him), I know that I can come to You as my safe place. Thank You for Your strength and protection in my life.”
Day 16
SCRIPTURE:
The LORD is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. (PSALM 145:13-14)
PRAYER:
“Almighty God, as I claim the promises in Your Word through my prayer time, I praise You for Your character. Trustworthy, faithful—that is who You are. I thank You that I can trust You to be faithful to me. I know that when I come to You with humility and a surrendered heart that You will lift me up.”
Day 17
SCRIPTURE:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (GALATIANS 2:20)
PRAYER:
“Lord, I realize that my life is not my own – but you are choosing to live in me. That is such an incredible thought! My life is actually to be lived by faith, not just in my own abilities, as you accomplish your work through me. Help me to learn what it means to surrender my life, and live in a way that brings glory to you.”
Day 18
SCRIPTURE:
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (EPHESIANS 2:4-5)
PRAYER:
“Lord, thank you for the incredibly great love you have for me! I know I often forget this truth, because life can become so difficult at times—but I am thankful for this reminder today. I am so grateful for your mercy, which means I do not only get the judgment I deserve, which is death. Instead, I get grace which leads to new life! Incredible grace that I do not deserve, but freely receive. Help me live today with the gratitude of someone who has been given a ‘second chance’ at life. Let me tell of your great love, share your great love, and show your great love today. In fact, let this be the one and only message of my life!”
Day 19
SCRIPTURE:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (EPHESIANS 3:20)
PRAYER:
“Father, forgive me for the many times I doubt you. I don’t even realize when I am doing it, but I sell you short and put you in a box. When obstacles in my life appear too big to overcome, remind me that you can do way more than I can. More than I can ask. More than I can think. More than I can even imagine! In fact, your power is not something that only comes from outside of me—your power is inside of me, too. So help me remember that the power of God is at work within me…and then live like it!”
Day 20
SCRIPTURE:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time 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. (GALATIANS 6:9-10)
PRAYER:
“Lord, I thank you today for this promise that my labor is never in vain. As you promised, I will reap a harvest for doing good, as long as I don’t give up. You know me better than anyone, so you know that sometimes I just want to give up. My prayers don’t seem to be working. My labor appears to be in vain. Other people (who aren’t living for you) seem to be doing better than me, even though I’m trying to put your first in my life. Nonetheless, it is important for me to learn the principle of sowing and reaping. Whatever I sow, I will also reap. Therefore, I will keep working hard for you…and then trusting you with the results. Living this way is easier said than done…but I ask you to help me, and I know that you will!”
Day 21
SCRIPTURE:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (JAMES 1:5)
PRAYER:
“Lord, thank you for the promise that you give wisdom to all who ask. I claim this promise over my life today. Man’s wisdom comes from this world, so it can only help so much. God’s wisdom is something that comes from Your unlimited knowledge and power. You are the one who made me, and you know what I need before I ask. You see my struggles, and I believe that you want to help…but only if I will let you. Only if I will ask. So today, I need wisdom for (insert whatever specific area of your life you need God’s wisdom in). Holy Spirit, I ask you to lead me and guide me into all truth.”