I had the fortunate and unexpected opportunity to visit John Piper’s church yesterday while in Minneapolis on a youth trip and I found his message inspiring (not surprising). He challenged the congregation to make 2009 the best year of prayer that they have ever had and he gave them three practical suggestions has we all move into the new year:
1. Set aside a time to pray and show up. Don’t leave it to chance. The devil defeats most of our efforts to pray by distracting us with things they may not seem bad, but still rob us of our time (like blogging).
2. Read scripture while you pray and then pray about what you’re reading in scripture.
3. Pray in concentric circles. Start with your own sin, your own struggles, etc., then move outward to your spouse, your children, your family, your church, your community, your country, and our world - or pray the other way, starting globally and ending with yourself.
Piper’s message was inspiring, funny, challenging, and I highly recommend that you take some time to listen to it when it’s available. There was so much more to his message than what I have summarized here, so check it out!
Update: The sermon is now online here.
