I agree with John's prayer

In John 17, Jesus prays for himself, his disciples and for all believers.  This is the longest prayer recorded in the Holy Bible and a great example of how we should all structure our talks with God.  However, it is also important to make sure that when we pray for ourselves, our fellow disciples, and all believers, we follow a few guidelines.  Yes... it might sound odd, but there are proper and improper ways to pray.  God does not want to hear prayer after prayer of "please do this" or "please do that".  Prayers full of thanks are all well and good too, but Jesus shows us the true way to speak with God.

John 17:1 [NIV]

"Father, the time has come.  Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."

First, we should pray to be shown how we can glorify God.  Our eyes need to be opened so that we might see the ways in which we can serve each other, the church, and the lost.  This is the first step in removing selfishness from your prayers.

John 17:11-12 [NIV]

"...Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one.  While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.  None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled."

Second, we should pray for protection.  Our minister clarified this by explaining that we should not be asking God to remove us from harm, but to protect and sanctify us.  We should be praying for the protection of our fellow disciples and those who are lost... those who we wish to bring into the church.  This is the best opportunity to pray WITH others too, especially your children.  Praying FOR others is also key.  Just the pure act of praying for one another brings us closer.

John 17:20 [NIV]

"My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message."

Which leads me to the final prayer guideline.  Unity.  When we pray for each other... with each other... you learn to love each other more.  You can't truly pray for someone without developing more love and compassion for them.  You can't make an impact on each other, the church, Lansing, or the world without uniting together under a common cause.

Some important questions can be raised here.  How often do you pray?  Do you spend your prayer time asking for things?  A better job... good health... less stress...  Do you throw in a thank you real quick at the end?  Are you in a hurry maybe?  Forcing prayer time in between everything else in your hectic schedule...  Maybe you're not even praying at all because your priorities don't include time for prayer.  This just isn't going to cut it.  

This week is supplication week at church as part of our Great Campaign.  This is a fancy word for prayer.  I challenge you to pray everyday.  I challenge you to pray with someone... for someone... and really focus on the way that Jesus teaches us to pray.