Daily we must pray as the psalmist, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23–24).

To begin using this simple plan you can divide your hour into twelve five-minute “points of focus.” This allows a specific amount of time for each aspect of prayer. (If an hour seems too lofty a goal—start with twelve minutes. Spend one minute in each of the twelve areas.) At times some areas may require only a few moments, while others—like

A Pattern for Praying

Ask yourself, “Did I fail God in any areas of personal conduct?” “Was I honest in my dealings with others?” “Were my thoughts pleasant to God?” As God reveals various spiritual shortcomings, confess them and claim total victory.

First, endeavor to read material that makes you spiritually “aware” of specific world needs. Missionary journals and denominational reports can be of great assistance in developing this awareness.

Third, sing a song of thanksgiving. Look again at the words of the psalmist: “Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God” (Ps. 147:7,

“In prayer you align yourselves to the purpose and power of God and He is able to do things through you that He couldn’t do otherwise. For this is an open universe, where some things are left open, contingent upon our doing them. If we do not do them, they will never be done. For God has left certain things open to prayer—things which will never be

Prayer Works

ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Ps. 1:1–2).