Prayer Matrix

It has been a long time since I have written a blog post and after reading my friend Mindy's posts, I realized how nice it is to stay updated, even if it is a brief snippet of what you've been learning. :D

This morning I woke up with a burden on my heart...a good burden, but none-the-less a burden. As I climbed out of bed, I nearly immediately went to the prayer closet in our hall, which is located conventiently outside our door.  As I read the Word and prayed, I knew that the day would need to be one of depending on the LORD in someway. 

I left later than I normally do, after the shuttle had already "charted its course," so I didn't even know if I would make it on time.  When I walked in the doors, however, I realized that I had actually beat a majority of the student body, including the shuttle. :)  As I sat down, I felt the burden in my spirit again and started to pray.  I didn't really know what to pray for or if someone specific needed prayer, but none-the-less I prayed.  Then I looked up at the screen that scrolls through various announcements.

"Pray"

This word accompanied by a picture was displayed for longer than the normal couple second display.  I smiled, put my head down and continued to pray about only God knew what.  I went to fill up my water bottle right before chapel started and saw a friend who is always a joy to see.  In our short conversation we set a lunch date for a couple hours later. 

I entered chapel again and continued to pray for the message that was about to be delivered.  I shortly realized that the entire message was going to be on prayer.  I prayed that the Spirit would do something cool and realized that might have been what my burden was for.  Jim Johnson, the senior director of Campus Ministries, went on to speak about the importance of prayer.  Towards the end of his message, he went into an area that I have not explored very much...listening.

He presented a chart-like diagram that focuses on praying for issues, decisions, and needs, rather than only consulting our feelings, people on TV programs, books, and peers.

Because I cannot exactly draw the diagram, I will seek to explain it.  The four corners include four small boxes that contain important people in our lives: 1) spouse/parents; 2) Small Group/Accountability Partner; 3) Trusted Friends; and 4) Pastor/Mentor.  A large rectangle is placed inside these four corners that holds our issues, need, decision.  If the diagram is actually constructed, post-it notes that hold the request can be placed in the large-inner rectangle.

Here are the "standards" to using this "matrix."
The Power of Seven
If the request is minor (Where am I going to eat this weekend?), pray for the request for 7 minutes and then listen for God's response (this is very seldolmly an audible response, but more of a speaking to the spirit).
If the request is major (Should I change my major? Should I purchase this car?), pray for the request for 7 days and then listen to the LORD.
If the request is life-altering (Should I marry this person?), pray for the request for 7 weeks and then listen to the LORD.

Two out of Four Principle
Ask two out of the four "corner people" (spouse, trusted friend, etc.) to pray with you over these requests.

Stop Talking, Start Listening
Enough said :D

As I have had a focus on prayer for the past few years of my life, this is a new idea that I have not formally considered before.  I am excited about this idea, especially with all the prayer warrior friends God has placed in my life (Yea God! :) )

"Praise the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me, praise his holy name!"

Praise the LORD!