By Jeanne Johnson
This last semester of Equip Her I attended the class, “The Daniel Prayer,” a study written by Billy Graham’s daughter, Anne Graham Lotz. As I was praying about this blog, I clearly heard God speak. And, well, can I be real transparent? What God revealed to me hurt. I was sad, humbled and truly repentant.
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” Revelation 3:19
God gently but firmly helped me recall that when I signed up for the class on prayer, I had a prideful attitude. You see, I consider myself a person who prays. For many years now, prayer has been a way of life. I have attended workshops and conferences on prayer. I have taught others about prayer. I felt like I had a good understanding of prayer. (See? Doesn’t this sound prideful?) Why sign up for the class then, you ask? Well, being new to Lincoln Berean, I was curious about what was being taught about prayer. It was not because I thought I might learn something new about prayer. *sigh* I’m so thankful for the forgiveness I receive through Jesus!
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” Acts 13:38
Here’s the good news: I learned a lot! “The Daniel Prayer” was a whole new prayer concept to me. Lately I had been trying to “pray scripture,” to use God’s Word as I pray. In this way, my prayer is not just my words which may or may not be true, but it’s God’s words which are always true, proclaimed with confidence and faith back to Him.
“The Daniel Prayer” study takes this concept even further, using whole sections of scripture to help me intentionally discover: What does God’s Word say? What does God’s Word mean? What does God’s Word mean in my life? How will I respond to God’s Word?
During the class, we talked about many things relating to prayer. One thing mentioned was to be better organized so we could pray more intentionally and effectively. One of the simple things I incorporated into my prayer life was to place a wicker box next to the chair I usually pray in. I have a habit of spreading my Bible, books, pens and journals all over the floor. I wondered why I never thought of putting my things in a box!
We also spoke of journaling, and some women shared specific ways they wrote in their journals. Journaling is something I began in 1992. While my writing is usually a mix of emotions, written prayers, Bible verses, people to pray for and the like, the main reason I journal is because I don’t trust myself to remember things. I want to be able to tell my children and grandchildren what I have heard and seen God do, just as God’s people in the Old Testament did. As I re-read through the events I have recorded, I find myself encouraged and joyful, and filled with praise and awe.
David says in 1 Chronicles 16:12-13, “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Israel, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.”
I am so thankful to have taken “The Daniel Prayer” class, not only because of the new things I learned, but also so God could expose my prideful attitude (again) and remind me of the great need I have for Jesus, my Savior.
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
Equip Her 