What Is "Prayed 4 Today"?
Have you ever wondered about the true purpose of an effective prayer life?
Did you know that our prayer lives can —and should— be an instrumental part of our witness as Christians?
But how can we connect our prayer lives to our outreach?
“Prayed 4 Today” is a tool —a vehicle— designed to assist you in your daily witness!
Our Story
“Prayed 4 Today” was born out of a desire to see individuals and churches return to a true, thriving spirit of prayer.
As Christians, we often find ourselves focusing our prayer lives on our own needs, homes, and families. However, our true “prayer purpose” should be centered on impacting those around us.
This “refocusing” is what inspired us to start this endeavor.
Our Motivation
When the Apostle Paul was writing his instructions to young Timothy, he emphasized this very point.
1 Timothy 2:1
1. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
More than anything else (“first of all“), Paul wanted Timothy to focus on how he prayed for “all men” — Everyone around him. In his emphasis he provided four specific forms of prayer for Timothy to practice.
What are the 4 "types" of prayer that Paul focused on?
Supplications
Prayers of Supplication are an earnest, sincere request for our physical and tangible needs. Supplications embody the carrying of our needs, hurts, pains and desires before The Throne of Grace and an All Powerful God.
The book of James tells us that our “fervent” prayers will have the greatest impact.
James 5:16
16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Prayers
This form of the word prayer embodies the most basic or foundational form of prayer. It relates primarily to the Praise and Worship of a deserving God! The One in whom I am placing my trust and my faith as I walk through a world that is often dark and confusing.
Our churches are to be known as “houses of prayer”. The place where God is lifted up, and lives are changed because of it!
Matthew 21:13
13. And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer…
Christ was quoting the prophet Isaiah in this passage.
Isaiah 56:7
7. Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Isaiah was foretelling and demonstrating that all of mankind was welcomed and called to worship and praise The One True Living God!
Intercessions
This is quite possibly the greatest form of prayer! A prayer offered up solely for the benefit of another. A prayer that literally carries the burden of or for another person, into the presence of God.
In the same way that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf; we have the privilege of interceding on the behalf of others!
Romans 8:26-27
26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Giving of Thanks
A true prayer of thanksgiving is intended to direct all of the glory and honor back to The One that deserves it. It is the natural conclusion of a growing prayer life!
2 Corinthians 4:15
15. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Our Purpose
Just like Timothy, our purpose as modern day Christians — our focus, drive, and motivation — should be to demonstrate the goodness and grace of God to those around us. Paul continued in 1 Timothy 2 to explain why Timothy needed to pray such prayers for “all men“.
1 Timothy 2:3-4
3. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
4. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Our prayer life should compel others to want to know more about the God we serve.
So how do we practically inspire them?
How do we connect our prayer life to our witness?
So How Does It Work?
“Prayed 4 Today” is founded on the concept that people form connections when they see sincere intentions.
For example, when you ask a waitress if you can pray for her, she may respond and even offer a request, but she will most likely forget the encounter by the end of her shift.
However, if you leave that same waitress a note letting her know that you intend to keep praying for her, she will recall that act of sincerity every time she sees the note.
At P4T, we’ve gone one step further! We have created a series of cards to assist you in this connection. Each card consists of two parts.
The first part is a fully customizable, uniquely designed card that reflects your intent to pray specifically for this person, along with information about your church or ministry.
The second part features a designated space for you to write the person’s name and the specific request you will be praying for.
When a person sees you write down their information, it triggers a connection. It demonstrates that you are making an effort to remember both them and their need.
What Are The Cards?
At “Prayed 4 Today” we have developed several, purpose specific cards that you can use to connect with those around you in your daily life.
Of course, each of these cards is custom tailored to reflect your specific branding, logos, coloring etc.
We have cards for:
Service Workers – Waitresses, Waiters, Hostesses, Hosts, Baristas, Cashiers, and any one else that works “front of house” in a service oriented industry.
Medical Workers – Dr’s, Nurses, Therapists, Aides, Technicians, Social Workers, and anyone involved in the care of the sick or infirmed.
First Responders – Police Officers, Firefighters, EMT’s, Soldiers & Reserves and anyone that puts their own life at risk for others.
Church Invitation – This is a general invitation for people to come and visit your church or ministry event. They can be used for general invites or for special events.
And, we are adding more styles and types of cards on a regular basis!
How Do I Find Out More?
If you would be interested in receiving more information regarding implementing “Prayed 4 Today” at your church or ministry, we’d love to hear from you!