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LEADERSHIP IDEA — September 2008
NOTE: The following idea is excerpted from the new resource book, TIPS—Timely Ideas,
Programs (and other good) Stuff, Volume Two which is available from International Women’s Ministries--$20.00 plus shipping and handling. Order your copy today!
Alphabet Praying
—Contributed by Vicky Hagan, Former Women’s Ministries Advisory Council Member
How important it is to pray with humility and trust, knowing I am simply God’s servant! He is doing the work, I don’t have to generate the answer, and I’m grateful that God uses our individual personalities and gifts. I am learning that it’s important to prepare my own heart for prayer ministry by first silently asking God to purify my heart, and to give me a listening ear to His Holy Spirit.
 Alphabet praying helps us stretch our thinking. Start with any Scripture verse that begins with the first letter of the alphabet, and then follow suit until you have completed the alphabet. It may take time to remember each scripture, but as you move from one letter to the next, you will get in the rhythm. Maybe the following verse would be good to start with.
A—And when ye stand praying forgive, that your Father also may forgive you your trespasses (Mark 11:25). Forgiveness is a powerful word, hard to do, but oh so rewarding!
B—Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Revelations 3:20). When we allow Jesus to come into our hearts, He is with us in all circumstances.
C—Clap your hands, all ye people, shout unto God with the voice of triumph (Psalm 47:1). Clapping the hands is no cold gesture, but rather the spontaneous coming together of the heart’s ready servants—the hands and singing is no senseless emotion, but the echo of the heart.
D—Draw me not away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, which speaks peace to their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts (Psalm 28:3).
E—Evening and morning and at noon will I pray and He shall hear my voice (Psalm 55:17).
F—For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth (Hebrews 12:6).
G—God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
H—He leadeth me beside the still waters, he restoreth my soul (Psalm 23:2).
I—I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).
J—Jesus wept (John 11:35).
K—Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
L—Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
M—My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
N—Now faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1).
O—O taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).
P—Pray without ceasing (2 Timothy 5:17).
Q—Quench not the spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
Well, by now you probably have your mind on rest and the busy day tomorrow. Or, if you are praying during the day, you may not have time to finish the complete alphabet. Just continue tomorrow and read the Word often as this will strengthen and bring scriptures to your alphabet praying. Even the X, Y, and Z scriptures will be an easy find as you scan through the Word of God verse by verse, chapter by chapter.
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