The hour that changes the world

I was introduced to Dick Eastmanā€™s book, The Hour that Changes the World, during my seminary days. Ā Eastman suggests that you divide one hour into 12 periods of five minutes each. Once youā€™ve spent 5 minutes in any one area of prayer, move to the next. Before you know it, you will have prayed for an hour. For those desiring to pray, this is a tremendous tool. It may be the most important hour of the day, hence, the hour that changes the world.
(1) Praise: Recognize Godā€™s Nature Ā (Ps. 63:3).
Giving God praise by remembering his character is a great way to start your prayer.

(2) Waiting: Silent Soul Surrender (Ps. 46:10)
To be complete, prayer benefits from an early, significant dose of spiritual silence.

(3) Confession: Temple Cleansing Time (Ps. 139:23)
A time of confession allows you to verbalize your spiritual shortcomings and admit where youā€™ve sinned.

(4) Scripture Praying: Word Enriched Prayer (Jer. 23:29)
Quoting the Scripture and reflecting upon it during our prayer timeĀ  is sure to increaseĀ our faith.

(5)Watching: Develop Holy Alertness (Col. 4:2)
Jesus commanded us to watch and pray. We ought to be vigilant in our holy alertness.

(6)Intercession: Remember the World Ā (1 Tim. 2:1-2)
By intercession we remember to pray for others. We plead to God for their needs.

(7)Petition: Share Personal Needs (Matt. 7:7)
Petition reminds us that God is often waiting to give until we ask of him.

(8)Thanksgiving: Confess my Blessings (1 Thes. 5:18)
God has richly blessed us, recalling them we give God thanks.

(9)Singing: Worship in Song (Ps. 100:2)
Using our voice in worship is something God desires. Why limit it to Sundays only?

(10)Meditation: Ponder Spiritual Themes (Josh 1:8)
MeditatingĀ  upon key Biblical ideas unites our heart with his, and prepares us to listen.

(11)Listening: Receive Spiritual Instruction (Ecc. 5:2)
This time of quiet reflection in prayer reminds us to not do all the talking.

(12)Praise: Recognize Godā€™s Nature (Ps. 52:9)
Prayer should begin and end with praise for the Lord.

Note: For more information on The Hour that Changes the World I recommend you order the book. With over 500,000 copies in print many have benefited from this tool to both deepen and lengthen their prayer experience.

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