Please read devotional #22 regarding Acts 1:14. What an example of the church, coming together to pray for one anther and maintaining their spiritual edge. The church was obedient to the direction of Jesus as He ascended into heaven when He commanded; "Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:4-5) The Holy Spirit would empower the the followers of Christ to be witnesses of the Gospel.
Praying together, unifies the church in receiving their God directed plan to be witnesses. The early church prayed before sending out workers and pastors to their assignments. According to Acts 1:14, this was not merely assembling the church for the purpose of sending or making decisions. This was the prayer of consistent practice and chosen lifestyle.
The jumbo church in Korea is a church that holds prayer in priority and is a leader in sharing the Gospel and seeing results. The reason to pray is not merely for growth, but relationship with Christ for our personal lives and personal growth as we learn of Him and His ways. James 4:8 says: "Come near to God and He will come near to you......" John 6:13 "But when he, the Holy Spirit of truth, comes,he will guide you into all truth........" Have you prayed to receive the Holy Spirit?

Devotional  #21 is taken from Mark 1:35 which describes a particular morning in the life of Jesus that was more so, a typical day and a lifestyle. Very early he arose, while still dark, and went off to a solitary place to pray. This was a priority that he established for his day. He sought the direction of his Father at the beginning of the day. He eliminated the distractions by others, in choosing a place and time, apart from others. He chose connection with God the Father, before the encounters that would occur with mankind.
I recall the testimony of Missionaries to Africa Harmon and Beverly Schmelzenbach regarding the beginning of their day. They told how, early in the morning they joined together in Bible reading followed by prayer. In prayer they would ask the Lord for their "marching orders" for the day. Yes, there were plans in place for the day on their calendar, with names and places and even times all scheduled. But they prayed for the Lord's direction and leadership, along with giving God permission to re-direct their schedule. They  told how that on many occasions the Lord gave re-direction to His glory.
Have you established a place and time for your morning to begin with the Lord?

Week #20 of the Prayer Challenge booklet, is on the prayer life of Daniel and is an example and model for us to consider. Perhaps Daniel prayed in a window where those passing by could see, or perhaps he prayed allowed that others could hear. Or perhaps, following his prayer time, his countenance was changed and others knew that he had been in the presence of God. Whatever the case, people knew that consistent prayer with the Living God was a part of his lifestyle.
King David was known for inquiring of God, as he faced decisions regarding the kingdom of Israel. He had advisers who I'm sure, relished the idea of giving advice. But David inquired of God. Daniel sought the Lord three times a day. What great blessings could result from inquiring and seeking the Lord throughout our day? And what pitfalls could be avoided by seeking God? And what blessed assurances can be gained by knowing we have met with the Living God? Upon meeting with God, wouldn't we rise differently than when we knelt?

Week #19 Devotional is based upon Matthew 6:8 "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." ( Please read the devotional). After reading this verse I wonder how much time is spent in prayer, informing God of things on Earth, things of which He is much more informed about than we are. It seems that we think we have information that He is not aware of. But as we do so, it appears that God has untold patience and never says things like I have heard from others; "tell me something I don't know". Our Lord merely listens to our description of what we think we know. Our Lord not only knows every word shared in a conversation, but also knows every thought! He knows the motive behind what we say and the point of origin of our thoughts. (Now that can be a scary thought.) In a conversation with Pastor Grinder one day sharing concerns for our responses to others He said; "I am striving to think public thoughts". Now there is a challenge to live by!
When thoughts begin to run in a loop in our mind, about what "he or she said", ask the Lord for help in thoughts that are uplifting to you and ask for a response that is fitting to His purpose. 1 Peter 3:17 infers that; "It is better , if is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." Prayer can be a great opportunity for God to bring us to maturity as we seek Him in relationship. There is power in prayer! God will use His transforming power to help us most, as we pray for others. May we be a good student listener as we pray.

Week #18 taken from Matthew 6:7 "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words."
It would appear that many believers look for what may be called a: special formula, that there must be out there, in how to get the most out of God when we pray. So, we read and write books on prayer. In the day of Jesus, it seems to have been, the use of many words. The intent of the "52 Weeks of Prayer" is not to offer some recipe or prescription to maximize our prayers. But it is about encouraging the Church to draw close to God and become even more intimate with our Savior and Lord. Moses established a "tent of meeting" where he had prayer and met with the Lord. Intimacy with God is our goal, not getting what we think is best for our situations.
A preacher named E.V. Hill was home one afternoon and heard a thud in the next room. He went to investigate and found the crumpled form of his wife on the floor without breath or heartbeat. He took her in his arms and prayed a most sincere prayer of faith that the Lord would raise her from the dead as he had done in Biblical days. As he opened his eyes he heard these words in his heart; "Hill, you're going to have to trust me Hill". For his wife was not raised to life on Earth, but was she raised to heaven.
Sincere prayers are heard by God, but He has the perfect plan the events we face. Establish a "tent of meeting" with Him.