Prayer Flow/Guide
Daily Prayer Flow: A Structured Guide
This seven-step flow is designed to transition you from personal concerns to focused communion with God, ending with clear, positive action.
1. Centering & Settling Down (Start)
Principle: Focus your attention entirely on God and the present moment.
Practice: Take a few deep breaths. Acknowledge God’s presence. Let go of distractions, worries, or the tasks of the day ahead.
Key Phrase: "God, I set aside the next [Time] to be fully present with You."
2. Thanksgiving & Praise (Worship)
Principle: Begin with gratitude, shifting your focus from yourself to God's character and blessings.
Practice: Thank God for specific things (big or small). Praise Him for who He is (e.g., loving, faithful, powerful, patient).
Key Phrase: "Thank you, Lord, for [Specific Blessing], and I praise You for Your great [Attribute]."
3. Surrendering & Confession (Cleansing)
Principle: Acknowledge your dependence and humbly clear the way for God’s will.
Practice: Confess any known sins, mistakes, or unhelpful attitudes. Surrender your plans, worries, and control over a specific difficult situation to God.
Key Phrase: "I confess my shortcomings to You. I surrender my will and my worries about [Situation] to Your perfect plan."
4. Scripture & Listening (Learning)
Principle: Invite God to speak to you through His Word.
Practice: Read a short Bible passage (one of the Psalms or a short New Testament section works well). Ask God to highlight a single word or phrase that applies to your day.
Key Phrase: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Show me what I need to see in this passage today."
5. Silence & Listening (Receiving)
Principle: Create space to hear the "still, small voice" of the Holy Spirit.
Practice: After reading Scripture, sit in silence for a set time (even 2–3 minutes). Don't speak; just listen for guidance, peace, or conviction.
Key Phrase: (Internal thought) "I am still and silent before You, ready to receive.".
Closing & Petition (Intercession)
Principle: Conclude by placing requests and final blessings before God.
Practice: Pray for others (family, friends, leaders, those in need). Ask for strength, wisdom, or help with a specific need for the day. Close with a formal prayer (like The Lord’s Prayer).
Key Phrase: "I bring [Person/Need] before You. Protect and guide me as I go out today."
Action & Going Forth (Application)
Principle: Take a spiritual truth or directive from your prayer time and commit to living it out.
Practice: Identify a single action item from your time with God (e.g., forgive someone, be patient, start a task, share kindness). Carry the peace and focus you received into your daily life.
Key Phrase: "I will choose to [Action Item] today. Thank you, Father, for this time."
Model for Daily Living
1. The Lord's Prayer
The most essential prayer, taught directly by Jesus as a template for how to address God and what to prioritize in our requests.
(Matthew 6:9-13) Core Lesson
Praise & Worship“ Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Prayer starts with worship and prioritizing God's glory, kingdom, and will before any personal need.
Provision“ Give us today our daily bread.” A prayer of dependence for basic, present needs, trusting God as the daily provider.
Forgiveness“ And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” A prayer for spiritual cleansing that ties our relationship with God directly to our willingness to forgive others.
Protection“ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” A prayer for spiritual protection from moral failure and the power of the Enemy.
2. David's Prayer of Repentance (Model for Confession)
Found after David's great sin with Bathsheba, this is the definitive prayer for seeking forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
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Psalm 51:10–12 (NIV):
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
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Core Lesson: True confession moves past simply admitting guilt and focuses on the internal desire for repentance and complete heart transformation ("create in me a pure heart") and the restoration of relationship ("joy of your salvation").
3. Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians (Model for Spiritual Power)
This is one of Paul's prayers for believers, focusing not on physical needs, but on a request for deeper spiritual understanding and strength.
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Ephesians 3:16–19 (NIV):
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
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Core Lesson: The "best" requests are often not material, but for spiritual enablement. Paul asks for inner strength, rootedness in love, and the ability to truly comprehend the immense, surpassing love of Christ, which leads to spiritual completeness.
4. Hannah's Prayer of Praise (Model for Thanksgiving)
A prayer given after God answered her years of barrenness with the birth of Samuel, showing how to offer worship that reflects God's character.
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1 Samuel 2:1–2 (NIV):
“My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high... There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.”
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Core Lesson: This prayer demonstrates that powerful prayer includes remembering and rejoicing in what God has done. It shifts the focus away from the problem and onto God's attributes—His holiness, unmatched power, and reliability ("Rock")—making the prayer a pure act of exalting Him.
These prayers teach that the quality of prayer comes from the heart, focusing on Worship, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Submission to God's will.
Full Armor of God
Here are the verses detailing the full armor of God, from Ephesians 6:10-18 in the New International Version (NIV):
🙏 The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Understanding the meaning behind each piece of armor helps us apply the teaching to our daily lives.
Here is a breakdown of the spiritual meaning for each part of the Armor of God, based on the context of the book of Ephesians:
🛡️ Meaning of the Armor of God
Piece of Armor Spiritual Meaning & Application/Action
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Belt of Truth Truthfulness and integrity.
It holds everything else together. It means living honestly and knowing the truth of God's Word. Living with integrity; rejecting deceit and lies.
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Breastplate of Righteousness.
Right living and holy conduct. This protects the vital organs (our heart/core). It is about the righteous standing we have through Christ and the righteous actions that follow. Protecting your heart by consistently choosing to do what is right in God's eyes.
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Feet Fitted with the Readiness that Comes from the Gospel of Peace. Stability and willingness to share the Gospel. It gives us a firm footing and prepares us to move forward in the mission of sharing peace. Being prepared at all times to share the good news of peace with others.
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Shield of Faith.
Trust in God's promises. This is the defensive piece used to block all attacks. Faith in God is the active trust that extinguishes the doubts and temptations ("flaming arrows") the enemy throws at us. Actively trusting God's power and promises when faced with temptation or doubt.
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Helmet of Salvation.
The assurance of salvation. It protects the mind and thinking. The knowledge that we are saved is a defense against doubt and despair. Protecting your mind by remembering your identity and security in Christ.
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Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
The active, living Word of God (the Bible). This is the only offensive weapon listed. It is used to fight back and overcome spiritual attacks, just as Jesus did when tempted. Actively using and quoting Scripture to combat temptation and falsehoods.
The final element, Praying in the Spirit on all occasions, is the surrounding power source—the ongoing communication and connection with God that makes the whole armor effective.
🙏 A Daily Prayer for Putting on the Armor of God
Heavenly Father, I come before You today, ready to stand firm against the spiritual forces of evil. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, I choose to put on Your full armor:
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The Belt of Truth: I buckle the Belt of Truth around my waist. I ask you to fill me with Your truth, to expose any lies, and to help me live with complete integrity and honesty today.
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The Breastplate of Righteousness: I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness to guard my heart. I receive the righteousness that comes through Christ, and I commit to choosing righteous and holy actions that honor You.
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Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: I fit my feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Give me a firm foundation today and help me to be prepared to share the good news of Jesus with anyone You bring across my path.
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The Shield of Faith: I take up the mighty Shield of Faith. I trust You completely. Help me to use my faith to extinguish every flaming arrow of doubt, temptation, and fear the enemy sends my way.
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The Helmet of Salvation: I place the Helmet of Salvation on my head. I protect my mind by remembering my identity in Christ and the complete assurance of my salvation. I reject thoughts of despair, defeat, or unworthiness.
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The Sword of the Spirit: I take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is Your living Word, O God. Help me to know the Scriptures, meditate on them, and speak them out against the schemes of the enemy.
Finally, I commit to praying in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Keep me alert and help me to pray for others today.
In Jesus's mighty name, Amen.
Putting on Your Defensive Strength
The armor is not something we manufacture; it is provided by God. When we put on this armor, we are essentially clothing ourselves in the character of Jesus Christ.
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The Belt of Truth: When lies and deceit try to unravel your peace, cling to the absolute, unchanging Truth of God's Word. Confess your weaknesses to God and others, living with honesty.
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The Breastplate of Righteousness: The enemy loves to accuse. Your defense is not your own flawed goodness, but the Righteousness of Christ that covers you. Live a life that actively reflects that gift—choosing purity and integrity to guard your heart.
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The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Doubt and fear cause your feet to slip. Be ready to advance, anchored in the peace that comes from knowing Christ has reconciled you to God. This stability allows you to walk into conflict without carrying your own anger, but rather carrying the message of peace.
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The Shield of Faith: The devil's attacks are often described as "flaming arrows"—thoughts designed to wound and ignite fear (doubt, lust, anxiety). Your Faith in God's faithfulness acts as a shield, actively deflecting these fiery assaults before they hit your mind or heart.
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The Helmet of Salvation: Protect your thinking with the assurance of Salvation. Remind yourself: I am forgiven. I belong to God. My future is secure. This hope is the ultimate guard against despair and negative thinking.
You fight back by speaking and applying Scripture to your situation. When tempted, ask: What does God's Word say about this? When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he didn't argue; he answered with, "It is written..." (Matthew 4:1-11). You have the same weapon.
Reflection and Action
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Examine: Which "flaming arrow" (doubt, anxiety, temptation) is the enemy aiming at you most often right now?
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Apply: How can you actively use the corresponding piece of armor (e.g., if it's doubt, lift the Shield of Faith) to stand your ground today?
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Pray: Remember the final essential element: Praying in the Spirit on all occasions. Maintain constant communication with God, asking for alertness and perseverance.
Rebuking Evil Spirits
Key biblical passages that demonstrate rebuking or casting out evil spirits, complete with direct NIV links for easy copying and pasting.
Here are five passages focusing on the authority used to confront spiritual forces:
1. Jesus Rebukes a Demon in the Synagogue (Luke)
Theme: The direct exercise of divine authority over an evil spirit.
Context: Jesus silences and commands a demon to leave a man, illustrating His supreme power.
NIV Passage: Luke 4:35
Key Excerpt:
"“Be silent!” Jesus said. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him."
2. Authority Given to Believers (Mark)
Theme: Jesus delegates the power to confront spiritual evil to His followers.
Context: This is part of the Great Commission, a command to believers to go out and continue the works Jesus started, including driving out demons in His name.
NIV Passage: Mark 16:17
Key Excerpt:
"And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;"
3. The Archangel Michael's Example (Jude)
Theme: A model of humility in spiritual confrontation, invoking God's ultimate authority.
Context: Even a powerful archangel appeals to the Lord's authority when dealing with the Devil, suggesting believers should do the same.
NIV Passage: Jude 1:9
Key Excerpt:
"But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”"
4. Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God (Ephesians)
Theme: The foundational understanding that a believer's struggle is primarily a spiritual one.
Context: This passage sets the stage for dealing with "spiritual forces of evil," emphasizing the need for divine strength and protection (the full armor of God).
NIV Passage: Ephesians 6:12
Key Excerpt:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
5. Resist the Devil (James)
Theme: A clear, concise instruction on actively resisting the influence of the Evil one.
Context: This is a command paired with the promise of divine backing—submitting to God is the prerequisite for effectively resisting spiritual opposition.
NIV Passage: James 4:7
Key Excerpt:
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Fasting
5 Best Bible Verses on Fasting
1. The Right Attitude (Secrecy & Reward)
This is Jesus' primary teaching on how to fast with humility.
Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV): “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Key Takeaway: Fasting is a private act of devotion between you and God, not a public display for human praise.
2. The True Purpose (Justice & Compassion)
The prophet Isaiah reveals that God values acts of justice and mercy over mere ritualistic hunger.
Isaiah 58:6 (NIV): “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”
Key Takeaway: True biblical fasting is a catalyst for spiritual and social change, leading to active love and justice for others.
3. The New Testament Expectation (When the Bridegroom is Gone)
Jesus answers a question about why his disciples aren't fasting, indicating that the practice would continue after he ascended.
Mark 2:20 (NIV): “But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.”
Key Takeaway: Jesus both affirms and transforms the practice of fasting; it is an act of spiritual longing and devotion for the time when He returns.
4. The Response to Crisis (Repentance & Humiliation)
The prophet Joel calls for fasting as a sincere act of repentance and a way to return wholeheartedly to the Lord.
Joel 2:12 (NIV): “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Key Takeaway: Fasting is a means of humbling oneself and demonstrating the sincerity of one's repentance and desire to draw near to God.
5. Spiritual Sustenance (The Source of Strength)
This verse is spoken by Jesus during his 40-day fast, highlighting the spiritual priority that fasting helps to cultivate.
Matthew 4:4 (NIV): Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Key Takeaway: By denying physical sustenance, fasting helps shift our focus to seeking spiritual nourishment from God's Word above all else.
Types of Fasting
When examining the Bible, particularly using the New International Version, fasting is primarily categorized by what is abstained from and the purpose for the fast, rather than a fixed weekly schedule like modern intermittent fasting.
Here are the main types of fasts seen in the NIV Bible, based on the examples and descriptions given in the text:
1. The Normal/Complete Fast (Food Only)
This is the most common form, where a person or group abstains from all food for a set period, but typically drinks water.
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Description: Going without solid food.1
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Examples:
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King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah to seek God's help against an invading army (2 Chronicles 20:3)2. The people came from all the towns to seek the Lord.
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The early church fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:2-3).
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David fasted for his sick child (2 Samuel 12:16-23).
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2. The Absolute Fast (Food and Water)
This involves abstaining from both food and water. This is an extremely rigorous and short-term fast, sometimes undertaken in dire circumstances or through divine enabling.
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Description: Going without any food or drink.
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Examples:
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Queen Esther called for a three-day fast from food and water for all the Jews in Susa before she approached the king (Esther 4:16).
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Saul (Paul) fasted for three days after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, neither eating nor drinking (Acts 9:9).
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Moses and Jesus both miraculously fasted for forty days and forty nights without food or water (Exodus 34:28; Luke 4:2).10 These are generally considered supernatural exceptions.
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3. The Partial Fast (Restricting Certain Foods)
This involves abstaining from specific, "choice" or rich foods, rather than all food entirely.
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Description: Abstaining from luxurious foods (meat, wine, delicacies) while still eating other, simpler foods (often vegetables and water).
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Example:
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Daniel mourned for three weeks, stating, "I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over" (Daniel 10:2-3). This is the model for the modern "Daniel Fast."
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The Biblical Purposes for Fasting
More important than the type of food restriction, the Bible emphasizes the purpose for the fast, which is consistently linked to prayer, repentance, and seeking God:
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Repentance and Humbling Oneself: Expressing deep sorrow for sin (1 Samuel 7:6; Joel 2:12-13).
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Seeking Guidance/Direction: Before making major decisions or going into ministry (Acts 13:2; Judges 20:26).16
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Seeking Protection or Deliverance: In times of danger or crisis (Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4:16; 2 Chronicles 20:3-4).
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Expressing Grief or Mourning: Over death or national disaster (2 Samuel 1:12; Nehemiah 1:4).
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Spiritual Preparation: As Jesus did before starting his public ministry (Luke 4:1-2).
Fasting, in the biblical context, is always a spiritual discipline done in conjunction with prayer to seek a deeper, more urgent connection with God (Matthew 6:16-18).