Intentional Formation – Becoming a People of Prayer
Intentional formation is to be deliberate and purposeful with the people we are becoming. As followers of Christ, we’ve been given specific direction for our change by the Incarnate One, Jesus. His life and ministry provide a clear pattern for the Kingdom of God. We believe that the first step in our formation is becoming people of prayer.
Intentional Formation
Holistic Justice
Courageous Hospitality
Gospel Participation
“42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” –Acts 2:42–47 (ESV)
The value of intentional formation is being deliberate and purposeful with the people we are becoming.
The efforts of intentional formation are what the Apostle Paul describes as “[working] out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
“Talking to God about the things we are working on together. It is a collaboration with God to accomplish the good purposes of His kingdom.” – Dallas Willard
Things that keep us from praying
Too busy→ Take stock of your time and make prayer a priority
We’re easily distracted→ Being distracted is to be human and normalize boredom.
We feel inadequate → Prayer is not the place for Heroic efforts & education isn’t necessary.
We’ve been disappointed → God never promises to be our genie in a bottle; he promises to be God-with-us.
Corporate Prayer Disciplines–
Sunday liturgy and prayer time
Microchurches
Prayer nights
Personal Prayer Disciplines–
Start with an attainable goal
Create a prayer rhythm within your schedule
Use a guide to direct your prayer time (Microchurch Liturgy or Daily Prayer App)
We learn to pray, even through disappointment, by remembering who we are praying to.
“God loves you. He's on your side. He's coming after you. He's relentless." — Eugene Peterson
