TRYING vs TRAINING

Today, I can go outside and try to run a marathon (26.2 miles). That will be a colossal failure in less than a mile (12 minutes).

Or, I can take a few years to train for a marathon with a plan that involves incremental progress. Discipline to follow that plan, using the advice and expertise of those who have gone before me, will give me measurable goals, beginning with where I am and lead me to a realistic result. 

Truthfully, the experts might say, "Don't even try," but that is about running. This post is about prayer.

That is the way I heard John Mark Comer describe Training vs. Trying on the Carey Nieuwhof podcast. He gave credit to Dallas Willard and Richard Foster for the idea. John Ortberg also pops up if you Google "Training vs. Trying."

Here is a Prayer-Training plan that will last for one year. Everyone can do this, even if you can not run a marathon. It will help you focus your heart that cares for many issues and people, and keep prayer from feeling like a marathon. Instead of feeling like you never pray enough, and living in a state of prayer frustration, use this 52 Day Focus to establish a prayer rhythm with a limited season that you can measure.

I stumbled onto this pray rhythm about ten years ago and it has worked wonders for me. Hopefully it will you too. While the Biblical use of the number 52 was not specifically about prayer, it does contain some interesting facts that can be used to develop a Biblical rhythm for a devotional life that results in a powerful life.

ACCELERATED RESULTS

Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days. He did that with a ragtag work force that either had been living in ruins for 70 years or who were returning from a 70 year exile. There was opposition from outside forces and inside doubters. Oh, and they had no resources. It was miraculous. In today's world we can't even build a house in 52 days. Last year it took a month for us to redo our bathroom. (LOL)

Nehemiah's accomplishment was an example of accelerated results. Can there be accelerated results in other settings and for different needs?

TO SUM IT UP

Biblical numbers hold great meaning that give us insight into God's ways. 52 is the sum of 40 and 12 and there a 7, 52s in one year.

40 is the Biblical number for trial and purification.

12 is the Biblical number for divine rule and establishment.

52 is the sum and the number for accelerated results.

7 is the number of perfection and completion. It is God's number (John Elways' too, but he is not God).

TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS

Count the days. Assign a theme.

In my journal and/or planner, I count off the days. The dates and themes are given below.

Select a Scripture

In my journal and/or planner, I count off the days. The dates and themes I use are given below. I select a primary Scripture reading for the whole 52 days. It can be a verse, a chapter, a set of chapters or a book of the Bible. Throughout this year I will offer some ideas. Repetition produces depth of understanding. 52 days takes us through changes in moods, circumstances, weather, times of day, tasks, responsibilities and relationship ups and downs. You will have many and diverse opportunities to hear from and apply what you are learning from your Scripture reading.

You may want to write the date in your Bible. Years from now that can remind you of the time, and the victory you had, during that season of your life. Write you major insights in your journal or in a notebook where you record what you are learning.

Focus your Prayer

Major themes provide the foundation. The following seven cover the major areas of church, culture and people needs. Follow along these themes for the full 52 days.

Then insert personal concerns, needs of individuals you are caring for and anything else that burdens your soul as they come up.

Find a way that works for you to keep track of them. A prayer journal, prayer list or highlights in your planner, that coincide with your method of recording learning is Scripture, are three good ways to keep track so you can look back and see what God has done.

You will be amazed! I don't know how it will work for you, but I can say, in nearly every season of 52 days that I have tracked in my life, there has been at least one major victory or breakthrough. Several have been life changing. Together my whole life has been energized.

DATES AND THEMES

52 Days to Pray for revival in the life of believers and the Church

January 1 thru February 21

52 Days to Pray for relationships with and forgiveness for others.

February 22 thru April 14

52 Days to Pray for a spiritual awakening in our communities so many come to salvation in Jesus.

April 15 thru June 5

52 Days to Pray for physical, emotional and mental health and healing.

June 6 thru July 27

52 Days to Pray for segments of our society (Business, Education, Entertainment, Sports, Recreation, Fitness, etc.).

July 28 thru September 17

52 Days to Pray for our nation, government and people in authority (locally, state, nationally and around the world).

September 18 thru November 8

52 Days to Pray for the poor and disenfranchised.

November 9 thru December 31

START NOW. TELL YOUR STORY. GET THE CONVERSATION GOING.

Together we will strengthen our lives and our ministries by training to pray. By talking about it we will encourage each other and then, only God knows how much will be accomplished as we care for others, especially through prayer.

I say a loving thank you to the very dedicated prayer team

at Mountainview Christian Church, Highlands Ranch, CO

 for working with me to develop and use this rhythm of prayer.