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Pastor Rob Carlson: 
"7 Prayers to Pray" (Back to School Prayer Sunday)
Pastor Rob Carlson • Sunday, September 12, 2004
Exodus 17:8ff (page 71 in pew Bible) 

7 Prayers to Pray 

1. Pray for the Mind of Christ

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)-Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee... 

There is a battle for the mind (Rom. 12:1,2; Eph. 6:17) 

We live out what we think (Phil. 4:8,9) 

A good, positive, godly attitude (Phil. 2:1-11; Matt 5:1-12) 

2. Pray a Hedge of Protection 

Job 1:10-Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. (see also Is. 5:5) 

• God is our refuge and strength (Ps. 46:1) 
• Deliverance, protection, healing, help (Ps. 18; Ps. 91) 
• Don't waste time worrying, pray (Phil. 4:6,7) 

3. Pray for a Deep Spiritual Commitment and Devotion to Christ 

Deut 6:4-9--...love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength... (see also Deut. 11:19) 

• A pure faith (Deut. 11:16; Ezra 9:1,2) 
• A pure doctrine (2 Tim. 3;16, 17) 
• A strong personal commitment to Jesus (1 Cor. 1:23) 
• A deep love for God and hatred for sin (Ps. 66:18) 

4. Pray for Emotional Wholeness and Strength of Character 

Gal. 5:22,23-But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... 

• Brokenness healed (Eph. 3:16-19) 
• People of virtue (2 Cor. 6:6; Eph. 4:2, 5:9) 
• Dress for success (Col. 3:12-15) 

5. Pray for Right Relationships 

I Cor. 13--...but the greatest of these is love. 

• No toxic talk (James 3:1-11; Eph. 4:29) 
• Kind, compassionate, forgiving (Eph. 4:30) 
• Good influence 
  I Cor. 15:33-Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character. 
  Prov. 13:20-He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. 
• Respect and honor others (Rom. 12:9-21) 
• Godly spouse (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Peter 3:1-7) 

6. Pray for Sexual Purity 

James 1:14,15(LB)-Temptation is the pull of a person's own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to death. 

• Perpetuate innocence 
  Romans 16:19-I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about evil. 
• Focus direction, momentum 
  2 Timothy 2:22(Ph)-Turn your back on lustful desires and give your positive attention to goodness, integrity, love and peace... 

7. Pray for Financial Blessing 

I Cor. 4:2--..it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. 

• God blesses those who put Him first. 
  Luke 16:1-So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches.
  Prov. 3:9,10(LB)-Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of all of your income, and He will fill your barns...to OVERFLOW.
  Prov. 22:9 (Mof)-A generous man will have God's blessing. 
• God's principles produce peace. 
  Prov. 21:20a-The wise man saves for the future.
  Prov. 21:20b(GN)--...stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it.

Small Group Discussion Questions: 

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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