How To Create A Prayer Strategy Plan

Samuel Chadwick once said, “The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, or prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray.” When we seek an audience with the King and Creator, we find victory over the battles we face today and strength for future battles.

Psalm 20:7-8 says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we arise and stand firm.” If we trust other things like our strength or abilities for victory, we will end up on our knees. So why not start there? If you struggle to understand why we should pray, what prayer requires, how to pray, and the results of praying, these 80 Bible verses will walk you through the significance of praying.

This post, however, will walk you through how to create a prayer strategy plan for yourself and your loved ones. Grab a notebook or this guided prayer journal with prayer strategy pages, and let’s get started on our knees, asking the Lord of heaven and earth to intervene.

Step 1 | Identify Personal Problems

The first step to any solution is identifying the problem. The more we can define the problem upfront, the more we can defeat the problem. In the business world, we called this a “brainstorming session” to identify specific problems, gain pertinent information, and evaluate possible solutions. This is where we will start learning how to create a prayer strategy by answering the following questions:

• What are their primary struggles?
• Why do you think they struggle in this area?
• Where does this struggle manifest itself in other areas?
• Who is involved?
• What are the results in their life?

Step 2 | Seek Him First

When you and I take the stand to seek God first – His kingdom and His will – a divine exchange takes place (Matthew 6:33). During this step on how to create a prayer strategy, seek God’s direction and heart for this individual.

• Where do they need God’s direction?
• Do they need God’s physical, spiritual, and/or emotional protection? Be as specific as possible.
• How can I seek God’s kingdom for their lives?

Step 3 | Search For Promises

Once you’ve assessed the need and aligned your heart with His will for this individual, you’re going to spend time searching for promises to stand on. Promises are the guarantee that things will be done because of the Promisor’s trustworthiness. During this time, don’t forget to look for verses that talk about that particular characteristic of God (shield, protector, etc.). Here are some great resources to help you with your search:

• Blue Letter Bible  This is a wonderful tool that allows you to look up a specific word using different translations. The best part of this tool is the ability to look up the original Hebrew and Greek words used in scripture, part of grammar, commentaries, and so much more.
• Logos Bible Software  I’ve used the paid version of this software for years, but there’s also a wonderful free version in addition to an app. Much like Blue Letter Bible, you can look up words, phrases, and more.
• Openbible.info With a topical Bible search, you can quickly locate 100 verses on many topics. While not every verse within its context applies to the topic, it’s a great tool to get you started.
• Youversion is the best Bible app available for devices. While you can’t do the word studies with the original language (unless I’ve missed it), you can use the “Discover” search and find verses based on your keyword.

Step 4 | Soak In Scripture

What better way to pray for you and/or your loved ones than to infuse the power of God’s word. Standing on the truth of God’s Word is the only solid foundation we have as Christians. Normally, I choose a handful of specific and applicable verses for each area of need (fear, influence, addiction, etc.). Using these verses, I pray over their name and circumstances. This post on Praying for Lost Loved Ones is a great example of incorporating scripture into prayer.

Step 5 | Strategize A Plan

When strategizing a plan, begin with what works best for your schedule. The idea is to surrender these prayers before God consistently. Though I’m sure there are more options, here are two to get you started:

• Days of the week. This format leads you through praying over a specific area on specific days for specific people. This method is a great way to keep you on course. Even if you miss a day, you know exactly where to pick up. Using this method, your plan would look something like this:
  • Monday: Matthew – salvation; Mark – humility; Luke – provision
  • Tuesday: Matthew – open eyes; Mark – self-sufficiency; Luke – trust you
• Areas of need. If you prefer to focus on a daily area of need, your prayers for the day would include everyone in that area, looking similar to this:
  • Monday: salvation and provision (this would include Matthew and Luke)
  • Tuesday: fear and pride (this would include Luke and Mark)

Step 6 | Surrender Daily

However you plan your strategy, the ultimate key to unlocking God’s answer is consistent prayer. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we watch as He demonstrated His own need for prayer right up to the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed the same prayer three times. From the boldness of the neighbor in the parable of the midnight visit (Luke 11:5-8) to the persistence of the widow in the parable of the persuaded judge (Luke 18:1-8), Jesus taught on the topic of consistent prayer. So may I encourage you in the same manner He encouraged: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:5–10

Plan your strategy, practice daily surrender, and watch God produce the results. I hope these six steps on how to create a prayer strategy feed your desire to pray with purpose and passion.

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