I do Breath Prayer weekends with those concerned about unsaved family and friends. We exchange prayers by texting during the day. Here’s the format. 

SATURDAY: DESPERATE PRAYER

Talking Points to influence our prayer are based on the story from SyroPhoenician mother who won’t go away. (Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28) Her prayer was based on these points:

• Her compelling need: a daughter’s torment
• Her helplessness: can’t fix this herself
• Her disqualification from getting an audience (pagan, woman, foreigner, Jesus’ “Do not Disturb” sign)
• Her shamelessness: I’ll do anything for my child
• Her acknowledgement: the Messiah, “Son of David”
• Her humility: kneeling, worshipping. “Lord… Lord… Lord”
• Her persistence: The disciples beg Jesus to send her away, she ignores them
• Her passion: “shouting out,” “pleading”
• A bewildering silence and seeming insult, “dogs” [doggies]
• Her fixation on, “First…” (v 27); “Then I’ll be next!”
• Her respectful, creative, desperate prayer: “Give me what I don’t deserve because of your goodness – and I need it now.” (Tim Keller)
• Her anticipation, “Granted!”
• Her honor: one of only two Jesus commended, “Your faith is great!”

Breath prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, hear our cry for mercy and choose, call and reveal Jesus to [our friend] (Galatians 1.15-16)

SUNDAY: TEAM PRAYER

Talking Points to influence our prayer are based on the story of Four men partnering to save their friend (Mark 2.1-12).

• Their compulsion to see a friend get healthy
• Their decision: get him to Jesus, then we’re done
• Their teamwork; can’t do it alone
• Their “impossible… difficult… done” spirit (Hudson Taylor)
• Their creativity
• Their work maneuvering him upstairs, opening the roof
• The crowd’s irritation with dust and distraction; but not Jesus
• Their teamwork: Jesus sees their faith and responds
• Our Lord’s affectionate, “Son…”
• The bewildering surprise: spiritual healing first
• Then physical healing, eliciting the man’s faith to respond
• Our desire: creative, persistent, team faith

Breath prayer: See our faith, Lord Jesus, and forgive and heal [our friend] spiritually.

(Bonus: FRIDAY: PERSONAL PERSISTENCE)

Talking points to influence our prayer are based on The widow seeking justice (Luke 18.1-8), the man needing bread at midnight (Lk 11.5-8).

Breath prayer:  Jesus, I persist in prayer, expecting a response. You asked, “Will I find faith when I return?” Yes, in me! Save [my friend]!

Written by Paul Johnson, Canadian National Baptist Convention Team Leader, Church Strengthening