5x5 Prayer Initiative

… Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel… [1 Samuel 3:3-4]

5x5 prayer initiative is an initiative where we are Practicing the presence of God.
Young Samuel wanted nothing more than to dwell in God’s presence. We see this as he is lying down in the most Holy Place to be with God.

Oftentimes, as Christians, seeking to be in God's presence is something we aim to do first thing in the morning, or at the end of the day before bed. This initiative is meant to shift our thinking from putting God first, to making him the center of everything that we do; that our days would orbit around seeking and being in his presence. 

How to Pray the 5x5

5 times a day = 3 minutes of prayer, 2 minutes of silence and listening to God. 1 Minute of asking God for your next actions.

It could be as modeled below:

SET A REMINDER

Set an alarm or reminder on your phone or computer for 5 prayer times a day.

3 MINUTES OF PRAYER

Start with 3 minutes of prayer for one of the 5 topics listed below. Pick a different topic for each daily prayer time.

1 MINUTE OF SILENCE

Spend 1 minute quieting your heart and listening to God.

1 MINUTE OF PRAYER

Close by asking God for your next steps around your prayer topic.

Suggested Weekly Prayer Times and Prompts

6AM

Morning Prayer

PRAY FOR MYSELF
Pray that God would help shape you to be fully dependent on him.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. [John 15:5]

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to] his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. [1 Peter 1:3-4]

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. [Romans 8:5]
9AM

Mid-Morning Prayer

PRAY FOR MY FAMILY
Pray that your family would come to know Jesus and be restored of any brokenness, heartache, or bitterness.

But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” [Joshua 24:15]

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. [Exodus 20:12]

He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. [Acts 10:2]

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. [Ephesians 6:4]
12PM

Mid-Day Prayer

PRAY MY CHURCH
Pray that our church represents Jesus well—that we would be full of grace and truth as we take steps into the future that God has for us.

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” [John 17:20-21]

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” [John 20:21-22]
3PM

Afternoon Prayer

PRAY FOR MY COMMUNITY
Pray that God would go before us to prepare our community to receive the good news of Jesus’ free gift of grace.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” [Jeremiah 29:7]
6PM

Evening Prayer

PRAY FOR MY WORLD
Pray that God would have mercy on our world that is in rebellion against him, and that we would be used as agents to point the world back to Jesus–who loves them and created them.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” [John 3:16-17]

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28:18-20]

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” [Acts 1:8

Helpful Prayer Resources

Screenshot these graphics to keep in your photos or set as your phone background for easy reference during our 5x5 prayer initiative.