The Prayer Challenge
In Daniel 6:10, we are told that Daniel took time throughout his day to intentionally connect with God through prayer. It says that,
“Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God”.
Every year, in the month of January, we start with a sermon series on prayer. We do so because prayer is the foundation for a growing relationship with God. As we move into 2026, we want to invite others to join us in taking our prayer challenge, taking time throughout their day to pray with three specific purposes in mind.
Morning
Spend time starting your day off with God.
Starting your day off with God becomes the framework for the day. It is about intentionally making time to build and grow your relationship with Him. It is on this foundation that your midday and night prayers are built.
During this morning time with God, you can pour out your heart to God. For example, you can tell Him what you have planned for the day and ask Him to be with you through it. You can unburden yourself to Him by sharing with Him your stressors and asking Him to give you peace.
This prayer helps move us beyond mere formalities and into a living, breathing, intimate relationship with our Creator.
Midday
Spend time praying for the lost.
Midday prayer keeps evangelism from being an event and turns it into a daily habit of intercession. During this prayer, we turn outwardly instead of just inwardly.
Who are the people around you who don’t have a saving relationship with Jesus? Do you have coworkers, neighbours, friends who aren’t walking with Jesus? During your midday prayer, ask for eyes to see those whom God wants you to reach. Pray for opportunities to introduce them to Jesus.
This prayer helps us to shift our hearts to align with the heart of God. It reminds us of our calling to be evangelistic, partnering with God in the mission of the Kingdom.
Night
Spend time praising God with gratitudes you're thankful for.
What if your last act before sleep was to remember the goodness of God? Gratitude is not just saying “thank you,” it’s the lens through which we see all of life as a gift from God.
As you go throughout your day, what are the things that bring you joy? What are the things you’re grateful for? How did you notice God working? You can write it down to spend time thanking God at the end of the day.
Every day is filled with new mercies from God, but we often miss them in the midst of the noise, stress, and business of the day. The act of reflecting at the end of the day helps us to recognize God throughout our day. It also shifts our mindset to be more attentive to God’s work in our lives.