How To Design A Framework for Praying Intentionally Every Day
An intentional prayer life is a ministry of intercession and encouragement. This benefits both the pray-er and the ones being prayed for. Here's how to move from conviction to action.
I have always known that prayer is important, and I have always prayed. As a pastor, I prayed often publicly, but for many years, my private prayer practice resembled the effort of an athlete who gets released from a team—I was there, I just wasn’t serious about making the cut.
This was a far cry from Colossians 4:2, where we are instructed to “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Feeling convicted about that, I made a short list of names of people to pray for in my journal. When that short list became a longer list, I rewrote it as a categorized list. The categories eventually numbered five, which I list and explain below.
1. Personal
This is my inner circle—the people and places most directly tied to my calling and spiritual responsibility: My wife and daughters, my parents, my in-laws. The Lead Pastor of the church we’re members at and the elder team around him. The pastor of the church I previously pastored and the elder team around him. The elders around me at the church I currently pastor. The ministry of The Shepherd’s Refuge. My own needs and requests.
Beside each list item, I write notes about specifics I’ve either noticed or heard directly.
2. People
This list includes various individuals with whom I have a connection. Some are fellow ministry workers who belong to local churches. Others are friends who are not connected to local churches. A wide variety of prayers are offered for these friends. I often follow up with a text message, letting them know they’re on my mind and asking if they’d like prayer for anything specific. The responses to those texts have been some of the most meaningful spiritual conversations I’ve had.
3. Marriages
This list focuses on the marriages of younger couples we are close to. If you’re married, you know that marriage can be hard, especially in the early years. Some of these couples are doing well, so I pray that their marriages will be strengthened and sustained. Others are struggling. As I’ve rewritten these lists over time, I’ve made a sublist of couples who are no longer together. For these couples, I pray for healing, truth, repentance, and reconciliation.
4. Pastors
This is my largest and most active list since supporting and encouraging other pastors is the mission of The Shepherd’s Refuge. I prioritize younger pastors, since they are the most vulnerable and often lack connection and support. Others are long-time friends or more recent connections. Younger or older, I pray for their endurance, integrity, joy, and protection. When I know they’re facing unique challenges, I reach out and remind them they’re being prayed for.
This list is subcategorized by denomination, with the denominational leader (i.e. “Executive Director”) at the top. The remaining names go in the “Other Denominations” subcategory. I pray for one subcategory each day.
5. Wreckage
This category includes men who are currently out of pastoral ministry, whether due to moral failure, burnout, or other issues. Of all the categories, this one often carries the most emotional weight. I pray not only for their repentance or restoration, but for those impacted by their exit.
Getting Started
Start small. The “Personal” list will be easiest to write. Who’s in your “inner circle”? Start there. Then, begin a “People” list. Tell people you’ll pray for them and then… write their names down and actually pray for them!
Write your lists on the first page or two of a new journal. Then go to the halfway point and jot a note that says “Rewrite prayer lists”. When you get to that page, rewrite, reevaluate, and note developments—positive or negative.
Updates are important. Marriage status can change. Ministry status can change. Recently, I was able to move one of the men on my “Wreckage” list back over to my “Pastors” list. About a week later, unfortunately, I had to move another name from the “Pastors” to the “Wreckage” list.
People who don’t identify as Christians are almost always happy to be prayed for. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Your prayer lists are a great tool for the ministry of encouragement and connection. I often text the people I’m praying for that day and say, “Hey, praying for you this morning. Let me know if there is anything specific I can bring to the Lord on your behalf.” People are greatly encouraged to know there is someone actively praying for them.
A structured and intentional prayer life is a ministry of intercession and encouragement. This benefits both the pray-er and the ones being prayed for.
This should come as no surprise. It’s what we are commanded to do for God’s glory and our good. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
The Shepherd’s Refuge provides pastoral care for pastors and ministry leaders. Reach out if you need care, support, or counsel.
Are you an individual, business owner, or church leader interested in supporting The Shepherd’s Refuge with a charitable donation? Click the banner below for more information.
Michael Krahn is a pastor, the husband of Anne Marie, and the father of Madeleine, Olivia, and Sophia. Make a connection on Facebook, X, or Instagram.