Pray-orities Week 1

Pray-orities
January 4, 2026
Sons and Daughters: Returning to Authentic Prayer
See the full sermon here.


Day 1: Removing the Mask
Reading: Matthew 6:5-8
Devotional:
Jesus confronts us with a piercing question: Are we praying to be seen, or praying to know God? The hypocrites wore masks—literally acting out prayers for an audience. Today, God invites you to remove every mask you've worn in prayer. He already knows your struggles, your doubts, your fears. The Father isn't impressed by eloquent words or theological vocabulary; He's moved by authenticity. When you close your door and pray in secret, something shifts—the focus moves from you to Him, and you begin to sense His grace. This fast isn't about proving your spirituality to others; it's about meeting your Father face-to-face, as simply and honestly as you can manage. Today, practice praying without pretense. Tell God exactly what's on your heart.
Reflection Questions:

• What "masks" do I wear when I pray?
• How can I be more authentic with God today?

Day 2: Creating Your Prayer Closet
Reading: Luke 18:9-14
Devotional:
The tax collector couldn't even lift his eyes to heaven, yet his prayer reached the throne room of God. The Pharisee's polished prayer bounced off the ceiling. What made the difference? One came with a broken heart; the other came with a performance. Jesus calls you to find your quiet, secluded place—not to impress anyone, but to simply be with Him. Your prayer closet might be a physical room, a morning walk, or a quiet corner before dawn. The location matters less than the intention. Where will you meet God consistently? What distractions must you eliminate? This fast is your opportunity to establish a lifestyle of prayer, not just moments of desperation. Remember: we become what we behold. The more time you spend beholding Him in secret, the more you'll reflect His character in public.
Reflection Questions:

• Where is my prayer closet?
• What must I eliminate to create uninterrupted time with God?

Day 3: Sons and Daughters, Not Servants
Reading: Romans 8:14-17
Devotional:
You don't approach God as a beggar at the palace gates—you come as a beloved child entering your Father's house. Jesus didn't teach us to pray, "Our Master in heaven," but "Our Father." This changes everything. Your Father knows what you need before you ask, yet He invites you to ask anyway. Why? Because prayer isn't primarily about getting things; it's about relationship. A child doesn't speak formally to their father; they speak freely, honestly, sometimes messily. During this fast, let this truth sink deep: you are not earning God's love through your sacrifice. You already have His love. You're fasting to remove the noise of this world so you can hear His voice more clearly. You're wringing out your flesh to remind yourself that your identity isn't found in food, entertainment, or earthly comforts—it's found in being His son or daughter.
Reflection Questions:

• Do I approach God as a servant or as a child?
• What lies about my identity need to be replaced with truth?

Day 4: Keep It Simple, Real, and Up
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Devotional:
Peter Gregg's advice echoes Jesus' teaching: keep prayer simple, keep it real, and keep it up. You don't need formulas, programs, or perfect words. Prayer isn't about impressing God with your spiritual vocabulary—it's about conversation with your Father. David came to God angry, confused, desperate, and always left transformed. Notice he didn't leave the same way he came. That's the power of honest prayer. Today, as hunger pains remind you of your physical needs, let them redirect you to your spiritual dependence on God. Your flesh is not your master; Christ is. Every time you feel weak, turn to the Word instead of entertainment. This is when transformation happens—not in the suddenly moments we celebrate, but in the consistent, faithful, daily surrender to His presence. Pray without ceasing doesn't mean constant words; it means constant awareness of His presence.
Reflection Questions:

• Am I keeping my prayers simple and real?
• How can I turn moments of weakness into moments of prayer?

Day 5: Burning the Fat
Reading: Leviticus 4:35; Romans 12:1-2
Devotional:
In the Old Testament, the fat was always burned as an offering to the Lord—it represented the richest, most valuable part. During this fast, you're burning away the "fat" of your life: the comforts, distractions, and dependencies that have taken God's place. You're presenting your body as a living sacrifice. This isn't punishment; it's worship. When you fast and pray, you're declaring that your flesh will not dictate your life—the Spirit will. You're being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you close this fast tonight, reflect on what God has revealed. What has He shown you about yourself? About Him? What needs to change moving forward? Prayer isn't meant to be a 5-day event; it's meant to be a lifestyle. Let this fast mark a turning point—a return to the prayer closet, a commitment to authenticity, and a deeper understanding of your identity as God's beloved child.
Reflection Questions:

• What "fat" has God revealed needs to be burned away?
• How will I continue this prayer lifestyle beyond today?

Closing the Fast:
Join us Friday at 6:30 PM for worship and communion as we break the fast together. Come ready to testify of God's faithfulness, to celebrate His presence, and to commit to making prayer a priority in 2026. Remember: you are sons and daughters of the Most High God. He sees what you've done in secret, and He will reward you.