Join Me: 7 Prayers for India

As we left Nepal, we said goodbye. Goodbye to our sweet host family, goodbye to the familiar coffee shops and corner stores, goodbye to our slum kiddos and our English learning ladies. Six weeks in Nepal left an imprint on our hearts that a simple goodbye wouldn’t do justice, but now we step into a new unknown in India.

Like China, we don’t have a ministry ‘host’ this month. Instead, we are empowered & encouraged to identify & foster relationships. With that being said, I felt called to harness the power of prayer by intentionally & specifically praying over this country. After reading 7 by Jen Hatmaker (twice, might I mention), I was moved by her fast that committed to pausing (selah) and praying seven times a day. Adapted from Seven Sacred Pauses by Macrina Wiederkehr, I’ll be committing to praying seven times a day for India, while in India.

Here’s the sitch: to stop seven times throughout the day to pray, reflect and meditate on His Word.

I am, by no means, going to be perfect at this. Let’s be honest, seven times a day to stop and reflect is neither convenient nor routine. But, I do want to grow in spiritual discipline and to hear what the Lord has to say and walk boldly in radical obedience and subversive faith. I want to allow the space for the Word to be water to my soul, time with my best friend, and to be a conduit for Holy Spirit to fill me with hope and direction. I want to run to His presence, allowing the cheery 9am Kati to be the same Spirit-filled (but maybe sleepy) Kati when I get up to pray at midnight.

I implore you to ask the Lord if this is something you join in: praying with zeal and diligence for India. Whether it be one time, for a day, once a week, or whatever moves your heart, I am excited and expectant for the Lord to move!

 1 – 00:00 – the night watch/vigil

My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on Your promises. Psalm 119:148

Just as Jesus kept watch the night before He died, I will keep vigil with those who wait alone. He guards our darkest hours, protects the abandoned, and advocates for the oppressed and suffering. And, perhaps our very waiting in the darkness gives some struggling unknown pilgrim the hour’s hope. We will stay awake together to shoulder the suffering that plagues our planet and our hearts, for God alone my soul waits in silence.

Further reading: Psalm 42, 68, 119:145-152

2 – 06:00 – the awakening hour

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

We begin the day in glory by remembering the power of God’s presence. For even after the darkest night, the sun will rise, and we give thanks for a new day. After the night watch, we celebrate God’s intervention and redemption with praise and celebration; we move from waiting and interceding to offer our days as living joy, worship and praise. We can ask and pray, what needs to be awakened in me today? Forgiveness, love for others, productivity, rest?

Further reading: Psalm 19, 95, 147

3- 09:00 – the blessing hour

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us, establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

It was the middle of the morning when Holy Spirit came upon the waiting disciples with gifts of courage for birthing a church (Acts 2:15). Here, we meditate on Holy Spirit’s abiding presence and the sacredness of our hands and the work He has set out for us today. Holy Spirit, bless us with creativity, composure, inspiration and love; let our work be love made visible. Let even our rudimentary tasks be sacred and bring glory to You.  

Further reading: Psalm 67, 84, 121

4- 12:00 – hour of illumination

You are the salt of the Earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-14

Midday, the brightest time of the day, was the time when Jesus was crucified (Matthew 27:45). Here, we recommit to giving our lives away as we follow His leadership in servanthood and bring peace to a world of violence. Jesus, send light into our hearts so intensely that they break open, bringing hope and light to the darkness. We pray against the darkness that consumes, steals and ruins, and pray to be a light and joy to the world. Lord, illuminate any parts of our hearts harboring darkness of bitterness, unforgiveness, anger or apathy. We offer our hearts, hands and words as agents of change and justice.

Further reading: Psalm 24, 33, 34

5- 15:00 – wisdom hour

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

The hour Jesus died and gave up His spirit (Matthew 15:34), we acknowledge that all things are passing and fleeting, and we pray for wisdom, fearlessness, and perspective to live like we are dying. We ask for perspective on the impermanence of life – what will really matter in the end?

Further reading: Psalm 71, 90, 138

6- 18:00 – twilight hours/vespers

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12

As the workday ends and dusk approaches, we pray for gratitude and serenity, inviting God’s peace as we transition from work to home (family, peace, dinner, and rest). What is the greatest blessing of the day? What is one accomplishment I can smile over? What is undone I can gently lay down until tomorrow? Is there anyone I need to make peace with?

Further reading: Psalm 34, 139, 145

7- 21:00 – the great silence

By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8

As the day concludes and we prepare for sleep, we acknowledge completion: a gentle evaluation of the day’s strengths, accomplishments and weaknesses. As healthy sinners, neither living in denial nor despair of our sins, we remember we are loved and grow in integrity and obedience. We pray against darkness, for the Spirit to guard and protect our innocence and zeal in Christ as we rest in shelter under His wing. We intervene for those seized by darkness, suffering sickness, and desperately needing intervention.

Further reading: Psalm 23, 91, 134

SO, I’ll be setting seven alarms on my phone each day, reminding myself to be still, let go, and let God. I am surrendering to His will, expectant of the ways He moves in His timing, whether I see the fruit that bears or not. If ya decide to join, let me know, and we can encourage & keep each other accountable!

AND, if you have any prayer requests, please let me know and I’ll be holding you fast to my heart.