Just as Jesus withdrew into the wilderness for 40 days to prepare for his public ministry, Lent offers us the opportunity to engage in focused prayer, silence, and reflection. Spending a full hour in prayer allows us to enter into God’s presence, aligning our hearts with his will, and discerning his voice. This year, our church is using Isaiah 6 as a prayer guide for our Online Prayer Room.
Isaiah’s heavenly vision, provides a powerful model for what can happen when we commit ourselves fully to the Lord in prayer. As Isaiah enters the presence of God, he is overwhelmed by the holiness of God and made acutely aware of his own sinfulness. In this sacred space, Isaiah is purified, his sins atoned for, and he is then commissioned to be God’s messenger to the people.
During Lent, as we spend time in prayer and reflection, we are invited to experience the cleansing power of God’s grace and are called to a renewed sense of mission. It is in these quiet, sacred moments that God prepares us to be used for his glory. Consecration leads to commission.
I hope this prayer guide helps you draw near to God!
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16
Preparation (Before You Begin)
Find a quiet, uninterrupted space. Silence or turn off your phone. Bring a paper Bible, and have a pen and paper handy to jot down any thoughts or messages from God.
Glory & Praise (15 minutes)
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” - Isaiah 6:1-3
Close your eyes and imagine what Isaiah saw. Picture God on his throne in heaven, surrounded by angels. What do you feel when you visualize this scene?
When we pray “holy is your name,” we are asking God to make us aware of who he really is.
Center your heart on God’s goodness. If it helps, listen to a worship song or read through a psalm.
Who is God? Reflect on his nature and holiness.
What has God done? Remember how God has worked in your life.
Where do you see God’s glory? Notice His goodness in creation around you.
Thank God for who he is and what he has done. Keep your heart open, even when you feel like you’ve run out of reasons to praise. There is always more to be thankful for.
Confession & Repentance (15 minutes)
And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” - Isaiah 6:4-5
Unclean lips are the result of an unclean heart. Whenever we do or say something evil, it reflects a problem deep beneath the surface of our lives.
Review your recent actions, words, and thoughts to identify sins you need to confess.
What have you done? Review your actions.
What have you said? Reflect on your words.
What have you thought? Examine your motives and attitudes.
Bring all of these things before the throne of God, who is rich in mercy.
Isaiah not only confesses his own sin, but feels responsibility for the sin of his people.
What brokenness do you see in the world around you? Let your heart break for what breaks God’s heart.
Grace & Gratitude (15 minutes)
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” - Isaiah 6:6-7
Imagine God touching a burning coal to your life and purifying you from sin. Invite the Holy Spirit to purify any part of you that is not aligned with God’s will.
God has grace for you. Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we wouldn’t have to pay the price of redemption. He rose from the grave so that we can share in his victory. Remember that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
When you think about the gospel, what strikes you the most? Allow God’s grace to move you to gratitude. Talk to God about what Jesus did for you on the cross.
Intercession & Commission (15 minutes)
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” - Isaiah 6:8
There are billions of lost people in the world. God is still asking the question, “Who will go?”
Contend for the lost. Lift up the people that you know who are far from God. Pray over each person by name.
Lift up leaders. Pray for pastors, missionaries, and church leaders. Ask for God’s protection, wisdom, and guidance in their roles.
Pray for ministries. Pray for the churches and ministries you know, asking God to expand His Kingdom through them.
Respond to God’s call. Consider how God is calling you to serve. What gifts has he given you, and how can you use them for His glory? Listen for His voice and commit to answering his call.
Conclusion (Before You Go)
Before you leave this place, pray through anything else God has put on your heart.
As you come to the end of your time in prayer, note anything that God spoke to you.
Take time to sit in God’s presence. Don’t rush out of this quiet space. Sit in this place for as long as you need.
Amen.
How was your time with God? I’d love to know in the comments below!
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