Praying in Step with God's Timing and Purpose
Summary
For over three decades, it has been my honor to serve in Bangladesh and witness firsthand the mighty works of God across Asia. The population is staggering—177 million in Bangladesh alone, with cities like Dhaka swelling by thousands daily. Yet, in the face of such overwhelming need, God is moving in unprecedented ways. In recent years, we have seen tens of thousands filled with the Holy Ghost, thousands baptized, and miracles of healing that testify to the living power of Jesus’ name. The church is growing, leaders are being raised up, and the vision for harvest is coming to fruition. But as we celebrate these victories, we must also recognize the ongoing needs—completing Bible school facilities, planting new churches, and supporting the work through prayer and giving.
The heart of what I want to share is not just about what God is doing in Bangladesh, but about how we, as the body of Christ, are called to partner with Him in every place He has planted us. Jesus gave us a pattern for prayer—not a script to recite, but a sequence, a “sequentiality” that aligns our hearts with His kingdom. Prayer begins with adoration, moves to a longing for God’s will to be done on earth as in heaven, and only then turns to our daily needs. Too often, we frustrate our faith by focusing on the end goal—revival, breakthrough, miracles—without praying the incremental, day-to-day prayers that prepare the ground for God’s will to be established.
God is calling us to pray not just for ourselves, but for our cities, our communities, and the nations. This means learning to listen for what the Spirit is saying in each season, and praying accordingly. It means not being derailed by the gap between the promise and the present, but faithfully interceding for the needs of today—preparing the soil, praying for laborers, blessing our neighborhoods, and standing in the gap for the lost. The testimony from Bangladesh is not just about numbers, but about learning to pray in step with God’s timing, to see miracles both great and small, and to never lose sight of the individual in the midst of the multitude.
As we move forward, let us shift our prayers from self-focus to kingdom-focus, from generalities to specifics, from distant promises to present obedience. God is ready to do miracles in our midst, but He is looking for a people who will pray His will, in His way, for this moment.
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Key Takeaways
- The Sequential Pattern of Prayer Unlocks Kingdom Power
Jesus taught us to pray in a specific order: beginning with worship, then seeking God’s will, and only then presenting our needs. This “sequentiality” is not arbitrary; it reorients our hearts from self to God, and from our agenda to His. When we follow this pattern, our perspective shifts—mountains become molehills, and we find ourselves aligned with the flow of the Spirit, ready to see God’s will established on earth. [01:16:19]
- Incremental, Daily Prayers Prepare the Ground for Revival
While it is right to believe for great harvests and breakthroughs, God often calls us to pray for the “next step” rather than the distant finish line. Fruitful prayer is not just about declaring the end result, but about interceding for the daily needs—softening hearts, preparing the soil, and asking for laborers. This approach keeps our faith engaged and our actions practical, ensuring that we do not miss the miracles God wants to do today while waiting for tomorrow’s promise. [01:27:08]
- Kingdom-Focused Prayer Moves Us Beyond Self-Interest
There is a spiritual danger in prayers that revolve solely around our own needs and desires. True kingdom prayer requires us to put ourselves on the back burner and ask, “God, what do You need me to pray for today?” This shift from self to kingdom not only honors God’s priorities but also positions us to be vessels through whom He can reach our communities and the lost. [01:21:42]
- Obedience to the Season and Voice of God is Essential
God speaks through His Spirit and through spiritual leadership to reveal the needs of each season. If we are frustrated or directionless in prayer, it may be because we are not listening to what God is saying now. The call is to be sensitive, to fast and pray, and to act on the direction God gives—praying for the specific needs of the moment, teaching Bible studies, and being available for the work of the kingdom. [01:51:36]
- Miracles Happen When We Pray in Step with God’s Timing
The testimony of the police officer’s family in Bangladesh illustrates the power of praying for the present need, not just the future promise. By praying sequentially—first for the harvest, then for the individual, then for the miracle—God’s power was released in both the multitude and the one. This teaches us that while we believe for great things, we must never neglect the immediate, practical prayers that invite God’s intervention today. [02:05:55]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - The Population and Need in Bangladesh
[02:30] - Recent Miracles and Harvests
[05:10] - Vision for the Future and Ongoing Needs
[08:00] - The Power of Partnership and Giving
[10:30] - The Pattern of Prayer: Luke 11 and Matthew 6
[14:00] - Sequentiality of Prayer Explained
[18:00] - The Dangers of Self-Focused Prayer
[21:40] - Praying for the Kingdom, Not Just Ourselves
[24:30] - Incremental Prayers and Daily Obedience
[27:00] - Prophetic Prayers for Our City
[30:00] - Testimony: Revival in Bangladesh
[34:00] - The Miracle of Nehemiah
[38:00] - A Call to External, Kingdom-Focused Prayer
[41:00] - Altar Call and Praying for the Community
[44:00] - Closing and Commissioning to Pray Sequentially
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Praying in Step with God’s Kingdom
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 11:1-4
“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.”
- Matthew 6:9-13
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In both Luke 11 and Matthew 6, what is the order or pattern that Jesus gives for prayer? What comes first, and what comes after?
(See [01:04:14])
2. According to the sermon, what does the word “sequentiality” mean when it comes to prayer?
(See [01:04:14])
3. What are some specific needs and miracles that were mentioned as happening in Bangladesh?
(See [00:45] and [01:54:14])
4. What does Jesus say about God’s knowledge of our needs before we even ask?
(See [01:24:27])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus taught his disciples to begin prayer with worship and adoration before asking for daily needs? How does this change the way we see our problems?
(See [01:16:19])
2. The sermon talks about “incremental, daily prayers” instead of only praying for big breakthroughs. Why might God want us to pray for the “next step” instead of just the end result?
(See [01:27:08])
3. What is the danger of prayers that are only focused on ourselves, according to the message? How does kingdom-focused prayer change our priorities?
(See [01:21:42])
4. The speaker said that sometimes we get frustrated in prayer because we are not listening to what God is saying “now.” What does it look like to pray in step with the season and voice of God?
(See [01:51:36])
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### Application Questions
1. Think about your own prayer life. Do you usually start with worship and seeking God’s will, or do you jump straight to your needs? How could you try the “sequential pattern” of prayer this week?
(See [01:16:19])
2. The sermon shared about praying for the soil of people’s hearts and for laborers, not just for revival itself. Who in your life or community could you start praying for specifically, as a “next step” toward God’s bigger promise?
(See [01:27:08])
3. Are there areas where your prayers have been mostly about your own needs? What is one way you could shift your prayers to be more kingdom-focused this week?
(See [01:21:42])
4. The speaker described listening to the Spirit and to spiritual leadership to know what to pray for in each season. Is there something God or your church leaders have been prompting you to pray or do that you’ve been ignoring or putting off?
(See [01:51:36])
5. The testimony of the police officer’s family in Bangladesh showed the power of praying for present, specific needs. Is there someone in your life who needs a miracle or encouragement right now? How can you pray for them in a practical way this week?
(See [02:05:55])
6. The message challenged us to pray for our neighborhoods and cities, not just ourselves. What is one way you can bless or pray for your community this week? (For example, praying for your neighbors by name, or asking God to prepare hearts in your workplace or school.)
(See [02:15:04])
7. The speaker said, “God is ready to do miracles in our midst, but He is looking for a people who will pray His will, in His way, for this moment.” What is one area where you need to obey God’s prompting today, even if it feels small or incremental?
(See [01:51:36])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person pray in step with His will, for their city, their community, and the needs of today.
Devotional
Day 1: The Sequential Pattern of Prayer
Jesus taught His disciples a pattern of prayer that begins with praise, moves to seeking God's will, and only then brings personal needs before the Lord. This order is not accidental; it is a divine blueprint for effective prayer that shifts our focus from ourselves to the glory and purposes of God. When we start with adoration and surrender to His will, our own needs are put in proper perspective, and we are positioned to pray with faith and alignment to God's heart. As we follow this sequentiality, what once seemed like insurmountable obstacles become small in the light of God's greatness, and our prayers become powerful tools for advancing His kingdom. [01:16:19]
Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Reflection: When you pray today, will you intentionally begin with praise and surrender to God’s will before bringing your own needs? How might this change the way you see your circumstances?
Day 2: Praying for God’s Will and Kingdom, Not Just Our Needs
True kingdom prayer is not centered on our personal desires but on the advancement of God’s will in our city, our nation, and the world. God already knows what we need before we ask, but He invites us to partner with Him in praying for His purposes to be established on earth as they are in heaven. When we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,” we are aligning ourselves with God’s heart for the lost, the hurting, and the broken, and we become vessels through which His Spirit can move in our communities. This kind of prayer requires us to set aside self-interest and ask, “God, what do You need me to pray for today?” [01:24:27]
Matthew 6:6-8 (ESV)
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Reflection: What is one specific way you can shift your prayers today from your own needs to asking for God’s will and kingdom to be established in your neighborhood or city?
Day 3: Praying Incrementally—Faithful in Today’s Step
God often gives us a vision for great things—a harvest, a revival, a breakthrough—but He calls us to pray and act faithfully in the steps required today. Instead of being frustrated by the gap between the promise and the present, we are invited to pray incremental prayers that prepare the ground for God’s will to unfold. This means asking God, “What is the next step You want me to pray for or act on today?” Whether it’s praying for softened hearts, open doors, or a single soul, these daily, Spirit-led prayers are the building blocks of lasting revival and transformation. [01:27:08]
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Reflection: What is one small, specific prayer or action you can take today that aligns with God’s larger promise for your life, your church, or your city?
Day 4: The Power of Praying for Others and the Community
God is calling His people to move beyond self-focused prayers and become intercessors for the lost, the hurting, and the community around them. When we pray for our neighbors, our city, and those who do not yet know Jesus, we are participating in spiritual warfare and preparing the soil for a harvest. This kind of external, kingdom-minded prayer breaks the cycle of comfort and routine, pushing us into new territory where miracles and transformation can happen. God wants to use your prayers to bless, heal, and draw others to Himself—will you let Him? [02:15:04]
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Reflection: Who is one person or group in your community you can specifically pray for today, asking God to prepare their hearts for the gospel?
Day 5: Hearing and Responding to God’s Direction in This Season
God is always speaking to His people, giving direction for each season and moment. It is not enough to wait passively for some future move of God; He calls us to listen, discern, and act on what He is saying now—through His Word, through spiritual leadership, and through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. When we ask, “God, what do You want me to pray or do today?” and respond in obedience, we become active participants in His unfolding plan. The miracles, breakthroughs, and revivals we long for begin with simple, daily obedience to God’s present direction. [01:51:36]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
Reflection: Take a moment to ask God, “What do You want me to pray or do today?” Write down what you sense and commit to act on it before the day ends.
Quotes
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