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Free Prayer Guide

Pray like a Champion.

A practical guide to powerful, biblical prayer and living the Great Commission. Free to read online, on any device.

  • 8 framework steps
  • 7 day challenge
  • 16 modules

About this guide

Pray Like A Champion is a free guide from Champions in Christ Ministry. It teaches a simple, biblical way to pray and to join Jesus in making disciples. Read it from start to finish, or jump to any section from the contents. Signed in men can also read it in the Champions Hub.

01

The Mission

Know God. Hear His voice through Scripture. Pray with faith. Love people. Share Jesus. Make disciples.

“Lord, teach us to pray.”

Luke 11:1

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02

Prayer Is Relationship and Mission

Prayer is not a performance, a formula, or a way to force God to give us what we want. Prayer is fellowship with our Father through Jesus Christ, in the power and help of the Holy Spirit. We come honestly, listen humbly, align ourselves with God's Word, and respond obediently.

Why We Pray

  1. To know and worship God, not merely to receive from Him.Psalm 27:4; John 17:3
  2. To confess sin, receive mercy, and walk in freedom.1 John 1:9; Hebrews 4:16
  3. To ask according to God's will and trust His wisdom.1 John 5:14 to 15; James 1:5
  4. To intercede for people, leaders, communities, and the lost.1 Timothy 2:1 to 4
  5. To receive courage and power to witness.Acts 1:8; Acts 4:29 to 31
  6. To join Jesus in making disciples of all nations.Matthew 28:18 to 20

The Foundation of Confident Prayer

We pray to the Father, through the Son, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives us access; the Spirit helps us in our weakness; Scripture shapes what we ask and how we live.

Matthew 6:9; John 14:6; Romans 8:26 to 27

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03

The Champion Prayer Framework

Use this framework as a guide, not a rigid formula. Some prayers may take two minutes; others may take an hour. Let relationship lead the rhythm.

  • C. Come Clean. Confess sin, forgive others, and receive God's mercy.Psalm 139:23 to 24; Mark 11:25; 1 John 1:9
  • H. Honor God. Begin with worship. Remember who God is before focusing on what you need.Matthew 6:9; Psalm 100:4
  • A. Align with the Word. Read a passage, believe what is true, and shape your requests around God's character and will.John 15:7; 1 John 5:14
  • M. Make Your Requests. Ask specifically, persistently, and with surrendered faith.Philippians 4:6; Luke 18:1
  • P. Pray for People. Intercede for family, leaders, the hurting, the lost, and those who oppose you.1 Timothy 2:1 to 4; Matthew 5:44
  • I. Incline Your Ear. Be still. Let Scripture search you. Test impressions rather than assuming every thought is God's voice.John 10:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:19 to 21
  • O. Obey the Next Step. Prayer should produce obedience: forgive, call, serve, give, go, speak, or wait.James 1:22; John 14:15
  • N. Never Stop. Build an ongoing life with God, with short prayers throughout the day and focused time in His presence.1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:2

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04

Six Expressions of Powerful Prayer

The guide below reframes "unforgiveness" as a heart barrier to address, then develops five major expressions of prayer.

1. Clear the Heart: Confession and Forgiveness

Unforgiveness is not a type of prayer; it is a condition Jesus tells us to address. Ask God to reveal resentment, confess your own sin, choose forgiveness, and pursue reconciliation when it is wise and safe. Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing or remove healthy boundaries.

Mark 11:25; Matthew 6:14 to 15; 1 John 1:9

2. Thanksgiving

Thank God for who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised. Gratitude reorients the heart toward God's faithfulness.

Psalm 100:4; Philippians 4:6

3. Petition

Bring specific needs to God with faith and surrender: "Father, this is what I ask; nevertheless, Your will be done."

Matthew 7:7 to 11; Mark 11:24; Luke 22:42

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05

Six Expressions of Powerful Prayer (Continued)

4. Intercession

Stand before God on behalf of another person. Ask for salvation, wisdom, healing, protection, provision, reconciliation, and spiritual growth.

Ephesians 1:16 to 19; Colossians 1:9 to 12

5. Listening

Quiet your heart and let God's written Word lead. Record impressions humbly, test them by Scripture, and seek mature counsel when direction is consequential.

Psalm 46:10; John 10:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:21

6. Freedom and Deliverance

Ask Jesus to free people from sin, fear, oppression, addiction, deception, and destructive patterns. Stand in Christ's authority, reject fear, use Scripture, and involve mature church leadership in serious situations. Never discourage medical or mental health care.

Colossians 1:13 to 14; James 4:7; 2 Timothy 1:7

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06

A Simple Daily Rhythm: A.C.T.S.

When you do not know where to begin, use A.C.T.S. to create balance. Then let the conversation become natural.

A. Adoration

Focus on God's character: holy, loving, faithful, wise, powerful, merciful.

“Father, You are faithful even when I cannot see the outcome…”

C. Confession

Agree with God about sin. Receive forgiveness and turn in a new direction.

“Search me, Lord. I confess… Help me turn from…”

T. Thanksgiving

Name specific gifts, answered prayers, lessons, people, and promises.

“Thank You for… I saw Your grace today when…”

S. Supplication

Ask for yourself and intercede for others, then surrender the result to God.

“Give me… Help them… Open a door… Your will be done.”

Ten Minute Start

  • 2 minutes worship
  • 2 minutes confession
  • 2 minutes thanksgiving
  • 3 minutes requests and intercession
  • 1 minute listening and choosing your next act of obedience

Pray Scripture, Not Just Your Feelings

  1. Read a short passage slowly. Ask: What does this reveal about God?
  2. Turn the truth into praise: "Father, You are…"
  3. Turn the command into confession and obedience: "Forgive me… Help me…"
  4. Turn the promise or principle into a surrendered request: "According to Your Word…"
  5. Pray the passage over another person by name.

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07

Listen, Test, and Obey

Listening prayer is not emptying your mind or treating every thought as divine. It is attentive fellowship with God under the authority of Scripture. God will never lead you contrary to His revealed Word or the character of Jesus.

A Healthy Listening Process

  1. Be still. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and bring Scripture to mind.
  2. Read the Bible in context. God's written Word is the standard for truth.
  3. Write what you sense with humility: "I sense…" rather than "God told me…"
  4. Test it: Is it biblical? Does it exalt Jesus? Produce godly fruit? Require wisdom or confirmation?
  5. Obey clear biblical commands immediately. For major decisions, seek mature counsel and allow time for confirmation.

Five Filters for an Impression

  1. Scripture: Does it agree with the Bible understood in context?2 Timothy 3:16 to 17
  2. Jesus: Does it reflect His truth, holiness, love, and humility?John 14:6
  3. Fruit: Is it producing love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control rather than pride or panic?Galatians 5:22 to 23
  4. Wisdom: Would mature, godly counsel recognize wisdom in it?Proverbs 15:22
  5. Confirmation: Does God confirm direction through Scripture, circumstances, counsel, and time?

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08

Prayer That Joins the Great Commission

The Great Commission is not reserved for pastors, missionaries, or extroverts. Every follower of Jesus is called to live as His witness and help others follow Him. Prayer prepares the heart, opens doors, gives courage, and keeps love, not pressure, at the center.

  1. Pray: Ask God for one person and one open door.
  2. Notice: Pay attention to people, pain, and openness.
  3. Care: Honor, listen, meet practical needs.
  4. Share: Tell what Jesus has done, invite a response.
  5. Disciple: Help them begin: Bible, prayer, church.

Your Story in 60 Seconds

  • Before Jesus: What was missing or broken?
  • Meeting Jesus: How did you trust Him?
  • Since Jesus: What is He changing?

Keep Jesus, not your old life, the hero.

A Daily Great Commission Prayer

“Father, fill me with Your Spirit. Give me eyes to see the person in front of me, courage to speak when You open the door, humility to listen, and love that expects nothing in return. Prepare hearts to receive Jesus. Make me faithful to help people follow Him, not merely make a momentary decision. In Jesus' name, amen.”

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09

Start With Honor

Honor is not a sales technique. It is the sincere recognition that every person bears God-given dignity. A genuine compliment can open a conversation, but it must be honest and free from manipulation. Be present. Notice something true. Listen before speaking. If the moment never becomes a gospel conversation, you can still leave the person more encouraged than you found them.

Move Naturally From Care to Prayer

“You mentioned that [situation] has been heavy. Would it be okay if I prayed for you?”

“Is there anything specific you would like me to ask God for?”

“Would you like me to pray now, or would you prefer I pray later?”

How to Pray for Someone in the Moment

  • Ask permission and respect the answer.
  • Ask what they need; do not assume.
  • Keep the prayer brief, clear, compassionate, and centered on Jesus.
  • Do not perform, embarrass, diagnose, or make promises God has not made.
  • Follow up when appropriate: "How are you doing since we prayed?"

Simple Model

“Father, thank You for [name]. You see what they are carrying. Please give them [specific request], make Your love known, and guide their next step. In Jesus' name, amen.”

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10

Lead the Conversation Toward Jesus

Use questions with sensitivity. The goal is a real conversation, not a script imposed on a stranger. Begin with permission and relationship. Some people need to be heard before they are ready for direct eternity questions. Follow the Holy Spirit, respect boundaries, and never manufacture urgency through fear.

A Conversational Path

  1. Ask Permission: "Would you be open to talking about faith for a minute?"
  2. Discover: "What has your experience with God or church been?"
  3. Listen: "What do you believe about Jesus?"
  4. Share: Briefly tell your story and explain the good news.
  5. Invite: "Would you like to trust and follow Jesus?"
  6. Respect: If they are not ready, thank them for the conversation and ask whether you may pray for them.

The Gospel in Four Truths

  1. God loves and created us for relationship with Him.John 3:16
  2. Sin separates us and none of us can rescue ourselves.Romans 3:23; 6:23
  3. Jesus saves. He died for our sins and rose again.1 Corinthians 15:3 to 4
  4. We respond with repentance and faith, trusting Jesus as Lord.Mark 1:15; Romans 10:9 to 10

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11

The A.B.C.s and a Prayer of Surrender

The A.B.C.s are a simple way to explain a response to the gospel. A prayer expresses faith; the words themselves do not save.

  • A. Admit. Admit that you have sinned and cannot save yourself.Romans 3:23
  • B. Believe. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and God raised Him from the dead. Trust in Christ, not your own goodness.Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3 to 4
  • C. Confess and Commit. Confess Jesus as Lord and turn toward a life of following Him.Romans 10:9 to 10; Mark 1:15

A Simple Prayer of Surrender

“Father, I admit that I have sinned and cannot save myself. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my old way of life and place my trust in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Forgive me, make me new, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and teach me to follow You. In Jesus' name, amen.”

If Someone Chooses to Follow Jesus

  • Celebrate what God has done; do not pressure them to perform emotion.
  • Exchange contact information, with permission, and follow up soon.
  • Help them read the Gospel of John and begin praying honestly each day.
  • Connect them with a healthy, Bible-teaching local church.
  • Talk about baptism, community, obedience, and sharing their new faith.

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12

A First Week Discipleship Path

A decision is a beginning, not a finish line. Walk with the person as they learn to abide in Jesus and obey His words.

  • Day 1: Read John 1 together. Ask: Who is Jesus, and what does He invite us to believe?
  • Day 2: Teach a simple A.C.T.S. prayer and pray together.
  • Day 3: Read John 3. Reinforce grace, faith, repentance, and new life.
  • Day 4: Introduce them to one or two mature believers and a healthy local church.
  • Day 5: Read Mark 1:14 to 20. Talk about obedience and following Jesus daily.
  • Day 6: Help them write their 60 second testimony.
  • Day 7: Invite them to pray for one person and share what Jesus has done.

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13

Praying for Freedom, Healing, and Breakthrough

We can pray boldly because Jesus is compassionate and powerful. We also remain humble: God is sovereign, outcomes belong to Him, and we never blame someone's faith when an answer is delayed or different than requested.

A Safe, Biblical Pattern

  1. Welcome Jesus' presence: Worship and acknowledge His lordship.
  2. Ask and listen: What does the person want prayer for? Obtain consent.
  3. Pray specifically: Ask for healing, freedom, wisdom, protection, and peace.
  4. Use Scripture: Speak God's truth without shouting or creating spectacle.
  5. Resist evil: Submit to God, reject lies and fear, and stand in Christ.James 4:7
  6. Bless the person: Pray to be filled with the Spirit and grounded in truth and community.
  7. Follow through: Encourage pastoral care, accountability, and professional help when appropriate.

A Prayer for Freedom

“Jesus, You are Lord. Bring Your truth into every place of fear, bondage, deception, and pain. Give [name] grace to repent, forgive, receive help, and reject every lie. Strengthen them by Your Spirit, surround them with wise believers, and lead them in lasting freedom and obedience. Amen.”

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14

Your 7 Day Champion Prayer Challenge

Set aside 15 focused minutes each day. Keep a Bible and journal nearby. End every prayer time by writing one act of obedience.

  • Day 1: Come Clean. Confess specifically. Forgive one person. Write the next healthy step.Read: Psalm 139:23 to 24; 1 John 1:9
  • Day 2: Honor God. Spend most of the time worshiping God for who He is.Read: Psalm 100; Matthew 6:9
  • Day 3: Align with the Word. Turn the passage into prayer, sentence by sentence.Read: John 15:1 to 11
  • Day 4: Make Requests. Name your needs, thank God, and surrender outcomes.Read: Philippians 4:4 to 7
  • Day 5: Pray for People. Pray for five people, including one who does not know Jesus.Read: 1 Timothy 2:1 to 6
  • Day 6: Listen and Obey. Sit quietly with Scripture. Write and complete one clear act of obedience.Read: James 1:22 to 25
  • Day 7: Go. Ask God for an open door. Encourage, pray for, or share Jesus with someone.Read: Matthew 9:35 to 38; 28:18 to 20

Daily Journal

  • What did I learn about God?
  • What am I surrendering?
  • Who am I praying for?
  • What is my next act of obedience?
  • Where did I see God at work?

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15

Prayer Starters for the Mission

For Courage

“Lord, help me speak Your Word with boldness and love. Keep me from fear, pride, and pressure. Make Jesus clear through my words and my life.”

Acts 4:29 to 31

For an Open Door

“Father, open a door for the message today. Help me recognize it and explain the gospel clearly.”

Colossians 4:3 to 4

For One Person

“Jesus, draw [name] to Yourself. Remove confusion, heal wounds, send faithful believers, and help me love them patiently.”

John 6:44; 1 Timothy 2:4

For New Believers

“Father, root [name] in Christ. Give them hunger for Your Word, strength to obey, healthy community, and courage to share their faith.”

Colossians 2:6 to 7

For Laborers

“Lord of the harvest, send workers into Your harvest, and show me where You are sending me.”

Matthew 9:37 to 38

Before You Go

Pray Like A Champion.

Come clean. Honor God. Align with the Word. Make your requests. Pray for people. Incline your ear. Obey the next step. Never stop.

Prayer becomes powerful not when we master a technique, but when we remain close to Jesus, trust His Word, love people, and obey what He commands.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”

Acts 1:8

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16

Don't Pray Alone

Prayer is personal, but it was never meant to be private. Champions in Christ hosts men's prayer groups and women's gatherings across the country. These are communities where you can pray, grow, and be sharpened alongside brothers and sisters who are pursuing Jesus with you.

Men's Prayer Groups

Stand shoulder to shoulder with other Kingdom men. Pray together, share honestly, and sharpen one another as you seek first God's Kingdom. Brotherhood accelerates transformation. Isolated men are easier targets.

Join a Men's Prayer Group

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Matthew 18:20

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17

Scripture Index and Kingdom Builder Commitments

Key Passages to Study

  • Prayer: Matthew 6:5 to 13; Luke 11:1 to 13; John 15:1 to 17; Philippians 4:4 to 7
  • Intercession: Ephesians 1:15 to 23; 3:14 to 21; Colossians 1:9 to 14
  • Listening and discernment: John 10:1 to 30; Romans 12:1 to 2; 1 Thessalonians 5:19 to 22
  • Mission: Matthew 9:35 to 38; 28:18 to 20; Acts 1:8; Colossians 4:2 to 6
  • Gospel: John 3; Romans 3:21 to 26; 5:1 to 11; 10:8 to 13; 1 Corinthians 15:1 to 8
  • Freedom: Colossians 1:13 to 14; Ephesians 6:10 to 18; James 4:7 to 10

My Commitments

  • I will meet with God in Scripture and prayer consistently.
  • I will forgive quickly, confess honestly, and receive grace.
  • I will pray for people by name and look for ways to serve them.
  • I will share Jesus clearly, lovingly, and without manipulation.
  • I will help new believers take their next step in discipleship.
  • I will remain connected to a healthy local church and mature spiritual leaders.
  • I will obey the Holy Spirit's prompting when it agrees with Scripture.

My Three People to Pray For

Write three names in your prayer journal.

My Next Act of Obedience

Write one clear next step in your prayer journal, and do it.

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Don't pray alone.

Join a men's prayer group, or write to us and we will point you to the next step.