The Prayer Clock is part of the "Strategy of Prayer" section of THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER.

Excerpt From the School of Prayer, Section III

A STRATEGY FOR PRAYER

By James W. Tharp

A theology of prayer is essential to the church. An understanding of what God requires in order for Him to release the power of His Spirit into and through His people is urgent. But all this must be translated into action. We must practice what we know and then we will learn by doing. Now, let’s consider an approach to prayer that Jesus taught his disciples.

On one occasion Jesus invited His disciples to watch in prayer with Him for one hour (Matt. 26:41). They began the prayer watch with Him, but soon fell asleep. "Could you not keep watch for one hour?" Jesus asked, finding them sleeping. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation," He warned (Mark 14:37-38).

A true discipline of prayer will include a strategy. In studying the model prayer Jesus offered, it seems appropriate to divide the hour of prayer into four segments: adoration (the upward look); confession (the inward look); petition (the roundward look); intercession (the Kingdom look).

Note that at the center of the prayer clock there is a cross. In no other Christian grace is self-denial more important than in our ministry of prayer. I recommend the following strategy for your own prayer life. If you will practice praying at all four levels for three months you will experience personal fulfillment and an increase in spiritual power in your life.

Adoration (The Upward Look)
Magnify His Name: II Samuel 22:50, Psalm 8:1, Psalm 34:3, Psalm 145:1-2, Proverbs 18:10, Isaiah 47:4, Jeremiah 10:6. As we celebrate the Being of our glorious God it is important that we consider the various names by which he has revealed Himself in His Word. Since His names reflect His nature, each name should be studied for what it reveals about His divine character.

Jesus taught us to pray that the Father’s Name be "hallowed" (a verbal form of "holy"). That is, we are to pray that the Name of God be honored and feared as holy. Christians must lead the way in cherishing His Name. One way to do this is simply "pray the scriptures" — borrow from those inspired passages that exalt the Name of the Eternal God.

1. "Hallowed Be Your Name"

A. Elohim - "The Eternally Powerful One" (Gen. 1:1-2)

B. El-Shaddai - "The All-sufficient One" (Gen. 17:1)

C. El-Elyon - "The Most High God" (Gen. 14: 19-20)

D. El-Olam - "The Everlasting God" (Gen. 21:33; Psalm 90:2)

E. El-Roi - "The God Who Sees Me" (Gen. 16:13; Psalm 32:8)

2. Jehovah — "The Great I AM" (Exodus 3:14-15)

A. Jehovah-tsidkenu — The Lord our Righteousness" (Jer. 23:6, Lev. 19:2, I Pet. 1:16, I Cor. 1:30, II Cor. 5:21)

B. Jehovah-jirah — "The Lord will Provide" (Gen. 22:8, 14; John 1:29)

C. Jehovah-rapha — "The Lord Who Heals You" (Ex. 15:26)

D. Jehovah-nissi — "The Lord is My Banner" (Ex. 17:15-16)

E. Jehovah-rohi — "The Lord is My Shepherd" (Psalm 23:1, Hebrews 13:20-21)

F. Jehovah-shalom — "The Lord is Our Peace" (Judges 6:24, Rom. 5:1, John 14:27)

G. Jehovah-shammah — "The Lord is There" (Ezek. 48:35, Ex. 13:22, II Chron. 7:2, Eph. 2:20-22, Matt. 28:20, Rev. 21:2-4, 10-11, 22-27)

3. Adonai — "Master and Lord" (Gen. 15:2, John 20:28)

4. Father — (Matt 6:9)