Read 2 Chronicles 20 (3 enemy nations came against Jehoshaphat.) He was under attack. He was afraid because there was no way he could win this battle in his own strength. So what did he do? And what should you do when you find yourself under any kind of attack? 1. (20:3) He set himself to seek the Lord (through fasting and prayer). a. First, he made up his mind to get a breakthrough. He was intentional about it. b. And then the FIRST thing he does is pray. Prayer is not a last resort. It’s not, “Child, after you’ve done all you can do now pray”. Or “The only thing we can do now is pray. No, pray first. Let’s practice this this month. In fact, let's practice it all year until it becomes a habit. When you hear about a problem, listen carefully, then pray. Listening will cause you to know how to pray more effectively. 2. (20:4) He gathered all of Judah and called a corporate fast and time of prayer.You might need to call together those who are affected and pray with them. Or call your whole family together to pray with you, or members of your church family. Joshua 23:10 says one of you puts to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised. Agreement is powerful. 3. (20:5) He came before the congregation and prayed publicly. He got others involved In praying with him. (Again, where there is unity there is strength). 4. (Read Jehoshaphat’s prayer in verses 6-12.)

“Paper is to write things down that we need to remember. Our brains are used to think.” Albert Einstein Write it down so you will remember it.

1. His prayer is sincere (please look up and write the definition of “sincere”)

2. His prayer is specific (please look up and write the definition of “specific”)

d. His prayer is intentional ( Please look up and write the definition of “intentional" and write it down. ________________________________________________________________

(If you don’t know what you want or what you’re up against you won’t be intentional about your prayers). You need to know where you need a breakthrough.) “What you mean when you do a thing will always determine the outcome.” B. Yovanoff 1 Corinthians 9:26 – I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I not as one that beateth the air.. Paul is saying that when he runs he is not running uncertainly (aimlessly with no goal or direction), and anyone fighting is not just throwing aimless blows because that would be a waste of time and energy. He has to be intentional in order to win. 1 Corinthian 14:8 says if the trumpet give an uncertain sound who shall prepare himself for battle? If people cannot understand what you are saying what’s the point in speaking publicly? If a boxer is boxing but not hitting his opponent what’s going to happen? If an athlete has the ball but is not headed toward the goal how is he going to win the point? Everything has to have a purpose including your prayers. Be intentional. Pray on purpose.

1. Are your prayers intentional?

2. Are you certain about what you want God to do when you pray?

3. Are you willing to actually communicate your needs to God?

Please take the time to write out your request. Research has proven that if you want to achieve a goal write it down. Writing goals down helps you clarify exactly what you want. What areas of your life do you need God to break through? Be intentional. Be specific, Be honest/sincere. Write them down so you can have clarity. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Now take a few minutes and tell God each of the things you wrote about. Go ahead tell him. He knows but he wants to hear your voice. Talk to him about what you wrote. Then come back later and talk to him some more. Be sure to thank and praise Him in advance for what He is going to do.