Copyright Page
2016 by Cheryl Sacks
Published by Chosen Books
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
www.chosenbooks.com
Chosen Books is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Ebook edition created 2016
Ebook corrections 01.23.2018
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2016942348
ISBN 978-1-4412-3038-6
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Scripture quotations identified AMPC are from the Amplified Bible Classic Edition, copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
Scripture quotations identified ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011
Scripture quotations identified T HE M ESSAGE are from THE MESSAGE. Copyright by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Scripture quotations identified NET are from the NET Bible, copyright 19962006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified TLB are from The Living Bible, copyright 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified WEB are from the World English Bible.
Cover design by Brian Bobel
Endorsements
As I read the pages of The Prayer-Saturated Family , I couldnt help but think, This is key to revival and awakening . Actually, Cheryl Sacks hasnt simply written a book, she has started a movement. You will love this book. It is rich in stories that will cause you to laugh and cry. It is hope-filled!
Cindy Jacobs, Generals International
Cheryl Sacks has written a book that is workable, practical and biblical. Whether you are already creating an atmosphere of prayer in your home or looking for how to begin, The Prayer- Saturated Family provides the necessary tools. Your house can be a house of prayer!
Dutch Sheets, founder, Dutch Sheets Ministries
Judith and I are deeply grateful to Hal and Cheryl Sacks for leading a powerful, effective and sustained prayer movement for over two decades in the city we love. Just as Phoenix has benefited from Cheryls insights, I know you will, too. She writes with warmth, wisdom and practical experience in showing us how to engage God on behalf of the people and places we love. The Prayer- Saturated Family is a powerful resource that will add a new revelation to the way you pray.
Terry M. Crist, lead pastor, Hillsong Phoenix
You need to read this book. Cheryl has mastered the art of prayer and turned it into a results-producing science! Ground zero for every believer is the home. You dont have total jurisdiction over the devil in your government or employers office, but you have 100 percent jurisdiction over the devil in your mind and in your house! The Prayer- Saturated Family will show you how to take over the atmosphere in your home and establish a covering from heaven over you and your family.
Lance Wallnau, Lance Learning Group
Dedication
To my grandsons,
Luca and Rocco Reginelli,
with love.
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Part One: What Happens When Families Pray
1. Becoming Prayer Saturated
The Best Investment Youll Ever Make
2. The Unstoppable Power of a United Praying Family
You Have Influence with God
3. Sacred Moments
Meeting at the Family Prayer Altar
4. Changing the Spiritual Climate
How to Experience the Atmosphere of Heaven
5. Bringing God into the Conversation
Talking and Listening to Him
6. Praying for Family Needs
Answered Prayer Builds Faith
7. Lasting Family Relationships
The Glue That Holds It All Together
8. Battling Dark Forces
Understanding How to Confront the Enemy
9. Getting Started
Practical Steps for Launching Family Prayer
10. Jumping the Hurdles
Overcoming Obstacles to a Vibrant Family Prayer Life
11. Praying in All the Seasons of Life
It Is Never Too Early or Too Late
12. Dedicating Your Year to the Lord
Getting a Fresh Start
Part Three: Jump-Start a Lifetime of Family Prayer
The 31-Day Family Prayer Guide
Notes
About the Author
Back Cover
Part One: What Happens When Families Pray
3
Sacred Moments
Meeting at the Family Prayer Altar
M y friend Teresa Tay shares one simple thing her family did that produced miraculous results:
One day as I was praying, I heard the Lord say, Teresa , I want you to build a family altar .
What does that mean, Lord? I asked.
I sensed He was asking me to start a regular time of prayer and worship with my family. But how would this be possible since our two sons were grown and married? I told the Lord I was willing but needed a plan. As I waited, a simple idea dropped into my heart. I called each member of my family and suggested that we fast and pray together every Tuesday. We all would miss breakfast and lunch and then gather at our home for dinner. Everyone agreed.
After the meal, we worshiped the Lord and prayed together. To guide our prayer time, I asked them a single question, What do you want God to do for you in the coming week?
My daughter-in-law is a physician. She said she wanted to see healings and miracles in her practice, so we all prayed in agreement with her. Within three weeks, the Lord began to answer. Since beginning our weekly family prayer altar, my daughter-in-law has seen patients healed of tumors, women who could not previously conceive become pregnant and many young women freed from depression and other serious problems.
Soon we could not wait until the next week to hear what God had done in everyones life and how He was answering our prayers!
Everyone in this family knows the Lord and prays, but no one had ever seen results like this. Why did one simple act of obedience produce so many miracles? I believe it is because they obeyed the Lord by building a family altar. By gathering the family for an intentional time of weekly prayer, combined with a half-day fast, they were able to see breakthroughs they had never experienced before.
Every family is unique and the way they pray together is their own. How does God want your family to connect with Him? Why not ask Him for a plan that will work for you?
You may be single or married, with children or not, a single parent, or an empty nesterit doesnt matter which season of life you are in. You can gather those you love for a sacred, set-aside time at the family altar.