Praying for Missionaries: for Spiritual Renewal!

 

 Pray for Spiritual renewal

Pray for Spiritual Renewal!

".so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company" Romans 15:32 (NASB - Emphasis added).

• Pray that the missionaries seek the Holy Spirit and be encouraged by Him.
• Pray that they have the discipline to study the Word of God, to pray faithfully so that God will reward him publicly.
• Pray that they will have good Christian fellowship with other believers.

"I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" Romans 15:30 (NIV).

Prayer is so Important to Mission Work!

The Apostle Paul was a missionary and a man of prayer.  He prayed for those who did not know Christ.  He prayed for the believers and for the new churches established through his ministry.  He also asked other believers to pray for him.  "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" Romans 15:30 (NIV).

The Apostle Paul also knew that prayer bears fruit:

"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many" 2 Corinthians 1:10, 11 (NIV).

In his epistle, Paul gave specific prayer requests for the believers to pray.  As a prayer "partner" of missionaries, you also will be a part of the impact that the Lord makes around the world.

The Apostle Paul understood the greatest need of missionaries.

I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" Philippians 1:3-5 (NIV).
Thank you for praying

Praying for Missionaries: For Protect\ion, Harmony Among Beleivers,and God's Direction

Pray for protection ¨... pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith" 2 Thessalonians 3:2 (NIV).

• Pray that God will protect them from those who seek to do them harm.
• Pray that God will change the hearts of those who oppose the Word of God and those who bring it.

Pray that there will be harmony and acceptance among the believers

"Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;" Romans 15:30,31 (NIV).

Cooperation and support are essential for the progress of the missionary work.

• Pray that the ministry and the attitude of the missionaries are acceptable and that their colleagues and other believers support them.

Pray for God's direction and help while they travel

"...so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company" Romans 15:32 (NIV).

Missionaries travel frequently and their mode of transportation varies greatly.  Many times traveling produces tension.  Pray for things that are needed when they travel: protection, favorable travel conditions, visas and permission, etc.

Praying for Missionaries: That the Word of God is Proclaimed

Pray for Missionaries:  Pray that the Word God is proclaimed without obstacles

 "Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you" 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NIV).

In order for the Word of God to flow freely, the obstacles have to be removed.  The enemy is trying to hinder the work of God and has to be resisted.. In the same way that Aaron and Hur supported the arms of Moses in the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:12) you can support the tired arms of the missionaries with your prayers. We are reminded that our fight is against the spiritual forces of evil that attack in any area. (Ephesians 6:10-18).

The Word of God, when proclaimed, is the avenue to personal transformation and miracles.  It is the power of the Gospel that breaks the chains that bind.

Praying for Missionairies: Open Doors and Courage to Witness

Seven ways to pray according to the Apostle Paul.

1. Pray for open doors
2. Pray for courage to witness
3. Pray that the Word God is proclaimed without obstacles
4. Pray for protection
5. Pray that there will be harmony and acceptance among the believers
6. Pray for God's direction and help while they travel
7. Pray for renewal

1.  Pray for open doors

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds..." Colossians 4:2,3

We cannot take for granted that there are open doors everywhere. Many missionaries work in countries with restricted access or in areas that are resistant to the Gospel, where, even though there are open doors, there are closed hearts.

• Pray that God will guide the missionaries as they cross barriers and find hearts ready to receive the Word of God.
• Pray that God opens doors for ministry, partnership and friendship.
• Pray that those serving would be guided by the Holy Spirit and be able to recognize opportunities.

2. Pray for courage to witness

 "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should"
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV).

Why do we have to pray for courage for our missionaries?
They need courage to:

• Minister effectively in other cultures and languages
• Defeat the power of the enemy's opposition
• Conquer fear of failure and shame.

Praying for Healing -- the Insights of James 5th Chapter

Is your heart heavy over a sick friend or family member? Do you wish there were something you could do to help? You can take your friend or family member to the Lord in prayer. Here is a Bible verse and a prayer to help you ask God for healing.

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:15-16 (NIV)

Dear Lord, 

You know my friend/family member so much better than I do. You know his/her sickness and the burden he carries. You also know his heart. Lord, I ask you to be with my friend now, working in his life. Let your will be done in my friend's life. If there is a sin that needs to be confessed and forgiven, Lord, please help him to see his need and confess. Lord, I pray for my friend because your Word says I should pray for his healing. I believe you hear this earnest prayer from my heart and that it is powerful because of your promise.

I have faith in you to heal my friend, but I also trust in the plan you have for his life. Lord, I don't always understand your ways, and why my friend has to suffer, but I trust you. I ask that you look with mercy and grace toward my friend. Nourish his spirit and soul in this time of suffering and comfort him with your presence. Let my friend know you are there with him through this difficulty. And may you be glorified in his life and also in mine.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Pray for Christians in Other Countries Who Are Under Attack -- And Thank God for Your Freedom

Pray for Christians in Other Countries That Are Under Attack, Such as This Woman

---Christian woman forced into slavery in Pakistan

Ejaz Masih, his children, and other family members organized a sit-in, demanding that police intervene. Photo from AsiaNews

A group of Muslims recently abducted Sana, a Christian mother of two, in Fatehpuh Kasur, Pakistan. Ejaz Masih, Sana's husband who works as a labourer, took out a loan in order to provide medical treatment for his ill father. When his Muslim landlord heard about the loan, he demanded that Ejaz repay it within two weeks, saying, "We'll come and take your wife and children to work for us as slaves. You have no choice [but pay].... You are lowlife and will always be our slave. We Muslims are superior to any other religion." A few days later, on September 3, a group of armed Muslims confronted the family, throwing Ejaz to the ground, abducting his wife and beating his father. When his mother called for help, neighbours came out but no one tried to stop the kidnappers. His brother contacted police but they refused to register the complaint. (Source: AsiaNews) Pray for Sana's release. Pray for wisdom and comfort for her family. Ask God to help them to respond in a Christ-like manner to this injustice. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48).
For more on the trials facing Christians in Pakistan, go to the Pakistan Country Report
  Information sent tor us by Voice of the Martyrs Christian organziation.

Thoughts About Praying for Healing -- Praise God for His Healing Touch!

Pray for wisdom when you pray for someone's healing. Pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit. Enrich your prayers with Scripture when you pray for the sick. Pray according to the promises of God. Also remember that not all promises are relevant or valid in every case.  Remember to saturate your prayer with Praise and Worship when praying for a sick person. It gives Glory to God's work and faith to your own heart.

The principles of spiritual warfare, our authority in Christ and His victory over the evil one, are of utmost importance when there is the possibility of a demonic onslaught. We must bind the evil one in the Name of the Lord Jesus, break and resist his works.

Testify to what the Lord has done. It gives others confidence to pray and it strengthens their faith in God's ability to heal. Testimonies like these often contribute to the conversion of others and the returning of those who have backslidden.

Make a note when you pray for someone who is ill and write down the answers. You will be astonished when you see how many people that you have prayed for were healed.
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All Christians may pray for the sick. Mark 16:17-18 says: "And these signs will accompany those who believe... they will place their hands on sick people and they will get well." Go with boldness to the Lord when praying for sick people.

The time has come for James 5:13-15 to become normal practice in the church of the Lord again. "Is anyone of you in trouble? He should pray. Is any one happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of The Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned he will be forgiven."

• God uses different "methods" to heal people:
o God heals through the laying on of hands
o God heals through the anointing with oil and faithful prayer
o God sometimes heals people at communion
o God heals people in answer to intercession for them
o God uses doctors and medication to heal people.

• Remember when you pray for someone or for yourself that healing does not always occur overnight or immediately. It can sometimes take days or weeks before someone is completely healed.

• In Exodus 15:26 The Lord call Himself Jahweh-Ropheka, it means: The Lord who heals you. It is God's Name, it is who He is, what He can do and what He wants to do. When you pray for the sick, pray to God who calls Himself Jahweh-Roph

Praying for Others is a Blessed Task

Think of the many times you have been asked or moved to pray for someone, or to pray for peace throughout the world. Or to pray for those who are dying. Or to pray for the ones who have no helper. Or to pray for those who are alone. Or to pray for the weak and hungry. Or to pray for our country, or the countries of the world. Or, how often have you been in a struggle with life yourself, and felt like you needed the prayers of others to see you through? Prayer for ourselves and others can become an overwhelming task. Not because we lack the compassion or even motivation, but because there are simply so many needs. 

Sometimes we see the storms gathering in our own or others’ lives, and are keenly aware of the pain, suffering, sadness, grief, and worry that seem to overshadow the joy of life. At such times of darkness, our natural response is prayer. We ask the Holy One to intervene and halt the storm, part the clouds, and let the light shine through. Yet, because the needs are so great, we feel helpless to pray for all those who have asked for our prayers, much less all those who are in need of prayer, and we wonder if others will offer their prayers for us.
 

But still we must find the strength and time to pray -- for others and for ourselves.  And also to listen to God in our hearts. 

When we pray for others, the God of love takes our offering and blesses our love. The God of love hears our heart and blesses those we love. The God of love lifts the needs from our heart and takes them into the heart of heaven. And we, we stand amazed, at the miracles that unfold.

A Process for Praying for Others

1. Sit quietly and center yourself in the present moment.
2. Slowly say the name of the person you are praying for.
3. As you read imagine the name floating into your heart.
4. Bring your awareness to being in the presence of God.
5. Open your heart and ask God to bless the one who you are praying for and help them in their lives.

6. Thank God for the time you’ve spent together and for listening and answering you in your prayers.

We Are Called to Intercessory Prayer -- Steadfastly Praying for Others

The Bible has many cases of people standing up for others before God.

The most striking example is Abraham. He took the initiative to step forward before God on behalf of his neighbors in Sodom and its area. He cared enough to do it, even though he knew how thoroughly wicked Sodom was, and knew how furious God was about it (which explains why he was so careful in speaking to God about it). Moses also stepped in when God was angry, standing in the gap in the most literal sense : offering his own life for that of his nation. (Thankfully, God didn't take him up on the offer.)

It was part of the role of a prophet not just to speak what God speaks, but to speak with God for the people of Israel. A fine example is the exchange between the prophet Habakkuk and God, where the prophet asks for God to act against injustice, but God replies about a coming doom. Isaiah prayed with King Hezekiah to save the nation from defeat and destruction at the hands of Assyria, and the armies were suddenly turned back (see Isaiah ch. 36-39).

The master builder Nehemiah prayed to God to bring about the rebuilding of Jerusalem and of his people. As they took their concerns to God, the key motivation behind these giants of faith was compassion. They loved the people, the culture, the faith with a love like God's love, and it burned in them so much that they dared to take on God on their behalf. Unlike the gods of the lore of most other lands, this God did not zap them with lightning or turn them into half-beasts. God listened to their cries -- not by ignoring the wrongdoings which got the divine wrath kindled in the first place, but by saving at least some of the people and bringing them back to where they belonged.

The New Testament has its cases of intercessory prayer. Jesus was the prime example of an intercessor. He interceded in prayer for God to bless and protect His followers. At the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Indeed, His whole life, His whole reason for being born, was to be a living intercession, a giving of His life to span the rift caused by our rebellion against God.

Others followed Jesus' example. Stephen's last words were an intercession on behalf of those who were killing him. Paul prayed constantly for the struggling young church, for character, behavior, witness, and wisdom. It is Paul's regular intercession for the church and its people which sets the usual pattern for our own intercessory prayers. And Epaphras was the 'prayer wrestler' for the church in Colossae.

Even at its earliest, the young church was praying for people : for safe travel, praying that people might know Christ through other peoples' witness, praying for healing and health, for rescue, for wisdom, for childbirth, for spiritual growth, for marriages -- asking God to bring benefit or blessing to people other than themselves. The others were not always beloved; they prayed for their political leaders, some of whom were out to kill them. But they knew their God was merciful and was intimately involved with what was going on in the world. And they knew they were called by God to share in that involvement.

Pray for Our Sunday School Teachers -- They are Following in the Footsteps of Jesus!

Pray for our Sunday School teachers.  They are following in the footsteps fo Jesus.  JESUS Was a Teacher, and Jesus Guides Our Teachers!  They are the backbone of any church family!


Jesus Christ Our Lord referred to Himself as "Teacher" and He was given that title by other people more than any other designation. (“Rabbi”)This is no doubt due to the fact that while He was here bodily on earth, Jesus spent more of His time teaching than He did in any other activity.

In fact, His teaching was a CENTRAL part of His ministry! In other words, when Jesus taught He wasn't just biding time. He wasn't just treading water until the time came for Him to go to the cross. No-He was fulfilling one of the main purposes of His life. You see, Jesus didn't just come to DIE FOR us. He also came to TEACH us how to LIVE.

The gospel writers were very clear in stating this. For example, our text from Matthew 7 tells us how Jesus began His earthly ministry in the synagogue when it says, "...the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one Who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."

So teaching the Word is a blessed event, following in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus.You see, since His followers learned Jesus could be trusted as a TEACHER, after the cross and the resurrection they decided to put their trust in Him as their SAVIOR. Jesus' teaching ministry is central to what He came to do. It was central then and it is central now. And that means that when we teach the Bible in Sunday School each week we are following in our Master's footsteps. We are carrying on His teaching ministry for Him in this time,.

Plus, we are obeying Jesus' command! Do you remember the words of His Great Commission to us? In Matthew 28 it records Jesus' own words when He said, "Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit AND TEACHING THEM to obey everything I have commanded you." Then, Jesus went on to say what? "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

And this final phrase should remind us that, when someone accepts the call to teach a Sunday School class Jesus is literally with them-that when a teacher asks Jesus to guide and empower him or her to obey His command and teach His word-He does! And when that happens in essence Jesus CONTINUES to teach, as He indwells that person through His Holy Spirit. He teaches through our teachers! He works to change the world through our Sunday School.

Mustard Seed Faith and Prayer

Jesus taught, "…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20).

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him."

 God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully!

Wesley on Prayer: An Act of Devotion and Love

John Wesley on Prayer


"God's command to "pray without ceasing" is founded on the necessity we have of his grace to preserve the life of God in the soul, which can no more subsist one moment without it, than the body can without air. "

On Pleasing God: "We have no other object than his love, and the desire of pleasing Him."

"All that a Christian does, even in eating and sleeping, is prayer, when it is done in simplicity, according to the order of God, without either adding to or diminishing from it by his own choice."

"In souls filled with love, the desire to please God is a continual prayer. "

"As the furious hate which the devil bears us is termed the roaring of a lion, so our vehement love may be termed crying after God."

"God only requires of his adult children, that their hearts be truly purified, and that they offer him continually the wishes and vows that naturally spring from perfect love. For these desires, being the genuine fruits of love, are the most perfect prayers that can spring from it."

From A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, as believed and taught by the Reverend Mr. John Wesley, from the year 1725, to the year 1777.

E. M. Bounds on the Power of Prayer

The great author and Methodist clergyman E.  M. Bounds wrote wonderfully of the power of prayer.
Edward McKendree Bounds (1835-1913), Methodist minister and devotional writer, born in Shelby County, Missouri. Studied law and was admitted to the bar at twenty-one years. After practicing law for three years, began preaching for the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. At the time of his pastorate at Brunswick, Misouri, war was declared, and he was made a prisonar of war for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the Federal Government. After release he served as chaplain of the Fifth Missouri regiment [for the Confederate Army] until the close of the war, when captured and held as prisoner at Nashville, Tennessee. After the war ended, Bounds served as pastor of churches in Tennessee, Alabama, and St. Louis, Missouri.... Spent the last seventeen years of his life with his family in Washington, Georgia, writing his 'Spiritual Life Books.'"

Here is some of the wisdom that God gave E. M. Bounds that I pass on to you.

"We are constantly on a stretch, if not on a strain, to devise new methods, new plans, new organizations to advance the Church and secure enlargement and efficiency for the gospel. This trend of the day has a tendency to lose sight of the man or sink the man in the plan or organization. God's plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else. Men are God's method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. "There was a man sent from God whose name was John." The dispensation that heralded and prepared the way for Christ was bound up in that man John. "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given."

"The world's salvation comes out of that cradled Son. When Paul appeals to the personal character of the men who rooted the gospel in the world, he solves the mystery of their success. The glory and efficiency of the gospel is staked on the men who proclaim it. When God declares that "the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him," he declares the necessity of men and his dependence on them as a channel through which to exert his power upon the world. This vital, urgent truth is one that this age of machinery is apt to forget. The forgetting of it is as baneful on the work of God as would be the striking of the sun from his sphere. Darkness, confusion, and death would ensue.


"What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use -- men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men -- men of prayer."

These words are just as true today as when the faithful minister first wrote them.  And when he says men, I will add women, for God works through both genders in mighty ways when we surrender to His will and pray from the heart.  The most powerful position is when we are on our knees iu prayer.  Amen. Amen!

Eight Important Things for You to Pray About

8 Things to Pray For , in Jesus' Name!



1. Pray for the harvest. of souls for the Lord!

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." (Matt 9:37-38)

2. Pray for national and local leaders of government.

"I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." (1 Tim 2:1-2)

3. Pray that God will open doors for ministry of the Word.

"Praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word , so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ..." (Col 4:3)

4. Pray for those who have mistreated you, or others you know. Forgive them.

"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Lk 6:28)

"So shall My heavenly Father also do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." (Matt 18:35)

5. Pray against evil and temptation.

"Pray that you may not enter into temptation." (Lk 22:40)

6. Pray that you and loved ones and others may do no evil.

"Now we pray to God that you do no wrong..." (2 Cor 13:7)

7. Pray that your love, and others' love may abound toward all people.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment..." (Phil 1:9)

8. Pray that your adn othrers' whole spirit, mind and body be preserved blameless.


"Now may the God of peace sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thess 5:23)

Praying for Our Missionaries -- Your Prayers Can Help Them!

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; with all praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the Word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds..." Colossians 4:2, 3 (NiV).


Pray for our missionaries in other countries.  Pray for the missionaries of the Presbyterian Church, USA and those of other Christian churches.  What they do is so important.  Pray for the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We cannot take for granted that there are open doors everywhere. Many missionaries work in countries with restricted access or in areas that are resistant to the Gospel, where, even though there are open doors, there are closed hearts.

Pray that God will guide the missionaries as they cross barriers and find hearts ready to receive the Word of God. Pray that God opens doors for ministry, partnership and friendship. Pray that those serving would be guided by the Holy Spirit and be able to recognize opportunities.

Pray for courage to witness

"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should" Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV).

Why do we have to pray for courage for our missionaries? They need courage to:

Minister effectively in other cultures and languages
Defeat the power of the enemy's opposition
Conquer fear of failure and shame.

Pray that the Word God is proclaimed without obstacles

"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you" 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NIV).

In order for the Word of God to flow freely, the obstacles have to be removed. The enemy is trying to hinder the work of God and has to be resisted. In the same way that Aaron and Hur supported the arms of Moses in the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:12) you can support the tired arms of the missionaries with your prayers. We are reminded that our fight is against the spiritual forces of evil that attack in any area. (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Pray for protection

¨... pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith" 2 Thessalonians 3:2 (NIV).

Pray that God will protect them from those who seek to do them harm. Pray that God will change the hearts of those who oppose the Word of God and those who bring it.

Pray that there will be harmony and acceptance among the believers

"Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;" Romans 15:30, 31 (NIV).

Cooperation and support are essential for the progress of the missionary work. Pray that the ministry and the attitude of the missionaries are acceptable and that their colleagues and other believers support them.

THESE PRAYERS ARE IMPORTANT FOR MISSIONARIES OVERSEAS AND FOR OUR CONGREGATIONS HERE, AS WE DO MISSION RIGHT IN OUR  OWN BACKYARDS AND NEIGHBORHOODS.  LOCAL MISSION NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS, TOO>

MARRIAGE IS UNDER ATTACK! PRAY FOR MARRIAGE AND MARRIAGES!

MARRIAGE AND MARRIAGES ARE UNDER ATTACK -- PRAY FOR MARRIAGE!

PRAY FOR YOUR OWN MARRIAGE! (Prov. 31:10-12, Col. 3:16-19)Your marriage is an exclusive life-long relationship with your spouse. God created marriage to be the most satisfying human relationship. God intends for you and your spouse to be of one accord, spiritually, physically and emotionally. Pray for yourspouse. Pray for God to protect your marriage. Pray that God will give you love, patience, kindness, forgiveness and gracefor your spouse. Ask God to give you “eyes to see” life as your spouse sees it.

PRAY FOR THE INSTITUION OF MARRIAGE!  (Gen. 2:24, Heb. 13:4) Pray that marriage between a man and a woman remains strong and protected by law. Pray for those who make laws to value marriage. Ask God to bring a renewal of marriage today. Pray that couples who may be on the verge of divorce will reconsider their decision. Pray for those who are fighting to preserve HOLY Matrimony. Pray that those forces which seek to redefine marriage would be stopped.

PRAY FOR THE MARRIAGES OF CURRENT AND FUTURE CHILDREN AND RELATIVES. (Ex. 15:2, Prov. 19:14) Your children will use the example of your marriage as a basis for their future marriage. Pray that your children and relatives will seek to have Christian marriages and spouses. Pray that God will bring godly spouses into their lives and that they would seek to serve and honor Him with their marriages.

PRAY FOR THE MARRIAGES OF YOUR CHURCH FAMILY!  Pray for the marriages of pastors and faith community leaders and staff. (Ps. 9:10, Heb. 3:1-6) Pray for your pastor’s marriage that it remains strong and committed. Pray that God gives your pastor and his spouse quality time with each other, renewing their commitment to each other. Also pray that God protects the marriages of other community leaders of faith. Ask God to give them favor, blessing and protection.  Pray for the marriages of other leaders within the church and of other couples within the church family.  Pray for the marriages of elders, deacons, trustees and Sunday School teachers.  Pray for the marriages of everyone in the pews on any given Sunday. Pray a hedge of protection for all the marriages in the church.

PRAY THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WILL VALUE MARRIAGE! (Gal. 5:22-25, Ps. 37:28)
Pray that young people today will value marriage. Pray for those currently engaged to stand in purity and that they would receive excellent premarital counseling and training. Pray that they will pursue sexual abstinence prior to marriage. And pray that God will be in the center of their relationships.

PRAY FOR OTHER MARRIAGES IN YOUR COMMUNITY (Jer. 30:17, Josh. 24:15)
Pray for the marriages in your neighborhood and that your neighbors would to turn to God and live more fruitful lives. Pray that your neighbors and fellow citizens will value marriage in your city and state. Pray that God will raise up countless committed citizens to promote and defend marriage all across our nation.

I ASKED GOD

Shared by email with me by a friend -- we are not sure who is the author, but it is powerful!

"I Asked God"

I asked God to take away my habit. God said, "No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up."

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, "No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary."

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, "No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned."

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, "No. I give you blessings; happiness is up to you."

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, "No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me."

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, "No. You must grow on your own! But I will prune you to make you fruitful."

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, "No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things."

I asked God to help me love others, as much as He loves me. God said, "Ahhh, finally you have the idea."

This day is yours; don't throw it away. "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world." May God bless you.

His Faithful Love Enduies Forever!

Enduring love

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 NLT

The unforgettable responsive reading

It was midnight on Thursday, February 8, A.D. 356, and Athanasius, a leader in the early Christian church and passionate defender of the deity of Jesus Christ, was leading a worship service. Suddenly loud shouts and clashing armor could be heard outside the church. Soldiers had come to arrest him.

But Athanasius said, "I didn't think it right, at such a time, to leave my people," so he continued the service. He asked a deacon to read Psalm 136 and then requested the congregation to respond with the refrain, "His faithful love endures forever," which they did twenty-six times over the din of the soldiers outside.

Just as the final verse was completed, the soldiers rushed into the church, brandishing their swords and spears and crowding forward up the nave toward Anthanasius. The people yelled for Athanasius to run, but he refused to go until he had given a benediction. Then some of his assistants gathered tightly around him, and, as he recounts it, "I passed through the crowd of people unseen and escaped, giving thanks to God that I had not betrayed my people, but had seen to their safety before I thought of my own."

Athanasius was portraying to his people God's love, which endures forever. He was willing to lay down his life for his flock—just as Jesus had laid down his life for his flock a few centuries earlier.

Since God's "faithful love endures forever," why is there ever any need to worry?

adapted from The One Year® Book of Psalms with devotionals by William J. Petersen and Randy Petersen (Tyndale) entry for November 8

Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart!

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Acknowledge God in all you do and He will guide you in all things.  Acknowledge God in all you do and He will guide you  in all things.


Prov 3:5 (KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Prov 3:6 (KJV) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.


Prov 3:5 (MSG) Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Prov 3:6 (MSG) Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.

Throughout Proverbs one sees the reward of trusting in (lit. "clinging to," with the idea of setting one's hope and confidence upon) the Lord as opposed to the futility of resting in one's own wisdom and seeking one's own way. God designed His creation to have a dependency upon Him. Even the ordinary decisions of a day need the counsel of God, who instructs His creation to consult Him about even the most minute details, whether in the spiritual or secular realm. God promises to communicate in return. The Fall itself was precipitated when man sought to live independently of God, and this human independence
continues at the heart of sinful rebellion today. 

Self-sufficiency and self-dependence have been the ruin of mankind ever since the fall of Adam. The grand sin of the human race is their continual endeavor to live independently of God, i. e., to ignore God in the things they do. Entire trust in God is the only logical position for Christians to take.

God has all knowledge and all power, and foresees and prepares against all the troubles that come upon man. For anyone to rely on his own understanding is foolish indeed. It is also folly to alternate between trust in self and trust in God. If we are faithful to read God's Word, study it, meditate on it, and obey it, God will guide us when we have decisions to make.

The Holy Spirit teaches us (John 14:26; 16:13-14) and directs us when we pray and seek the Lord's will. The Holy Spirit uses truth, not ignorance; so the more facts we have, the better. We should use our common sense but not lean on it (Prov. 3:5-6), for we walk by faith and not by sight (2Co5:7). If we sincerely move in the wrong direction, the Lord will show us (Acts 16:6-10; Phil. 3:15), so we need not fear. It i good for believers to read the Word and pray together as theyseek the mind of the Lord.

Empower Your Prayers With Hymns Like "CHRIST AROSE!"

Up from the Grave He Arose!


God released Jesus from the horrors of death and raised him back to life again, for death could not keep him in its grip. Acts 2:24 NLT

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior! Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus my Savior! He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!
Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior! Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o're His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign, He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Christ Arose Robert Lowry (1826-1899)

It's hard to match this hymn for sheer drama. The first stanza begins dismally, then strikes a note of hope, and then the chorus explodes with joy. The music itself comes rising up from the depths and celebrates on high.

Robert Lowry wrote both the words and music to this hymn in 1874. At the time, he was professor of literature at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania and pastor of a nearby church. He had written other hymn tunes and texts as he practiced his passion for poetry and song. "Sometimes the music comes and the words follow," he explained once. "I watch my moods, and when anything strikes me, whether words or music, no matter where I am, at home, on the street, I jot it down. My brain is sort of a spinning machine, for there is music running through it all the time."

What a great way to pray -- sing a great hymn and let it empower your prayers!

Saying the Jesus Prayer and Other Sentence Prayers

Prayer is not Optional!  It is Required for the Christian. We need our longer times of prayer, but sentence prayers have an important place in our prayer lives.

Recenlty, at a workshop, we were told about the power of simple sentence prayrs.  There is a classical form of prayer called the Jesus Prayer that dates back to at least the sixth century, A.D. It is "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

The actual words of our short prayers can vary. We might say the classic version of the Jesus Prayer, or we might say, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." We may say, "Lord Jesus, have mercy." Or, we might say a Psalm verse, or a Bible quote, or some other prayer.

Monks of old said, "Lord, make haste to help me. Lord, make speed to save me," all day long.  I often say "God help me!" or "Lord, help me!"  Or "Jesus, Praise You and Thank You!" as sentence prayers.

The history of the Jesus Prayer goes back, as far as we know, to the early sixth century, with Diadochos, who taught that repetition of the prayer leads to inner stillness. Even earlier John Cassian recommended this type of prayer. In the fourth century Egypt, in Nitria, short "arrow" prayers (aimed at a target quickly) were practiced.

Abba Macarius of Egypt said there is no need to waste time with words. It is enough to hold out your hands and say, "Lord, according to your desire and your wisdom, have mercy." If pressed in the struggle, say, "Lord, save me!" or say, "Lord." He knows what is best for us, and will have mercy upon us.

An Adventure in Prayer: A Challenge to Pray Faithfully

Presbyterian theologian Ben Johnson invited us to experiment with prayer in his grat little book, "An Adventure in Prayer." Johnson claimed that in 30 days "you will become aware of God at a depth you've never known before." He relates how the experiment changed him - from dull living to a transformed person with new insight and feeling. He began by praying according to a pattern outlined by Dr. Robin Wainwright, professor of evangelism at Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. This pattern praying for a few minutes morning and night in a quiet place. He didn't repeat a specific prayer, line for line, but used a prayer pattern - steps around which to weave his own thoughts and feelings as an offering to God.

Johnson discussed the benefits he gradually perceived from as he stayed faithful to this pattern of prayer. His attitude about life improved and he found himself expectant and observantly looking for God's work in his life. His awareness of God's presence increased, both during prayer time and in daily life. Johnson found that he listened compassionately to others and "strange providences of God began occurring in which [God] made me aware of persons he sent my way, persons for whom he wanted me to pray and to share a word of hope ..and there were those 'sychronistic events' usually labeled as 'coincidence,'.. but are seen as answers to prayer by the eyes of faith."

Ben Johnson goes on to discuss "the God whom we meet" - the God whom he encountered face to face during his prayer experiment. This God is a God who IS, who comes to us, who peruses us, loves us unconditionally, who wills and accomplishes his purposes for the world. Johnson announces that the longer he continued his prayer experiment, the stronger his desire to share the blessings of prayer and of knowing God with others. "The God whom you meet will so fill your life with meaning and joy, you will feel compelled to share with others what you know of His love."

Johnson challenges us to take some moments each morning and evening for prayer. Don't treat it as "just another thing you need to add to your busy life." Think of it as time set aside for meeting your beloved and basking in His presence. It is an act of joyful worship, not of duty or obligation. Here is a brief synopsis of the pattern.

Each Morning (for at least 15 minutes)

Be Still  Breathe deeply and sit quietly. Calm your mind. Read a Bible verse and run it through your mind a few times. Concentrate on God's presence with you.

Adoration Praise God for who he is, the qualities that make him God.

Thanksgiving Express gratitude for how God has been at work in your days, for the things that he has blessed you with, both great and small.

Dedication Review the vows you have made to God in the past and rededicate your self to his service. Dedicate your day to him.

Guidance "Envision your day before God" and ask for his wisdom in dealing with the challenges that lie ahead.

Intercession Mention people around you for which you are concerned. Bring the needs of others before God.

Petition What do you deeply desire? What burdens your heart? Speak to God about it.

Act of Trust Release your worries over things you have limited control and trust God to deal with it. Let go and let God.

Listen
Wait in silence before God. Listen for his small quiet voice inside of you. Let your soul savor the peace.

Throughout the day, carry a verse or short passage from the Bible with you to reflect upon.

Every Evening (at least 5 minutes)

Be Still Breathe deeply and sit quietly. Calm your mind. Concentrate on God's presence with you.

Review the Day Where has God been active in your day? Thank God and petition God about the things of your day.

Confession Where do you feel you have failed to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor and yourself? Did you notice sin in your life that needs to be admitted before God?

Commitment Release all your concerns before God and listen to his words of grace and mercy to you. Recommit yourself to following more closely to his footsteps in front of you.

31 Days and Ways to Pray for the Children and Youth

Let us pray for our children and youth will develop strong Christian morals and the fruits of the Spirit had prompted her to develop a unique prayer list, that included reminders to pray for her children's salvation and growth in grace, as well as other concerns (such as that they would "be leaders, not followers").

Here is a simple practice that has revolutionized the way we can pray for my children. Each day of the month, in addition to my prayers for their safety and for the concerns of that day, I also pray for a specific character trait, virtue, or fruit of the Spirit to be planted and nurtured in our children, through parents and church adults efforts, through the influence of others, and throug hthe children;s own actions and decisions. At the end of each month, we begin praying through the list again, combining traits when the month is shorter than thirty-one days.

Following is the list I have developed, complete with brief suggestions for prayer from Scripture. Feel free to duplicate it--or improve upon it--to help you pray specifically and purposefully for your children to experience and evidence:  Read the Scriptures and let them fuel your prayers.

1st Salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10).

2nd Growth in grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'" (2 Peter 3:18).

3rd Love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22).

4th Honesty and integrity " May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21).

5th Self-control " Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" (1 Thessalonians 5:6)

6th A love for God's Word " May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10).
7th Justice " God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).

8th Mercy " May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36).

9th Respect (for self, others, authority) " Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a).

10th Strong, Biblical self-esteem " Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10).

11th Faithfulness "' Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Proverbs 3:3).

12th Courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deuteronomy 31:6).

13th Purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10).

14th Kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

15th Generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

16th Peace, peaceability "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19).

17th Joy " May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

18th Perseverance " Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1).

19th Humility " God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2).

20th Compassion " Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12).

21st Responsibility " Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5).

22nd Contentment " Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13).

23rd Faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).

24th A servant heart " God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7).

25th Hope " May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

26th The willingness and ability to work hard " Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23).

27th A passion for God " Lord, please instill in my children a soul that "followeth hard after thee," a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8).

28th Self-discipline " Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3).

29th Prayerfulness " Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18).

30th Gratitude " Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20).

31st A heart for missions " Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).

An additional benefit to my prayer program; as you pray for the children each night, the Lord will bring mind the subject you prayed for that morning, and you would repeat your request in the children's hearing. Before long, they began to echo your praying, and pour out their own hearts in prayer for the very virtues and qualities you desired to see in them. By God's grace it will influence how we all live!

Praise Honors God! Praise is the Voice of Faith!

Praise - Honors God!  Praise - Undergirds faith!
Praise - Brings deliverance!  Praise - Is the voice of faith!
Praise - Is the language of heaven!   Praise - Sets the stage for God to move!
Praise - Releases the angels to minister!  Praise - Fuels joy, which is your strength!
Praise - Knocks down walls of resistance!  Praise - Stills the enemy and the avenger!
Praise - Dispels darkness and depression!  Praise - Must precede, not follow blessings!
Praise - Gives God the legal right to help you!  Praise - Brings the presence of God onto the scene!
Praise - Is a sure sign of acceptance of the Word of God!
Praise - Is the highway that faith moves its blessings down!Praise - Is calling those things that be not as though they were!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, In everything give thanks; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thess 5:16-18 NKJV

In the above verse, take note that it says "in" everything give thanks - it did not say "for" everything give thanks. In the midst of the trial, in the midst of the attack, when you feel as if the enemy is in your face with all of hell itself, right there, at that moment do not give in to the pressure of the devil, instead turn the tables on him and put the pressure back on the devil where it belongs and lift your hands to the Lord and begin to just love on God and praise and worship Him. (It'll just give the devil fits!)

Praying For Others is a Great and Good Thing

Praying for Others is Something We are Called Upon to Do!

In John 16:6-24, Christ prays for his disciples—that God would protect them from the evil one as they went out into the world to spread the Word— and for those who would hear their message and come to believe that God had sent his son to save the world. Christ prayed for others and so should we.

We are commanded to pray for others:

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" —Matthew 5:43-45a.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should" —Colossians 4:2-4.

"I urge, then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. … I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing" —1 Timothy 2:1-4, 8.

We are also given examples of praying for others by the Apostle Paul::

"Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends his greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured" —Colossians 4:12.

"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe" —Ephesians 1:16-19a.

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through out all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" —Ephesians 3:14-21

Let Us All Pray for the People of Haiti

WE PRAY FOR HAITI

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the eyes of the world turn to Haiti, let us join our hearts in prayer:
God of compassion
Please watch over the people of Haiti,
And weave out of these terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been affected by tragedy
With a sense of your present love,
And hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
May they find you and be comforted;
Guide us as a church
To find ways of providing assistance
that heals wounds and provides hope
Help us to remember that when one of your children suffer
We all suffer

Through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives
and rules this world with you. Amen.

(Adapted from Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church, USA)

More Declaring Prayers

Declaring prayer is taking the spiritual truths of God's Word and prayerfully declaring them into your life.  It is taking spiritual reality and bringing it into this plane with a declaration prayer.  Some call these declaring prayers "faith confessions" or "Godlly or Biblical affirmations."  Whatever you call them. these are power tools for the Christian, scripture quoted as affirmations that when you speak out loud in Jesus' name, you command your body, your finances and even the demons to do what God's Word in the Bible says.

Let the truth of the Word sink deep into your heart, which changes YOU at the deepest level and gives you peace and faith to overcome! As God's ambassador, declare His truth (from His Word) into this world!

These true statements of God's power are based on actual Scripture promises, and because of that we know we are doing God's will when we claim these as reality in our lives. In this way these things are manifested into our world by God's power, which is in His Word, and the Holy Spirit watches over and backs up the Word of God.

Here are some declaring prayers.  Look up the Scripture and meditate upon it as you pray.  End each prayer with "IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!"

Thank You God for your Love! Your word says that you love me so much that You gave Your only Son for me. Therefore, I declare that I believe in Jesus, therefore I will not perish. I have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Thank You Father that Your Word states that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Therefore, I declare I can do all things through the Anointed One and His Anointing which strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)

Thank You God that I am yours through Jesus Christ, therefore, I declare that the Lord delivers me out of all my afflictions. (Psalm 34:19)

Thank You God that I am a child of the Living God and an inheritor of Abraham's promise through Jesus Christ, therefore I declare that I am blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out. (Deut. 28:6)

Thank You God that Jesus bore my sins in His Body on the tree; therefore I am dead to sin and alive unto God and I declare that by His stripes I am healed and made whole (I Peter 2:24; Rom. 6:11; 2 Cor. 5:21)

Thank You Father that Jesus bore my sicknesses and carried my pain. Therefore I give no place to sickness or pain. I declare that God sent His Word and healed me. (Psalm 103:20)

Thank You Father that You have given me abundant life. I declare that I receive that life through Your Word and it flows to every organ of my body bringing healing and health. (John 10:10, John 6:63)

Thank You God that by Jesus stripes I am healed and I declare that the life of I Peter 2:24 is a reality in my flesh, restoring every cell of my body.

Thank you Lord for your provision, and I declare that my God supplies all my needs according to His riches in Glory. (Phil. 4:19)

Pray for the Children

Every child that is born is a miracle. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3). This does not, however, mean that our children are free from sin and immune to Satan. Remember that while God has a perfect plan for our children’s lives, Satan has a plan for them too. Satan’s plan is to destroy them.

In order to stop Satan and deter his plan, we must pray for our children, teach them about God and ensure that they ask Jesus Christ into their hearts. This is the only way to save them in this life and eternally. Never underestimate what your belief in Jesus and the power of prayer can do in your children’s lives. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you ." (John 15:7).

The Bible also tells us “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). Remember that Jesus gave us authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). This means that through the prayers we say on our, or other’s, children’s behalf, we can save them from the enemy. As a praying parent, grandparent, guardian or Christian, we can make a huge difference in how a child’s life will turn out.

Prayer is an opportunity to talk freely to God. It is your opportunity to tell him all of your fears, concerns and worries that you have for your children. Pray for your children’s present and their future’s. Pray for their protection and their health. Pray that they will become Godly people and continue to grow in His Word. Pray that God helps you to teach your children through the mistakes of your past, and your families, so that your children may not repeat them. Pray you will be surrounded by Godly people, or that you will find the right school for them, or that they will have a strong sense of self. Every single detail of your child’s life is important to God. Nothing is too small or too big for God – he wants to hear it all. God is your Father, your best friend and your confidant. He wants you to come to Him, believe in Him and trust in Him.

Pray for your children (or grandchildren or neices or nephews or church school kids you know) each and every day. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in the specific things your children may need that you may not know. Then allow peace to move into your mind and soul. God’s Word tells us “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22). God is telling us that he wants us to lean on him. He wants us to be able to feel relief and a sense of freedom from our worries knowing that we have turned them over to Him. His Word tells us to cast “all your care upon Him” (1 Peter 5:7).

Watch and wait for answered prayer. Remember that God works in many different ways. A prayer may be answered immediately, or take a great deal of time. Some prayers may not be answered for reasons that we cannot understand. But, we must always recognize and trust that God does what is best for us.

We must also remember that our own lives, and the paths we choose to take, will affect our children. “The righteous man or woman walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him". (Proverbs 20:7).

Praying for God's Favor: May His Favor Surround You!

Favor with God is important to the success of God's people in the Bible. Remember the story of Joseph in Genesis forty, and the favor God showed him, and Mary, the mother of Jesus in Luke one and two, who was "highlyfavored."  Remember the favor bestowed upon two children:

And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favor both with the LORD, and also with men. (1 Samuel 2:26)

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52)

The psalmist said that the favor of God was the difference between life and death. "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. LORD, by thy favor thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled." (Psalm 30:5-7) I

In other psalms we find that the favor of God is the same as his mercy and, importantly, God's salvation of man. "I entreated thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word." (Psalm 119:58) "Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation." (Psalm 106:4) So it is important, even vital, that we find the favor of God.

One of the things Solomon emphasized in his treatise on growing up that makes up much of the book of Proverbs is finding wisdom. Chapter 8 is all about wisdom, and concludes with the relationship to finding wisdom and finding God's favor. "For whoso findeth me [wisdom] findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD." (Proverbs 8:35-36)

Further, Solomon says we find God's grace by following his mercy and truth. "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man." (Proverbs 3:3-4)

Here we see that God can give us favor with others.  When we concentrate on pleasing God, HE will give us favor with others when we need it most. We can even ASK God to give us favor with others. When we do that, we're not being selfish or prideful, but scriptural. Nehemiah was a devoted servant of the Lord. He was called by God to rebuild the city walls of Jerusalem during the reign of King Artaxerxes. As cupbearer to the king, he asked the Lord to give him favor with the ruler so that he could complete his God-given assignment. "Give Your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." (Nehemiah 1:11)

Here, we learn an important Bible principle--that God will grant us favor with others when it will help us carry out His will and plan. We can also pray for favor when we take a stand for the Lord. In the first chapter of the Book of Daniel, the young prophet "resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine," and he needed the cooperation of the chief official in order to carry out his commitment. Daniel 1:9 says, "Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel." When receiving favor will glorify God, we shouldn't hesitate to pray for it.

The Bible teaches us that we can pray for God's favor, which can be a powerful weapon against the enemy's attacks. Psalm 89:17 NLT says, "Our power is based on Your favor." And Psalm 5:12 says, "Surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield." We are God's children; His chosen; His elect. And He is committed to protecting and providing for His own. When we concentrate on pleasing God, we can depend on Him to change people's hearts for our benefit. Proverbs 16:7 says, "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him."

If God is willing and able to change the hearts of our enemies, surely we can expect Him to give us favor in the sight of our teachers, employers, neighbors and others we come in contact with. But we mustn't assume that this favor is automatic. Often, we will have to ask God for it, expecting Him to act on our behalf. If a relative or friend or parishioner needs help in situations, I have asked the Lord to give them favor, and He has always been faithful. I have also asked God to grant my family favor in the sight of our bosses and coworkers. And I have seen my family acquire jobs, often with salaries well above what we expected. When you pray for favor, people will bless you, and they won't even know why. But don't just take my word for it. Begin today to pray for favor, and discover for yourself that "the Lord bestows favor and honor" upon His people! (Psalm 84:11)

Please pray for favor for me as I do the work God has called on me to do in the churches and the greater church, and at the university, and in all the things God is leading me to do.  I will be praying God's favor will rest upon you also.  Praise the Lord!

Prayer: Lord, help me to always concentrate on pleasing You, and teach me how to pray for favor for myself and my friends and loved ones to have favor with others, especially when we need it most. Reveal to me how praying for favor can open doors that appear to be closed. Thank You that blessing me with favor will bring You glory! IN JESUS NAME AMEN.

Testify to the Lord's Goodness! Praise the Lord with Public Witness!

Part of our prayer life comes in praising God for Who He Is and What He Has Done.  One way is by giving testimony to His mighty deeds.  Public witness is an important part of the Christian's life.  The remarkable Psalm 9 shows us an example of that.  This is a Psalm written by David and set to music as praise and thanksgiving for God's justice and judgments upon David's enemies. In verse 1 of Psalm 9, David said, "I will show forth all Thy marvelous works." The 'show forth' means to declare, to tell of, to speak of, and that's what David is doing in this Psalm, declaring what God has done for him to his people, the nation of Israel.

David privately praised The Lord for what He had done, and David also publicly declared what The Lord had done. Verse 14 of Psalm 9 says: 'That I may show forth all Thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion'. That's a reference to the city gates of Jerusalem, the most public area of the city, the place where everyone came in and went out. David wanted the words of this Psalm to be sang in the temple and taken to the streets, so all would hear how great God is.

As Christians, we are to 'show forth', to declare what God has done for us. Verse 11 of Psalm 9 tells us that we are to sing praises to the Lord.....declare among the people His doings.

Psalm 40 verse 5 tells us 'Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered'. The Lord's wonderful works and good thoughts towards us are more than we can even number!

We are to speak of this, to declare this, to others.  Privately thanking and praising The Lord is very wonderful and must be done as a part of your prayer life.  But public witness must also be done.  Praise the Lord!

What Does the Lord Require of You? Read Micah 6:8!

One of the keys to a strong prayer life is obeying God.  Showing God respect in obedience is a door to the supernatural.

Sometimes you may wonder if obeying God is worth it. Reemember that God is just and does bless those who obey him. If you don't reap the benefits of obedience in this life, you will in the next.

The Pharisees in Jesus' day obeyed the law, but for all the wrong reasons. Jesus warned in Matthew 5:20 that God looks at people's hearts. He wants obedience that flows out of love for him.

Jesus said: "But I warn you—unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can't enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all!"

When the religious leaders commanded Peter and the apostles to stop preaching the gospel, their priorities were put to the test. Their answer, recorded in Acts 5:29, teaches us that obedience to God must come first, even if it requires personal sacrifice.

But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than human authority."

God has not hidden the secret of obedience—he has made his expectations clear. Micah 6:8 summarized the way people can please God.

"No, O people, the Lord has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. "

May we do just that in our lives -- To do justice (what is right), to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.

God Will Rescue Us -- In the Here and Now and in the Great Day to Come!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

God has a plan for us, a plan for this church, a plan for you, a plan for your family, and for their lives. His plan brings hope, a reason for our lives in the here and now, and a plan for our salvation as well. He has that same plan of salvation for us. Jesus has already died for our sins, and been raised to new and eternal life, so we can see the outlines of this plan with greater detail than some who went before us, but it is the same plan. His plan is to bring all that believe to eternal life and glory.

He also has a plan for your life here and now. I cannot preach about it in any detail because each of us may have entirely different plans, as far as this world is concerned. But the plan is for us to live our lives as His believing children. We are showing the world what true faith is, and who God is, and what He has done for us and what it means to us and to life in this world.

When people see the reflection of God in us and in our lives, they will come seeking the difference, and then we can also share with them the meaning of Christ for their lives in eternity. But they need to see and hear Christ in your life in the here and now. The here and now is so important and impressive to us who know about the gift of eternal life.

Imagine how central here and now is for those who do not know and cannot believe in the hereafter God has revealed. They need to see Christ in you. They need to see the faith, the hope, the confidence in God for this life and for everlasting life. Sometimes we show that by how we set our priorities. Sometimes it can be seen in how we face adversities.

Occasionally, people see our Lord reflected in how we handle the good times of life, too. It shows in humility and good cheer borne of the forgiveness of sins and the knowledge of the love of God. The words we use and the way we judge or do not judge others tells a lot about our faith and hope - or the lack of it.

A big part of the plans of God include your prayers. "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you." His plans include you talking to Him, seeking Him in times of trouble and need, pouring out your heart to Him, and finding that He is there, listening, answering. The best part of His plan is that you find Him, you know Him, and you talk with Him.

Of course, that searching with all your heart can only be done by believers, so your faith and salvation are central to His good plans for you. God promises us that we will call and He will listen.  Of course, in the Old Testament prayer was attached to sacrifices and priests in the temple.  But today, praise God, we don't have to go to the temple because we are the temple.

The Holy Ghost dwells in us. Our prayers aren't connected to physical sacrifices because the Pascal Lamb has been sacrificed - Jesus. So when we pray, our prayers are connected to Jesus, because we know that God loves us and will answer our prayers because of what Jesus did - and because of what Jesus said, in our Gospel today. We have those promises. What we don't have is someone telling us what the answer is. God want us to take that for granted: "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you."

Just as God rescued the Hebrew people from Babylon and returned them to Jerusalem -- and helped them in their lives, He helps us in our lives and He is planning that great rescue to come, that final day when God comes and takes us all home to the place from which were sent into exile. That place is His glory. We were exiled in sin, and the world corrupted for our sakes all around us. The good plans of God are to end that exile and end the influence of sin, and bring us home to perfection and glory.

It won't seem like a return for us, because we have never personally known the perfection of sinlessness. But it will be a return to what God originally intended, and to a life of full communion with Him. It will be glorious. 'I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope'. And on that day, we will all recognize that the full plans of God for us are - on that day we will be more inclined to say 'were' - marvelously good plans!  Heaven awaits us, and we will see Him in all of His glory and we will surely REJOICE!

Do Not Worry -- Be Happy and Pray! Take It to the Lord in Prayer!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus -- take it to the Lord in Prayer!  When you have a problem, don't gripe or complain -- instead, pray!  If a person is doing something that seems wrong, don't gossip about them, pray for them!  Pray -- and let the God of All Power be involved in your life.  He is a gentleman and He wants your permission to help you -- and He wants your obedience in serving Him!  He desires your praises and your worship!  So take the holy hint and DO IT!

God's help through the power of prayer is available for all kinds of requests and issues. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

If you need an example of a prayer, read Matthew 6:9-13. These verses are known as the Lord's prayer. The Lord's prayer is not a prayer we are only supposed to memorize and recite to God. It is also an example of how to pray and the things that should go into a prayer - worship, trust in God, requests, confession, protection, etc. While it is always good to pray the Lord's Prayer from your heart to the Lord, another good way to pray is to pray for these kinds of things, but speak to God using your own words.

The Word of God is full of accounts describing the power of prayer in various situations. The power of prayer has overcome enemies (Psalm 6:9-10), conquered death (2 Kings 4:3-36), brought healing (James 5:14-15), and defeated demons (Mark 9:29). God, through prayer, opens eyes, changes hearts, heals wounds, and grants wisdom (James 1:5). The power of prayer should never be underestimated because it draws on the glory and might of the infinitely powerful God of the universe! 

As Jeremiah 32:17 proclaims: "'Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You!"

Prayer Power -- the Power is God's When You Let Him Use You in Prayer!

As we go into the new year, God is calling upon us to press in deeper to Him in prayer.  We are to be prayer warriors for Him, fighting evil and brokeness with prayer, not bullets or knives.

Power Of Prayer - How do I tap into it?


The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." No matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer - God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully!

The power of prayer should not be underestimated. James 5:16-18 declares, "…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers.

Jesus taught, "…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The Bible urges us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

Reading the Bible builds up faith.  Hearing Bible-based sermons builds up faith.  Hearing Bible-based songs builds up faith.  Praying itself builds up faith.  Grow strong in the Lord.  Let the Spirit build up your faith. Let new wave of Prayer Power begin  in 2010!