Will We Still Pray?

It's over!  The elections, I mean.  For some there's a sigh of relief.  Some are jubilant, while others are despondent.  That happens after every election.  But there's something different about this particular election.  Now so much because of the candidates or even the results.  It's different because God has been doing something behind the scenes.

God has been energizing and mobilizing a movement of prayer in the Church in the United States.  After crisscrossing the nation multiple times during the past few months, I would say that we have seen the greatest number of Christians praying... perhaps more than ever in America's history.  Oh, we've still got a long way to go toward becoming a praying Church, but we have taken a significant step.

Across the nation I heard Christians praying for God to step into this situation.  The Body of Christ came together across denominational lines to humble itself before the Lord and repent.  A cry for revival within the Church arose across the land.  We began to recognize that the problem isn't the White House, but our house.

It's over... or is it?  Not the elections, but the re-energized movement of prayer.  (The days following Election Day might well be more crucial than Election Day itself.)  Now we must decide whether or not we will continue to seek God's face on behalf of our nation.  It is now, after the heat of the political process has died down, that we see if the Church will allow the fire of the Spirit of God to still empower our prayers.

The Lord made it very clear to me last summer that this call to prayer for the elections was, in fact, not about the elections.  Our national elections were simply the occasion that the Lord used to stir us to prayer.  Now come the test of our hearts.  Will we still passionately seek the Lord in prayer?  Will churches still come together to pray?  Will we slip back into a "we can do it" mentality, or have we learned to depend upon God in every way through prayer?

I encourage every believer to keep praying.  I encourage every pastor to rally your church toward deeper levels of prayer... for revival and for our nation.  Don't sit back now!  ...  May God bless our churches and nation in the midst of this prayer movement He has raised up!

How to Pray for the Persecuted Church - Day 5

That they will rejoice in sharing the sufferings of Jesus so that they will rejoice even more when Christ is revealed

Hebrews 10:34 “…accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.”

Matthew 5:12 “Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

I Peter 4:13 “but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.”

How to Pray for the Persecuted Church - Day 4

That they would love Christ's appearing all the more

2 Timothy 4:5-8 “I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Hebrews 11:35 “…others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection”.

How to Pray for the Persecuted Church - Day 2

That God would give them the right words and that they would fearlessly make Christ known

Here Paul tells how to pray for him when he was suffering for Christ in jail—notice his prayer was not for release.

Ephesians 6:19-20 “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.”

Colossians 4:2-4 “Devote yourselves to prayer… 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, for which I have also been imprisoned; in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.”

[See Open Door's Effective Evangelism section]

How to Pray for the Persecuted Church - Day 1

For their physical protection and deliverance.

Matthew 26:39 “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”

Acts 12:5 “So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.”

Philippians 1:19 “For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance (from jail) through your prayers.”

Philemon 22 “I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you (from jail)”

Romans 15:30-31 “Now I urge you, brethren… to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea”.

God predicted persecution:

Acts 20:23-24 “the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course”

And the suffering came:

Acts 21:30-31 “And all the city was aroused, and the people rushed together; and taking hold of Paul, they dragged him out of the temple; and… were seeking to kill him.”

One of Seven Ways to Pray for America

1.  Pray for the Church

In John 17:20, Jesus prayed for all believers, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.” Our Lord longs for His people to come together under His Lordship in spiritual unity.

What more does God need to do for the Church to come alive in Christ and fulfill its purpose for being here? God has defeated the devil, sent Christ to die for our sins, given us eternal life, equipped us with the Holy Spirit and provided the Manufacturers Operating Manual which explains all the hows and whys. The missing ingredient is our response in repentance and faith. So what are we waiting for? Ephesians1:18,19 and 6:10–12

The Church is often relegated to the sidelines, considered irrelevant and out of touch. Though we sometimes deserve that critique, God has a completely different perspective on what His people are to be and how we are to function. In Ephesians 3:10, the Apostle Paul writes, “His (God’s) intent was that now, through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known….”; the Church to the degree it is spiritually united, portrays the wisdom of God. Though seemingly powerless in the eyes of the world, the Church – through righteousness, prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit – releases the wisdom of God into any and every culture!

Pray today for the Church in America, that:

• our eyes will be opened to see the hope to which we are called (Ephesians1:18).

• we will experience in a fresh, new way the Presence of Christ in revival.

• believers will be given the faith to believe that their votes will make a difference.

• a spirit of repentance and humility will be poured out upon the people of God.

(from Rivers of Revival, Anderson and Towns; 2012 Prayer Guide, David Butts, Harvest Prayer Ministries.)

A Prayer for VISION

When I need a clearer vision of what God want me to be.

DEAR GOD,
     I want to have purpose.  I want to see my way clearly in life; I want to be motivated to do something that counts.  O Lord, I need vision - a picture of where you want me to be at some point in the future.  How do I more clearly see what you created me to accomplish?  It's only when I empty myself of my own dreams that you can fill me with your vision of my future.  Please help me.  May I empty myself by keeping your Word before me each day, by having a clear conscience so I can more clearly hear the prompting of your Spirit, by listening to the godly wisdom of other believers, and by praying - communing directly with you.  Oh, grant me the ability to believe that you have a purpose for me to achieve and a definite place where you want my life to go.  Is there any vision more meaningful that that?

"Open my eyes to see."

Psalm 119:18

A Prayer about MEDITATION

When I want to remain focused in my spiritual walk.

LORD,
     Teach me the discipline of meditating on you and on your Word.  How can I be spiritually focused if I can't control my thoughts?  And how can I ever hope to understand your will for me if I don't listen to what you say?  Help me to push my own thoughts and desires aside and allow your Spirit to speak to me.  Guide my heart and remind me of your presence.  May my thoughts always be fixed on you!

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,

all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"

Isaiah 26:3

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A Prayer about ACCOMPLISHMENTS

When I want to accomplish what will truly last.

DEAR LORD,
Deep within my heart lies a longing for real significance and purpose--a longing you have given me.  But too often I have much lower ambitions.  Why is my first instinct to look out for myself?  Why does that come so easily?  It's more difficult, more costly, but more significant to look out for others.  I know that, but I need help to do it.  Whenever I think about myself first, I waste an opportunity to have eternal impact.  Please grant me the awareness to know if my actions are accomplishing what glorifies myself--and will therefore never last beyond this life--or what glorifies you and will stand for all eternity.  Lord, please give me a heart that seeks your glory.

"[Those who are rich] should be rich in good works and generous to those in need,

always being ready to share with others.  By doing this they will be

storing up their treasure as a good foundation

for the future so that they may experience

true life."

1 Timothy 6:18-19

A Prayer about TITHING

When I set aside my gifts for God.

DEAR GOD,
Each year as I determine how I can give to your financially, I consider what I receive from giving.  I know that supporting the church and the work of godly people around the world can provide great joy.  Also, I want to give to you because you truly are my number one priority, and I am so grateful for the blessings you have given me.  I know that maintaining a habit of regular tithing will help remind me that you are the source of all my blessings.  God, as I commit my tithes to you, I ask that you use my gifts to support your work in my community and around the world to meet the needs of hurting people.  By my gifts, may I show my commitment to you and honor you for your faithful provision in my life.

"Give, and you will receive.

Your gift will return to you in full --

pressed down, shaken together to make room for more,

running over, and poured into your lap.

The amount you give

will determine

the amount

you get

back."

Luke 6:38

The Voice

We flew to Bulgaria without a clear understanding of what was to come.  What we stumbled into has challenged us in our ways of thinking about God and faith.

At first glance, Hari seems unique. In simple obedience to a voice no one else can hear, he boldly shares his faith with everyone he meets.  But Hari is not so different from us. He has made a choice to pursue and trust God completely.  It is a choice each one of us could make. We could each be like Hari: genuine, obedient, bold and faithful.

This is your chance.  The voice is speaking to you as well.  Can you hear it?  Are you listening?
You may never have a vision, but God reaches out to each of us in a way uniquely suited to who we are. What is He saying to you?  What were you created for?

For over two years we prayed that God would bring us a story that showed His hand in someone's life. He brought us this story and we're compelled to share it.

We have no clear distribution plan or strategy for this story, but we believe that God does.  Watch the video, share it with your friends on Facebook, or tweet about it.  Feel free to download it and show it to groups you are a part of, or use it to start discussions.

A Prayer about the CALL OF GOD

When I wonder if God has a calling for me.

Dear God,
Deep down inside, I long to be a part of something bigger than myself.  I sometimes wonder why I was born and what I should be doing with my life.  I believe my search for purpose is actually the result of you calling me to discover the reason you created me.  I often wish, God, that your call would come in the form of an audible voice, miraculous sign or a direct phone conversation.  But that's not usually the way you communicate, and you don't always call people to extraordinary, life-changing adventures.  Your call is often a task right in front of me, something I can do today; it might be working in the nursery at church, caring for an ailing parent, giving kind instruction to a child, making dinner at the Rescue Mission or planting in the Community Garden.  Lord, you have given me special gifts and abilities, and you want me to use them now, not just for or ten years from now.  Help me to answer your call to serve you and other people today so that I might be fully prepared when you call me to something bigger.  Thank you that in everything you call me to do, you will equip me with the desire, vision, support, and resources I need to carry it out.

May the God of peace make you holy in every way,

and may your whole spirit and soul and body

be kept blameless

until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

God will make this happen,

for he who calls you is faithful.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Entering Week 224 & Looking for Summer Worship Intercessors

A Prayer about GOALS

How can goals help me move forward spiritually?

Dear God,
Often I set long-term and short-term goals, but can I also set eternal goals?  Shouldn't I spend more time thinking about my future home with you?  Father, show me how to set goals that will keep me moving forward spiritually!

All athletes are disciplined in their training.

They do it to win a prize that will fade away,

but we do it for an eternal prize.

1 Corinthians 9:25

A Prayer of CONFESSION

When I have a guilty conscience.

Merciful God,
I'm feeling guilty and my conscience is showing me that it's time to confess my wrongdoing.  I know you are prompting me to seek forgiveness.  I'm sorry for the wrong I've done.  I am so grateful that you don't shut me out when I have sinned.  Even  my sin can be an opportunity for you to pursue me and call me back to your righteous path.  Thank you, God, for removing my guilt, restoring my joy, and healing my broken soul.

People who conceal their sins will not prosper,

but if they confess and turn from them,

they will receive mercy.

Proverbs 28:13

A Prayer for HOPE

When I need to fix my eyes on the hope of eternity.

Eternal God and Savior,
For a prisoner on death row, a pardon offers hope of freedom.  I was once a spiritual prisoner facing eternal death because of my sin.  You have given me the ultimate hope of freedom by forgiving my sins so I can one day be with you forever in heaven.  How can I thank you enough?  When my life here and now seems impossible, you give eternal hope.  Without hope, I could not persevere through tough times.  I would give up/  As I walk through this life, may I fix my eyes on eternity.  May I never forget where I am headed, and why there is not better place to be.  For in heaven I will live forever, with no pain or sorrow or suffering.  What joy! Please help me to move straight ahead toward that goal.  As I do, I know I'll gain a better perspective on the struggles and discomforts of this life.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, 

because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

Now we live with great expectation,

and we have a priceless inheritance - 

a priceless inheritance

that is kept in heaven for you,

pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power

until you receive this salvation...

There is a wonderful joy ahead,

even though you have to endure

many trial for a little while.

1 Peter 1:3-6

A Healthy Prayer Life

As an RN I know health is more than the absence of disease.   Seeking a healthy lifestyle requires an intentional daily choice to balance health habits in nutrition, exercise, sleep and attitude.

Seeking a healthy prayer lifestyle is similar to health- choosing intentionally each day to balance a prayer life with a variety of holy habits.

Good nutrition relies on more than one food group.  A health prayer life tastes a variety of prayers.  I used to only repeat prayers my mother taught me and send up millions of requests to God.  The last few years I expanded my prayer experience with centering prayer, journaling, and prayers from the Bible and other Christians.  My favorite Bible prayer is “I do believe, help my unbelief "(Mark 9:24)...

Exercise is vital to good health including prayer life.  I can’t just talk about prayer, I actually spend time talking and listening to God.  The experience of praying, setting regular time aside and creating a space for silence opens up my heart to the Spirit.

The body needs rest and so does the soul.  I have learned that resting with God through silence, solitude, and the regular practice of going on retreat renews my spirit.

Attitude is always important for a healthy prayer life.  It is not me, not about me and nothing I do.  It is all God and only God.  By spending time with Him in prayer I become less me-centered and more God-centered.  I am more aware of what I need to let go and what keeps me from Him.

God gives us the wonderful gift of prayer in order to be closer to Him and to be more like Him.  Hard to refuse that type of gift, isn’t it?

 

A Prayer about CHALLENGES

O Lord,
Thank you for your Word.  How often we see our own struggles through the lives of the people in the Bible.  I'm encouraged by the example of Paul, whose goal to preach the gospel in new places continually brought him fresh challenges.  While difficult, those trials clearly caused greater growth in his relationship with you.  Lord, what do you want me to learn from challenges that come my way?  How might they strengthen my relationship with you?  Please show me how to step out in faith so that I can move closer to you.  May the struggles I faced cause me to follow your leading into uncharted waters, and my I learn to follow you more and more.  Then I will know I will be accomplishing your unique purpose for me.  Thank you for showing me that it is often through challenges that you make your plan clear to me.

Be strong and courageous, and do the work.

Don't be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God...

is with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.

1 Chronicles 28:20

A prayer of ANTICIPATION

When I wonder what great things God has planned for me...

O God,
My life is so noisy -- and sadly, it resounds more often with ringing of phones and droning of lit video screens than with praise and worship for you.  Do I ever pause and wonder what momentous things you might be preparing to do next?  How many moments of awe-inspiring anticipation do I miss by never being still before you?  I need your help to dicipline myself.  Help me to build moments of silent anticipation into each day, making time to pray and open myself up to what you want to do in and through me.  I pray, God, that in these moments, you will reveal enough of your plan to make me ready for your great purposes.  I come before you with reverent awe and anticipation for the glorious future that lies ahead.

You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny.

Psalm 73:24