December 31, 2020 Prayer - Walking Forward into 2021

God of Hope,

Thank you that your steadfast love never ceases and your mercies never come to an end.  Thank you that you are our hope, our portion, and our salvation.  For many of us here on earth this has been quite the year.  Challenging circumstances may have mixed with great spiritual and relational growth.  Many of us are eager to leave the challenges of this year, warily hoping that 2021 will see an improvement in our world.  But help us not leave this year without sorting through the "bag" of 2020 so that we "pack" the correct things for the new year.  Help us to let go of the disappointments and struggles of this year.  Help us to know that our sins and failures of this year are nailed to Jesus's Cross, covered in his Blood, and that we are free to move into the present and the future without the burdens of the past.  Help us to press forward in faith as we follow the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.  Help us be strong in you, our Lord, and in the strength of your might.  Give us weapons of warfare we need - your Armor, but especially your Word. Help us to cling tightly to your promises as we listen to your WORD, not the "word" of the worldly news or gossip.  Keep our minds and spirits totally and completely focused on You so we can stay in the Holy Peace you intended for us.  May we trust you, feed on your faithfulness, lean into and trust your Grace, and know your great Hope.  Cause us to call out for your strengthening - so we may be spiritually tough in this world that wants to beat us down.  Give us great Courage to move forward in faith.  Give us deep conviction that, whatever may come in 2021, it can be well with our souls when we walk with the Holy Spirit and our lives are tightly entwined in the Word, Peace, Hope, Grace, and Courage of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is in his name we pray, Amen. 

"Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you." (Php. 3:12-15 NRSV)

"But this I call to mind,
    and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
    his mercies never come to an end;
 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”
 The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul that seeks him.
 It is good that one should wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord." (Lamentations 3:21-26 NRSV)

"For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." (1 Cor. 3:21-22 ESV)

"Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

"My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!" (Horatio B. Spafford)

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." (Eph. 6:10-20 ESV)

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isa. 26:3)

"Trust in the Lord, and do good;

Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." (Psalm 37:3 NKJV)

"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim. 2:1)

"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. " (2 Tim. 2:3-4)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV)

*hat tip:  Pastor Tim Cross, Living Word Church, Muskegon, MI

December 30, 2020 Prayer - The Power of the Wicked Will Be Broken/Psalm 37

God,

We will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen our circumstances; you have known the distress of this year, and you have not delivered your people into the hand of the enemy.  You have set our feet in a broad place of security in you.  Your Word says that there is a time for every activity under heaven - and 2020 has seen all of them.  Thank you for the ways in which you have provided for us - spiritually, emotionally, physically - this past year.  As we look forward into 2021, it is not without some apprehension about the circumstances of the time and place in which we live.  The pervasiveness of sin, wickedness, corruption, and evil can appear so overwhelming.  But your Word says that you laugh at the wicked, for you know their day is coming.  You are not slow in rescuing your people, but are patient as you wait for all to come to repentance.  So, as we wait for you, remind us that you are a sun and shield who bestows favor and honor.  You do not withhold good things from those that walk with you in righteousness.  We claim the promise that the power of the wicked will be broken this year, in Jesus's name.  We proclaim that you will uphold the righteous, because you cannot fail to keep your promises.  We will not be downcast or disturbed because we put our hope in you, our savior and our God.  We praise you and claim your promises of victory!  In Jesus's name, Amen. 

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
    though you look for them, they will not be found.

11 But the meek will inherit the land
    and enjoy peace and prosperity.
12 The wicked plot against the righteous
    and gnash their teeth at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
    for he knows their day is coming.
14 The wicked draw the sword
    and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
    to slay those whose ways are upright.
15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
    and their bows will be broken.
16 Better the little that the righteous have
    than the wealth of many wicked;
17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
    but the Lord upholds the righteous.  (Psalm 37)

"Better is one day in your courts
    than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
    from those whose walk is blameless." (Psalm 84:10-11)

"There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

     a time to be born and a time to die,

    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

     a time to kill and a time to heal,

    a time to tear down and a time to build,

     a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

     a time to search and a time to give up,

    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

     a time to tear and a time to mend,

    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

     a time to love and a time to hate,

    a time for war and a time for peace." (Eccl. 3:1-8)

"The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." (2 Pet. 3:9 AMP)

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,  for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."  (Psalm 42:5)

December 29, 2020 Prayer - Justice and Righteousness

God of Justice, Truth, and Power,

Thank you that you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, our God of Justice and Righteousness. Thank you that your Love, Grace, and Mercy for this world and her inhabitants include a call to your Holiness.  Thank you that your Holiness and Justice do not change; you are always fighting for Goodness and Truth.  Today we pray that you would be exalted by justice, show yourself holy in righteousness, and expose the unfruitful and evil works of darkness.  We know we do not fight against the flesh and blood of this world, but against the cosmic spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places - and that evil that bleeds into our world.  We pray that those who persist in wickedness and sin in our government, media, arts & entertainment, education systems, business, family, and even Church would be rebuked publicly.  We pray against the spirits of arrogance and pride, evil and perverted speech in all those areas; we pray against those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.  Your Word says everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed, but we pray those wicked deeds would be exposed.  We pray especially that every evil intention and deed done and planned in our election system would be exposed - from an individual person in a local township or county clerk's office, to a statewide elected leader, to a network of nefarious people intending to pervert the accurate counts of the will of the people, even up through the highest reaches of the federal government - may your JUSTICE reign.  We ask you to give righteous settlements in court cases relating to the vote.  We pray that the upcoming election in the Georgia Senate run-off races would be pure and without any corruption or fraud in voting or counting of votes.  Wherever there may be corruption, we pray your Light would expose all these evil deeds with irrefutable evidence that leads to convictions.  We pray for intense discernment, courage, and great protection for all those who are investigating this election.  May they know your will and your strength and be guided by your Spirit.  We pray against any plans for bribes, partiality, lying words, false witnesses, or anyone devising wicked plans.  Thwart the plans of the enemy, God, and bring them into your Light of Truth.  In the strong name of Christ we pray, Amen. 

"As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest also may stand in fear." (1 Tim. 5:20 NRSV)

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Isa. 5:20 ESV)

"The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate." (Prov. 8:13 NRSV)

"For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:12 NRSV)

"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." (Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV)

"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." (Eph. 5:11 NRSV)

"For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed." (John 3:20 ESV)

"Now, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take care what you do, for there is no perversion of justice with the Lord our God, or partiality, or taking of bribes.” (2 Chron. 19:7 NRSV))

"The Lord of hosts is exalted by justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy by righteousness." (Isa. 5:16 NRSV)

"“You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16 ESV)

December 28, 2020 Prayer - Pause/Psalm 37

God ,

As we walk through this week between 2020 and 2021, we thank you for your faithfulness in this year. We thank you that "though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet," and that your mercies are new every morning - and new every year.  We thank you that you invite us to ponder the things you have taught us this year and to move forward in faith, especially where our relationships with you have been strengthened in this year of strife and trial.   Help us not to fret because of the evil and wrongdoers in the world, but to trust in you, our Lord, and to do good.  Remind us that you call us to take delight in you so you will give us the desires of our hearts, to commit our ways to our Lord and trust you.  We thank you for this resting time between Christmas and the New Year and pray you would use it to refresh and renew us further, by your Spirit.   Help us to be still and wait patiently for you.  Even when it seems that evil succeeds in our individual circumstances or our world, you promise that those who do evil will be destroyed and those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.  So, whether we look back to 2020 or forward to 2021, remind us of your faithfulness and mercies.  Remind us that you promise that the meek - those walking in righteousness with God - will inherit the land.  God of Hope, fill us with all joy and peace in our believing so that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can abound in hope for 2021.  In the powerful name of Christ we pray, Amen. 

1 "Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
    like green plants they will soon die away.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
    your vindication like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
    do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
    but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
    though you look for them, they will not be found.

11 But the meek will inherit the land
    and enjoy peace and prosperity." (Psalm 37)

"This is my Father's world:
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!"  - M. D. Babcock

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13)

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  (Lamentations 3:22-23)

December 27, 2020 Prayer - Prevailing God

Omnipotent God,

Thank you for your consistency in who you are and how you move in our world.  Thank you that you are the Lion of Judah, the one whose Voice roars and thunders, and we recognize your Glory and Peace.  Thank you that you are not dead, or asleep; you are not surprised, and you are certainly not unmatched in the war against evil.  You will prevail and we will see your hand in the land of the living.  Help us to stand firm in faith, trusting the roar of your Voice in this era of life. Help us to fix our hearts on your promises, your security, and your faithfulness. You are our salvation, strength and defense.  Be our utmost delight, our leader, our protector, we pray in Jesus's name.  Amen. 

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2 NIV)

I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)

3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
    the God of glory thunders,
    the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic.
7 The voice of the Lord strikes
    with flashes of lightning.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
    the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
11 The Lord gives strength to his people;
    the Lord blesses his people with peace. (from Psalm 29)

"And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor does he sleep 
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men."   (Henry Wordsworth Longfellow)

"This is my Father's world:
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!"  (M.D. Babcock)

December 26, 2020 Prayer - Shepherds

 Shepherding God,

We thank you and praise you for the ways in which you reach out to the marginalized and outcasts in our world.  We are reminded that you announced the birth of the Son to the marginalized shepherds 2000+ years ago and you continue, by your Spirit and by individuals in your Church, to reach out to the hurting, lost, broken, and marginalized of today.  Help us to have spiritual eyes and ears awakened to those you want us to minister to, in Jesus's name.  Thank you for inviting each of us - no matter what our status or sin - to hear your call of love and be your children.  When we consider your beautiful Creation - all you have placed in motion - we are astounded that you could care for us and be mindful of us.  Thank you for guarding us from the thief of our souls who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  Thank you for being our Good Shepherd who has laid down his life for us, whom you love.   In the Good Shepherd's name we pray, Amen. 

"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."  (Ephesians 2:13)

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8)

"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior." (Colossians 1:21)

"Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.  They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:7-11)

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care." (Psalm 95:6-7)

"When I consider your heavens,

    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?" (Psalm 8:3-4)

December 25, 2020 Prayer - Good News of Great Joy

Joyful God,

How your world needs a huge infusion of JOY right now!  The darkness of 2020 has been so severe - so much pain, hurting, chaos, upheaval, and angst.  But you are the same yesterday, today, and forever; you never change and you always call us into your arms of Love so that we can know your Joy.  Thank you for this Christmas and for the good news of great joy that your angelic messengers brought to the shepherds that first Christmas night.  Thank you for the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, who desires that all would come to a knowledge of your Truth and know Jesus as the Christ, the ransom for all people.  Thank you that your timing is perfect.  Just as you brought Jesus the Messiah into the world as an infant 2020+ years ago, your timing is perfect show us your glory and release your joy on this earth today.  May the pruning work of 2020 that you have done in individual believers and your greater Church bear much fruit in the days, weeks, and year ahead.  May the Good News of Great Joy continue to go to every people group in the world so that all can taste and see that the Lord is good and that your mercies endure forever.  And may your JOY be poured out in great measure so that all come to know, believe, and abide in the Love you have for each of us. In Messiah's name we pray, Amen. 

"...God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time." (1 Tim. 2:3-6)

"I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34:8)

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 136:1 KJV)

"Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Heb. 11:8 CEV)

"So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." (1 John 4:16 ESV)

Christmas Eve 2020 Prayer - Light

 "Jesus, on this Christmas eve we worship You, Savior of the whole earth and Light of the world. We extol Your holy Name. There is no other name more beautiful and no other name by which men may be saved. Father, we are grateful that You sent Your son to be the Light of salvation to our dark world. We intercede for those that have not yet come to know You. We pray, Lord that You would help their blind eyes see. Continue to shine Your bright light into the darkest recesses of their hearts, so they will desire to come to You and find freedom from the darkness that holds their soul in bondage.

"Lord, the salvation of the souls of men can remove much darkness in every area of our society. When we give our lives to You, we live differently. We walk as those in the light and avoid dark places. Our nation is in great need of this level of salvation. Light, shine in the darkness and drive it all out. Save the souls of men and women and save our nation in return. Mindsets change when the light comes. Dark and twisted ways of thinking clear up and straighten up. We can see the path we are on and determine to walk Your way instead of our own. Come, Light of the world, shine on us and we shall be saved. Let our nation become that shining light set on a hill, drawing the lost to You, Lord Jesus. In Your name, Amen.

“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great Light; they sat in the land of death, and the Light broke through upon them.” (Matthew 4:16 TLB)

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 ESV)

“What makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said: ‘Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you.’” (Ephesians 5:14 HCSB)

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NASB)

By Dutch Sheets, https://www.givehim15.com/post/december-24-2020

December 24, 2020 - Prayer for Fathers

Father God, 

As we look toward the celebration of Christmas, we remember the important role that Joseph played in fathering Jesus.  We thank you for Joseph's heart of love and obedience to listen to the voice of the Lord as he protected and provided for Mary and Jesus.  Today we pray for fathers in our world.  In this chaotic year, many fathers have had the opportunity to work from home and spend more time with their children.  Others have looked with horror as their jobs, livelihoods, and dreams were swept away in societal and economic upheaval.  Still others have never been available to father their children in a meaningful way and those absences lead to staggering statistics of real pain and heartache.  You created us to need a Father in our lives; just as you walked as Father in the Garden with Adam and Eve, it is not an accident you taught us to pray to "our Father."  We know you created every child - boy or girl - to need a father to teach, guide, and love them. Thank you for the things you teach us as our Father - to love, to accept grace and mercy, to treat others as you treat us.  And thank you for the many earthy fathers and people who fill the roles of fathers in our lives:  grandfathers, uncles, coaches, teachers, even older brothers.  We pray today that every child would have their father-shaped place filled with a godly man who trains them up in the fear, admonition, and love of the Lord.  And we pray that each and every child would have the strength, guidance, and comfort of a stable family, the presence of an earthly father, and know the rich and deep love, mercy, and grace of their Heavenly Father.   In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

Rembrandt, Joseph’s Dream (1645)

"Train children to live the right way,
    and when they are old, they will not stray from it." (Prov. 22:6 NCV)

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."  (Eph. 6:4 NIV)

"Always remember these commands I give you today. Teach them to your children, and talk about them when you sit at home and walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them down and tie them to your hands as a sign. Tie them on your forehead to remind you, and write them on your doors and gates." (Deut. 6:6-9 NCV)

December 23, 2020 Prayer - Idolatry

Lord God, 

You are Sovereign over all, Invincible, Omnipotent, and Omniscient.  You are jealous of our love and you are the light, salvation, refuge and fortress for those who seek you and your kingdom first.  You have rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of Light and we give you thanks and praise for your grace and mercy poured into us.  God, today we pray that nothing of this world would be come an idol in our lives - not money, prestige, power, careers, marriages, or even safety.  All these idols distract us and even destroy our ability to focus on you as the One True God, full of Grace and Truth.  Remind us that we trust in the "horses" or "chariots" of family, friends, possessions, or even government for our security that, while you can use any of these, our ultimate trust needs to be in You, not in the things of this world.  Give us pure hearts so we can worship and serve you fully as you make us to rest in the safety of your presence.  In Jesus's name we pray, Amen. 

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves." (Colossians 1:13)

" Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land." (Deut. 6:13-15)

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
    but we rise up and stand firm." (Psalm 20:7-8)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)

"In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8)

December 22, 2020 Prayer - Light Increasing

 Lord God of Light,

You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power - the sun and moon to light the earth by day and night.  And you sent Jesus to be the Light of the World so that we can follow him and know his light on our paths.  Thank you that, now as the winter solstice has passed, we know the sun's light and your Son's Light will both increase on the earth.  Day by day, your glory will rise upon the earth and the thick darkness of sin and evil that covers this world will be replaced by the glory of the Lord.  Thank you for the beauty of candlelight, stars, and angels singing during this Christmas season.  Thank you that your Light shines into places of deep darkness and sin and draws and calls all nations and people to you.  Pour out your Light and Hope into places of corruption, human trafficking, abuse of every kind, addictions, mental illness, poverty and economic despair, and general hopelessness.  May we your Church be a blessing and light to those around us who need to hear the Good News of your Great Joy that has come for each of us - Christ the Lord.  We pray in his name, Amen. 

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
    and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
    and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your dawn." (Isa. 60:1-3)

"Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” (John 11:9-10)

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14)

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105)

"I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10)

December 21, 2020 Prayer - Wisdom in Legislatures and Citizens

God of Wisdom,

We give you praise that you are not shocked, overwhelmed, or in dismay at the circumstances of this world at this time.  We know you have chosen us for such a time as this to pray and intercede for your Kingdom purposes, even in the midst of attacks by the enemy of our souls on our economic, governmental, church, and even family systems.  You are a God of solutions, so we come to you praying that you would help policy makers, especially in state government, to know how to move forward in their work.  We pray for great spiritual discernment to be poured out upon state legislators and others making decisions for their states.  Pour out state-specific solutions to the election, covid, and other issues we face - and may those solutions follow the law and uphold your Kingdom principles. We know that your wisdom and knowledge upon a people helps to keep order and peace.  We also pray for a heavy spirit of discernment to be poured out on the citizens of these states.  Help us to know what of that we hear in media, social media, rumor, and other places is TRUTH.  Help us to be citizens who ask wise and deep questions, to seek to understand state constitutions and the roles and responsibilities of government.  Help us to courageously, firmly, and peaceably press back where governments have exceeded their lawful limits.  Show individuals and communities how to work together, network, and support each other in such a way to build up the lonely, hungry, jobless, and hurting.  Father, we ask that you would embolden us, your Church, to reach out to the broken and needy around us, even as you reached down from heaven to send Jesus as our Savior.  We pray all this in the strong name of Christ, Amen.  

"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."  (Eph. 1:17)

 "We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience... " (Col. 1:9-11)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5)

"When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order." (Proverbs 28:2)

December 20, 2020 Prayer - Revelation of Salvation

 Merciful God,

Thank you for offering us a new birth into a living hope, an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade, because of the work of Jesus Christ.  Thank you for shielding us by your power until the fullness of time.  Thank you that even though a thousand years are like a day to you, your timing is perfect.  You are never late, but instead waiting until the Good News has gone to every people group and all have had the opportunity to turn to you for Eternal Life.   Today we pray for those who have chosen not to live in relationship with you, either by choosing not to choose or by actively choosing evil over Good.  We know you want all to come to a knowledge of the Truth and we pray for revelation and repentance to be poured out upon those who do not yet know you.  May your Spirit and individuals in your Church guide them into all Truth so that they may become disciples and work to further your Kingdom.  In your mercy, we pray for their salvation and that your Joy would come upon those not yet in your Kingdom.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  (1 Peter 1:3-5)

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.  (1 Timothy 2:1-6)

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  (2 Peter 3:8-9)

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
    it speaks of the end
    and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
    it will certainly come
    and will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3)

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."  (John 16:13)

December 19, 2020 Prayer - Dominion Over Corruption

God of All Truth,

Lord, we have placed all our trust in You. We know that You see the end from the beginning. You know the outcome, and how to get there, so, in obedience we ask you to show us what to pray and what action to take about the ongoing investigations into voting corruption. You have filled us with Your fire and we will not stop praying until You finish this process. We take authority over every stronghold of corruption in America. We ask You that ALL truth about corruption and fraud in the voting systems - especially if there is corruption and international influence in the voting machines - will be fully uncovered - who, how, where - everything. We ask for truth to be fully revealed. We command all corruption to come out from the places it has hidden. We say it is overthrown now. Where evil powers have thought they had dominion, we say, “God has all dominion!” We pray that every lawsuit that could affect the election results will be heard in a timely manner. Thank You for hearing us and granting us favor. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

“And don’t allow yourselves to be weary or disheartened in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you planted is coming!” (Galatians 6:9 TPT)

I make known the end from the beginning,
    from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
    and I will do all that I please.’ (Isa. 46:10)

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.  (Luke 9:1-2)

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. (Luke 10:19)

Based on: https://www.givehim15.com/post/december-16-2020