September 30, 2020

Renewing and Protecting God,

Today we pray for your Church - specifically that she would be protected from the evils of this world and from further division within her.  Because she is in you, your true Church can't be understood by this world because darkness can't understand Light.  Protect your Church and your People from evil and from the world's forces that hate them.  Sanctify them by the truth of your Word so that they may have the full measure of joy within them. Where the fires of faith have burned low, send renewal and revival into individual people and into local churches and fill them up with a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit so they are full in Christ. By your Spirit, I pray your Love will abound more and more within them in knowledge, depth of insight, and discernment of what is of You.  May your Church and your People be pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, and unified in purpose and mission.  To the glory and praise of God we pray, Amen. 

11 "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.  13 I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world." (John 17) 

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." (Php. 1:9-11)

 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

September 29, 2020

God, our Fortress,

As the candidates for political office travel, I pray your protection around them.  Guard their vehicles, their travel, their health.   Give wisdom to the men and women who serve to protect them.   As candidates are away from their loved ones or busy on the campaign trail, hold their families in the palms of your hands. We pray that no evil would befall them, no plague would come near them.  We pray your angels would protect them and your faithfulness would be their shield.  May each candidate, family member, and security person be able to claim, "The Lord is my refuge and my dwelling. I will rest in the shadow of the Holy One who is my refuge and fortress."  In Jesus's name we pray, Amen. 

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91)

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened (1 Peter 3:14).

This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread” (Isaiah 8:11-13). 

 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

September 28, 2020 Prayer

God of Clarity,

Thank you for being our God who rules over the surging seas in our individual lives and in our life together in this nation.  Thank you for stilling the waves that rise up in an attempt to drown us; we know that when we go through the waters of trouble and strife we will not be drowned if you are with us.  You have not let this nation drown in the trials of 2020, but continue to sustain us and call us into deeper communion with you; we praise and thank you for your continued deliverance and sustaining power upon us.  And we pray that same power would be poured out on the electorate tomorrow night as we watch the first presidential debate. May we have eyes to see and ears to hear You in that conversation.  May each candidate be straightforward and truthful in their answers, seeking to truthfully represent their beliefs, positions, and plans.  Use  the moderator in such a way that Darkness is brought into your Light and Truth is spoken. Grant the two candidates and moderator good rest tonight and good health and energy tomorrow night. Help them to think clearly, listen attentively, and respond in truthful ways that can be heard by the electorate. We ask for your wisdom to be on the electorate as we continue to make decisions about what is best for the nation and prepare to vote. We seek your way and will for our nation and ask this in the strong name of Christ. Amen.

You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.  (Ps. 89:9)

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isa. 43:2-3)

20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 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)

 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

September 27, 2020 Prayer

Forgiving God,

We come to you today praying that you would pour out your Holy Spirit upon this nation.  Give us a deep immersion in your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control so that we may act like you act.  Help us to forgive those around us who have wounded us and not to carry burdensome grudges against our fellow citizens.  Purify our hearts from all unrighteousness so that we may then extend grace to those around us.  Heal this nation as we confess our sins and seek your face.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6)

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18)

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:37)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col. 3:13)

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

September 26, 2020

All-Powerful God,

From our perspective it looks like a wave of fear was unleashed over this nation and this world in March as the COVID-19 shutdowns began.  Speculation about the disease and potential deaths was rampant from government officials and media outlets and many people absorbed a great deal of this demonic force of fear.  But we know that fear is NOT of the Lord.  So, in the name of Jesus, we bind this evil spirit and send it to the foot of the Cross.  We say NO MORE in Jesus's name to this spirit of fear and its influence on our culture, our decisions, and the way we treat each other as people. We declare that we will not fear and dread this demonic spirit but only You, the Living, Loving God who is holy and worthy of worship.  We declare that we will not be fearful of mortals or disease or rumors of war because we will not put our trust in government, media, or feelings. Your Word says You do not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind, so we claim that promise over our individual lives, our communities, our state, nation, and this world.  We ask that You would pour a huge wave of your LOVE over this nation and each of her people.  We pray that Love would cast out this spirit of fear and that our hope and trust would be secure in You, our Lord and our God.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7 NKJV)

Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. (1 John 4:18 ERV)

But now, this is what the Lord says . . . “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1-3). 

 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

September 25, 2020 Prayer

God,

Thank you for speaking the world into being at Creation and for guiding its people with your Word and your Spirit since that time.  We know there is power of life and death in the tongue, and we thank you for the Life you pour into us when we confess Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Today we pray for those in governance, media, and education to speak words of Life.  We pray that their words would be gracious and build others up as they speak hope.  Stop any perverse words, lies, or harsh words that crush the spirit or stir up anger toward other people or toward our nation.  Replace those thoughts and words with gentle words of healing, wisdom, godly knowledge, and discernment.  May all those in public positions speak words that build up this nation, not tear her down, and promote unity, kindness, and healing in her populace.  In Jesus's name we pray, Amen. 

The tongue has the power of life and death. (Prov. 18:21)

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Prov. 12:18)

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. (Prov. 15:4)

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. (Proverbs 15:1. 2. 4. 8, 14)

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

September 24, 2020 Prayer

 
Sovereign God,

Our state and nation cries out in pain, grief, anxiety, and worry; and we agree with President Lincoln's words: "it is fit and becoming in all people, at all times, to acknowledge and revere the Supreme Government of God," and "that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." We humbly ask you, Almighty God, in accordance with your sovereignty, to heal our land of calamities, division, anger, and strife. May all People, and especially all ministers and teachers of religion of all denominations and all heads of families observe and keep this day in all humility and with all religious solemnity, to the end that the united prayer of the nation may ascend to the Throne of Grace and bring down plentiful blessings upon our Country.  We have confidence that, in accordance with God's will, our nation and state will be healed and unified.  Today, September 24, 2020, we join with other believers to commit this day as a Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Humiliation for the healing of this state and this nation.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

https://youtu.be/AxfhmfBNkzU
https://georgiabulletin.org/news/2020/09/day-of-prayer-fasting-set-for-september-24/
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2019-2020/resolutionadopted/House/htm/2020-HAR-0302.htm

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

A Proclamation.

Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th. day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.

All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty seventh.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

September 23, 2020 Prayer

Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our Banner,

This beautiful world you created seems so full of anger, fear, strife, violence, and death.  On one level, we know that this is because sin entered the world and the author of death is roaming to and fro over the earth, seeking for those to devour.  But you are the Strong God whose power, love, and strength are never-ending.  You warned us that there would be trials in this world, but that you give us peace because you have overcome this world.  So, we ask for more of your Spirit and more of your Peace within us. Lord our Banner, you go before us and are with us; you never leave or forsake us.  You remind us that we don't have to be afraid or discouraged because when we stand firm in you we will see the deliverance you will give us.  God, we who pray can feel weary of the war around us, even as we pray; sometimes it seems there is no end to the death, trauma, trial, and struggle of this life.  Yet we call on you, our Everlasting God, to refresh us when we are weary and satisfy us when faint.  You do not grow tired or weary.  We don't always understand why you allow such trials for your children, but we know that your thoughts and your ways are higher than ours and your plans are for good - to prosper us and give us a future with hope.  So we pray that even when it seems there's no spiritual rain, even when it seems that the "locusts" of this world have devoured our land, even when there are plagues of spiritual, physical, and relational sicknesses in our world - may you hear our prayers and deliver your people.  May your eyes and ears be open and attentive to our prayers so we know your heart of strength and encouragement is always with us.  For the honor and glory of the name of Christ we pray, Amen. 

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” 2 Chronicles 20:17

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom." Isaiah 40:28

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25

"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." (Jer. 29:11)

 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

September 22, 2020 Prayer

God of Light,

Today we come to you to pray and intercede for righteousness in the voting processes in every jurisdiction in this nation.  We pray for a voting process that is completely free from any and all corruption.  We pray that each legal voter would be able to obtain and cast a vote fairly, according to their conscience, and without anyone else's influence.  We pray that each local and state election official would completely follow their laws and fulfill their duties so that each lawful vote may be easily cast and accurately and fairly counted.  We pray in the strong name of Christ  against any deception, corruption, or otherwise evil plans that may be underway right now in our voting system.  We declare NO MORE to evil that seeks to corrupt the democratic process of voting on November 3.  We pray that those who mock lawful processes, desire to do evil, or who accept bribes would be swiftly and indisputably brought to justice. Reveal the deep things of darkness and bring that darkness into your Light.  Give those to whom we the people have entrusted our votes pure hearts so that they may honor their offices and may see God.  May your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers we give to you.  Pour out your Light and Righteousness upon our voting process so that your will may be done and your Kingdom come on this earth and in this nation.  In Jesus's name we pray, Amen.

Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. (Eccl. 7:7)

A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. (Prov. 19:28)

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” 

They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. 

Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread;

    they never call on the Lord.  (Psalm 14:1, 4)

God reveals the deep things of darkness

    and brings utter darkness into the light. (Job 12:22)

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.  (Mark 11:24)

 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

September 21, 2020 Prayer

Jehovah Shalom, God of Peace, 

We pray for your comfort and peace to be upon the family and those that grieve the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg - that your peace that passes understanding would guard their hearts, minds, and spirits in Christ Jesus.  We thank you for the example of courage, strength, and conviction of beliefs that she brought to her professional life, and pray you would give each of us the same conviction and courage to live in the ways you call us to live.  We pray that she called on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and that her eternity is secure in you. We pray that your eyes are open, your ears are tuned, and your heart is with the prayers we give to you.  And we pray for and proclaim a mantle of peace over this nation and over the constitutional process assigned to appoint a new justice at the Supreme Court.  We pray that the new justice would be carefully considered and nominated, honestly and fairly examined, and voted on according to your timetable.  We bind any spirit of violence, chaos, or corruption that would seek to influence the confirmation process. We pray the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit will abound in this nomination process so that this will not be a time of further division, anger, and violence.  Instead we pray for peace in and prosperity for this nation so that it can be a haven for the Kingdom work you have assigned us.  We pray peace over this family and over this nation in Jesus's mighty name.  Amen. 

"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 mourn and a time to dance,

    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." (From Eccl. 3, NIV)

"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." (Jer. 29:7 NIV)

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19 NIV)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Rom. 10:13 NIV)

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Cor. 13:14 NIV)

 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

  

September 20, 2020

Redeemer and Restorer,

We thank you that you guard and guide the people who seek your will and your ways.  We thank you that you were with us during the months in which our country has been partly shut down.  We thank you that you have used this time of plague for good - to bring more of those you love into deep communion with you as you revealed your heart to many people and drew them into a deeper intimacy with you.  Your eyes have been open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered to you.  Thank you for choosing and consecrating us, your Temple in which your Holy Spirit dwells, so that your Name may be upon us forever.  Now use us, your children, to call out for mercy, healing, and forgiveness for this land.  Now that this time of rest, trial and waiting is ending, use us to intercede even more deeply with your Spirit for this nation and this world.  Give us hunger and thirst for your Word, your Spirit, your ways, and your righteousness.  Cause us who have awakened and are part of the praying Church to be engaged even more fully in intercession.  And may our prayers be an effective weapon in the battle against the evil in this nation and this world.  For the honor and glory of your name we pray, Amen. 

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there."  (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

September 19, 2020 Prayer

 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily; but with honest, sensible leaders there is stability. Proverbs 28:2 TLB

In time of civil war there are many leaders, but a sensible leader restores law and order.  Proverbs 28:2 CEV

When a nation sins, it will have one ruler after another. But a nation will be strong and endure when it has intelligent, sensible leaders.  Proverbs 28:2 GNT

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there."  (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

Leading God, 

Your Word says that you put leaders in place to govern over us and we are called to pray for them.  So today we pray specifically for the leaders in our nation.  May there be godly leaders in government at all levels, in the Church, in arts & entertainment, in media, in business, in education, and in families. We pray in the name of Jesus that every single one would be a man or woman after your own heart.  If a leader is not a Jesus follower, move them to a place of repentance and humility to seek your will and your ways.  Do not give us the leaders our sinful natures might deserve, but give us leaders who are honest, intelligent, and sensible - tuned into your Holy Spirit for your wisdom and guidance.  May this nation not be one known for her sins, her civil war, or her moral rot, but for the Light and Life that her leaders and people exemplify.  May this nation not topple or come to outright civil war, but may she be strong and endure because of your godly people praying for lawlessness to be broken and your righteousness to endure.   May your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered today for this place.  We pray in the strong name of Christ, Amen. 

September 18, 2020 A New Year

 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there."  (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

God, your Word says that when we are believers we become Temples for your Holy Spirit.  Since you have chosen and consecrated us to be your Children, we come to you in prayer, knowing Your eyes and heart are always with us.  Thank you for hearing our prayers.  With believers in every place, today we seek You and call on You for the furthering of your Kingdom.  You word calls the thirsty and hungry to your Living Waters and we cry out to you for an even greater hunger to fall upon your People and your Church.  Revive them for this day.  And cleanse and renew us; align our thoughts and our ways to seek and follow Your thoughts and ways. We speak and declare your Word so that it is fruitful in our families, our communities, the churches, our nation, and the world.  May your Word accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which You sent it.  Help us to speak with discernment, intention, courage, and faith the Truth that you have revealed to us about your Love and Grace. May Your People go about life with your Spirit's JOY in their hearts, may they be led in Your PEACE.  And may Your renown endure forever. We pray in the strong name of Christ, Amen. 

1 “Come, all you who are thirsty,

    come to the waters;

and you who have no money,

    come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

    without money and without cost.

2 

Why spend money on what is not bread,

    and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,

    and you will delight in the richest of fare.

3 

Give ear and come to me;

    listen, that you may live.

6 

Seek the Lord while he may be found;

    call on him while he is near.

7 

Let the wicked forsake their ways

    and the unrighteous their thoughts.

Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,

    and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

8 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.

9 

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so are my ways higher than your ways

    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 

As the rain and the snow

    come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

    without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

11 

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

12 

You will go out in joy

    and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills

    will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field

    will clap their hands.

13 

This will be for the Lord’s renown,

    for an everlasting sign,

    that will endure forever.”  (Isaiah 55 NIV)

Psalm 67 Prayer

May You be gracious to us and bless us; make your face to shine on us so that your ways may be known on earth and your salvation among all nations.  May all the peoples praise you and may the nations be glad and sing for joy.  You rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.  By your Holy Spirit, cause renewal, revival and repentance to flow through your Church - have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out your Church's transgressions, wash away all her iniquity, and cleanse her from her sin.  Pour out your fires of revival not just on the remnant of the Church, but on those who are lukewarm and cold so that each Believer has a renewed heart, mind, soul, and spirit for the Love and Grace of the Lord.  And then pour out your Awakening on the rest of our world.  As they hear the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ, may billions be saved by grace and brought into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  May this world yield its harvest and know that You have blessed us. Bless your Church and your People so that all the ends of the earth will fear, love, and serve you.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.  

Psalm 67

1 

May God be gracious to us and bless us

    and make his face shine on us—

2 

so that your ways may be known on earth,

    your salvation among all nations.

3 

May the peoples praise you, God;

    may all the peoples praise you.

4 

May the nations be glad and sing for joy,

    for you rule the peoples with equity

    and guide the nations of the earth.

5 

May the peoples praise you, God;

    may all the peoples praise you.

6 

The land yields its harvest;

    God, our God, blesses us.

7 

May God bless us still,

    so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Psalm 66 Prayer

We shout for joy to God!  We sing the glory of your name and make your praise glorious!  How awesome are your deeds!  How great is your power; you enemies cringe before you.  All the earth bows down to you and sing the praises of your name. You have done awesome deeds for mankind, like turning the sea into dry land, and we rejoice in you.  You rule forever by your power; your eyes watch the nations.  You see the nations that seek to operate according to your Kingdom principles and those who do not.  We pray in the name of Jesus that those who seek to rebel against or corrupt your righteous ways and your Truth would not be able to rise up against you, your People, and your Church.  We praise you who have preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.  Even when you tested us, refining us like silver, and when you brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs - even when we went through fire and water - you brought us to a place of abundance.   We come to you in grateful worship for all you have done for us when we've cried out to you.  Your praise is on our tongue.  We do not cherish sin in our hearts but know you have listened and heard our prayers.  Praise be to God, who has not rejected our prayers or withheld his love from us! Amen and amen!

Psalm 66

For the director of music. A song. A psalm.

1 

Shout for joy to God, all the earth!

2 

    Sing the glory of his name;

    make his praise glorious.

3 

Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!

    So great is your power

    that your enemies cringe before you.

4 

All the earth bows down to you;

    they sing praise to you,

    they sing the praises of your name.”

5 

Come and see what God has done,

    his awesome deeds for mankind!

6 

He turned the sea into dry land,

    they passed through the waters on foot—

    come, let us rejoice in him.

7 

He rules forever by his power,

    his eyes watch the nations—

    let not the rebellious rise up against him.

8 

Praise our God, all peoples,

    let the sound of his praise be heard;

9 

he has preserved our lives

    and kept our feet from slipping.

10 

For you, God, tested us;

    you refined us like silver.

11 

You brought us into prison

    and laid burdens on our backs.

12 

You let people ride over our heads;

    we went through fire and water,

    but you brought us to a place of abundance.

13 

I will come to your temple with burnt offerings

    and fulfill my vows to you—

14 

vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke

    when I was in trouble.

15 

I will sacrifice fat animals to you

    and an offering of rams;

    I will offer bulls and goats.

16 

Come and hear, all you who fear God;

    let me tell you what he has done for me.

17 

I cried out to him with my mouth;

    his praise was on my tongue.

18 

If I had cherished sin in my heart,

    the Lord would not have listened;

19 

but God has surely listened

    and has heard my prayer.

20 

Praise be to God,

    who has not rejected my prayer

    or withheld his love from me!