October 31, 2020 Prayer

Pure and Holy God,

Many, many people over the generations have prayed for this nation.  We join them in crying out in humility and seeking your face for this nation's future.  Turn this nation from her wicked ways; hear our prayers.  Cleanse her from her sins and forgive her of rebellion against your righteousness, mercy, and justice. May this nation bring you renown, joy, praise and honor and be in awe of the prosperity and peace you provide for it, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

"I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.’ " (Jer. 33:8-9)

“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)

October 30, 2020 Prayer

God of Peace,

Today we pray against and bind the spirits of anxiety in this nation. Many people are not living in your Peace, but are immersed in fear of disease, economic travail, political turmoil, and societal conflict. Help them - especially those who call on you as Lord - to remember that you are their Peace, the One who stills the storm. Help them to think on things that are true, noble, right, admirable, lovely, pure, excellent, and praiseworthy. Pour out your peace upon us as we seek to make our thoughts yours. Help us not be overwhelmed by these evil and anxious thoughts and feelings, but to conquer this evil with good - in thought, word, and in deed. May our eyes be open and our ears attentive to your voice and may we seek you for Peace. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

"Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?
You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
You rule over the surging sea;
when its waves mount up, you still them." (Psalm 89:9)

"Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good." (Romans 12:21 GW)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things...And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)

“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)

October 29, 2020 Prayer

Faithful God,

We know that you keep your promises and all your ways are true.  We pray you will cause those elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to also be promise keepers - men and women who will support, and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  May they be men and women of honor, integrity, and deep faith that know the promises and callings of the Lord.  May each of them be totally trustworthy, like Daniel, without corruption or negligence in their jobs.  May each of them keep the promises they have made to their constituents and make decisions that are best for the country as a whole. 

In Christ's name I pray,
Amen

“I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”   https://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/Oath-of-Office/

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. (Joshua 23:14)

At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." (Dan. 6:4)

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deut. 7:9 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)

October 28, 2020 Prayer

God of Beauty and Creation,

Thank you for beautiful sunsets, bright full moons, and the beauty of empty, harvested fields. Thank you for creating the Earth and everything in it and calling it "good." Help us to be careful stewards of the Earth's resources. Help us to use the resources you have given us to care for ourselves and each other, but to not be wasteful or harmful in that use. May we as individuals, communities, and a nation be wise stewards of our lands, waters, and air. Help us to elect officials who will make wise resource decisions in such a way that the economy and the people are not harmed. Remind us not to worship Earth, but to worship the Creator of Earth.

In Jesus's name we pray, Amen.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7 NIV)

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters." (Ps. 24:1, 2 NIV)

God blessed [Adam and Eve] and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Gen. 1:28 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)

October 27, 2020 Prayer

 Sovereign God,

I pray you would help us elect leaders that would protect the sovereignty of the United States. I pray that our national leaders - president, vice president, senators, representatives, and others appointed to the work - would protect and defend her Constitution from attacks without and within. I pray you would cause them to carefully consider what is best for the US when international negotiations, treaties, and agreements are happening. I pray your hand would hold back organizations that are a force for evil in the world. I pray you would protect this nation's sovereignty from those who seek to destroy her, both from inside and out.  And may your Church rise up in that protection to further your Kingdom and be about your work of making disciples and walking in justice and mercy.   In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure to me above all people: for all the earth is mine. (Exodus 19:5)

“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)

October 20, 2020 Prayer

Jehovah Shalom,

Today is two weeks to the General Election. On one hand we are ready to have this done, over, and settled.  On the other hand, many of us feel great anxiety - even fear - over what will happen that day and in the days that follow.  We hear rumors of unrest, violence, and even civil war that cause us to cry out to you, our God of Peace.  You said you give your peace to us, so I pray for your peace to be on every believer and every voter.  We pray in the name of Jesus against every spirit of evil that seeks to destroy peace, people, and property through violence, anarchy, chaos, fraud, corruption, or misinformation. Pour out your Spirit on believers to unite in prayer against evil.  You are the Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, and Light in the Darkness, so we call on our Peace-Giver for this time and place.  Even when we can't see how you are working, help us to trust you and to live in your Holy Spirit's peace within us, no matter our circumstances.  And help us to be peace-givers in this world that so desperately needs your Peace.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26-27)

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Tim. 1:7

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Mt. 7:7-8 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)

October 26, 2020 Prayer

Faithful God,

Today we give thanks for the work of our national Senate and their deliberations on behalf of the nation. We thank you for the godly men and women who are serving there and pray that they will stand firm on your Word as they vote on the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. May they remember the oath* they took to support and defend our nation's Constitution in true faith and allegiance to that Constitution. May they seek your wisdom as they prepare to vote on her confirmation. And we pray against any spirit of violence that would seek to derail this vote or cause more chaos after the vote. In Jesus's name we bind these violent antichrist spirits and pray, instead, that your Holy Spirit's PEACE would be poured out in this nation. May Good overshadow the evil that is trying to conquer this world; and may your Church and her prayers be an instrument of that Goodness and Peace. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

"But the king will rejoice in God;
    all who swear by God will glory in him,
    while the mouths of liars will be silenced."  (Ps. 63:11) 

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) 

Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.(Romans 12:21 GW)

*"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God." https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Oath_Office.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)

October 25, 2020 Prayer

God,

This world is a mess. Nations fight against nations, people against people, brothers against brothers. There truly is nothing new under the sun. But you hold your children to a different vision - to see your Kingdom come and your will be done. You prayed that your children - your Church - would be united just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are united.  We pray that we citizens would not see each other as evil or worthless just because we have different viewpoints.  We pray you would show us the blessing of living together in unity - even in our variety.  We pray that you would unite your children to seek first your Kingdom and righteousness. Help us to follow hard after you. And cause your Church to pray for unity and for Holy Spirit-led revival in this nation.

For the glory of Christ and in his name we pray, Amen.

"The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—

Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,

So they might be one heart and mind with us....

Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,

And give the godless world evidence

That you’ve sent me and loved them

In the same way you’ve loved me." - Jesus (John 17 Msg)

How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!" (Psalm 113:1 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)

October 24, 2020 Prayer

God of Power,

As a the nation of Israel was reawakened to your will and your ways under the leadership of Kings Hezekiah and Josiah, may this nation be reawakened by your Spirit to your will and your ways.  Send forth your Spirit for a Great Awakening, we pray, and help us to elect leaders who seek your will and your way and not inhibit your Church to be about her Kingdom mission.  

Amen. 

"In our hearts, Lord, in this nation...Awakening
Holy Spirit, we desire Awakening
In Your presence, in Your power...Awakening

For this moment, for this hour...Awakening"

* "Awakening" by Chris Tomlin (c) 2010 worshiptogether.com/Hillsongs

"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:3-7)

“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)

October 23, 2020 Prayer

Protecting God,

Your Word says that you are our refuge and our safety when we rest in your shelter.  Today we pray for protection for each and every candidate for political office, especially the two main Presidential candidates.  We pray physical and spiritual protection around their physical persons, their families, and their close associates.  We pray the Secret Service and others who are entrusted with their protection would know your wisdom.  We pray against any evil spirit that would try to assassinate, whether a body or a person's character.  In the name of Jesus we pray this evil would NOT come to pass.  We expect that if there was one act of bloodshed it would quickly be followed by many more, so we declare NO MORE to any evil plotting bloodshed.  We pray that every candidate, family, and protector will seek you for wisdom and protection and you would thwart any plan for assassination or bloodshed. 

In the powerful name of Christ we pray,
Amen

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection." (Ps. 91:1-4 NLT)

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you."(Psalm 5:11)

"They employ violence, so that one [act of] bloodshed follows closely on another." (Hosea 4:2)

"Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.  They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice." (Rom. 1:28-29)

"Those who hate me without reason
    outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
    those who seek to destroy me." (Psalm 69:4 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)

October 22, 2020 Prayer

God,

You are our refuge and shield; we put our hope in your Word.  We cry out for wisdom for the electorate as it makes voting decisions.  As we listen to this final presidential debate tonight, we pray you would cause the right questions to be asked, the responses to be full, truthful, and fair, and the debate to help us know these candidates' platforms better.  Help us to ignore those whose blather distorts and confuses truth and instead to seek your way for our nation.  May your Word open the eyes of our hearts and minds and guide our decision making. 

In Christ's name I pray,
Amen

"You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word." (Psalm 119:114 NIV)

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." (Prov. 4:7)

“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)

October 21, 2020 Prayer

God of all Truth,

Today we pray that hearts, eyes, and ears would be opened to the Truth of your Word in our nation.  In the ways that the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, in Jesus's name we pray against that blindness.  We pray that spiritual scales would fall from eyes so unbelievers and believers alike would be able to see your Light and Glory and would decide to seek your wisdom for their voting.  We pray that where corruption and fraud have been hidden, especially in media and government, those scales will be pulled away and the truth will be obviously shown, seen, and believed by the electorate.  We pray you pour out your Spirit so we will vote men and women into elected office who are godly and righteous and seek your Kingdom first.  May they not be hungry for money or power, fame or book deals, influence, or glory, but may they seek you and your Kingom first, even as they seek an office.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

"Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
    and the ears of the deaf unstopped." (Isa. 35:5)

"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Cor. 4:4)

"The greatest evil is not now done in those sordid “dens of crime” that Dickens loved to paint. It is not done even in concentration camps and labour camps. In those we see its final result. But it is conceived and ordered (moved, seconded, carried, and minuted) in clean, carpeted, warmed, and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voice." from "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis

“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)

October 19, 2020 Prayer

 
Faithful God,

We give you thanks and praise for your faithfulness and trustworthiness.  Help us to lean into and trust your faithfulness in the midst of the strife and chaos that has been unleashed on our country and in this world.  Help us not to listen to the voices of strife and deception, chaos and gloom, discouragement and despair that we hear in the media, social media, and even from well-meaning friends and family.  Help us to listen only to your voice.  Help us to hear your Hope and your Peace.  Help us not trust in the "horses" or "chariots" of government, media, education, arts & entertainment, or business, but to trust in the Name of you, our Lord and God.  Help us to focus on taking delight in you so that we can hear your promises of peace to your faithful servants.  Let us not be like the ten spies in the Promised Land who saw the giants of the land and cowered in fear, but let us have the "different spirit" like Caleb and follow you wholeheartedly.  Help us to focus on your voice, trust in your faithfulness and promises, and rest in the peace the Holy Spirit offers to us.  Through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen. 

"I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly." (Psalm 85:8)

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."  (Psalm 20:7) 

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Ps. 37:4)

They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.” 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” (Numbers 13)

"But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it." (Num. 14:24) 

“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)

October 18, 2020 Prayer

 Ruach Adonai, Spirit of God,

Today as your children gather together for worship, pour out your Spirit upon your Church.  Revive, renew, and prune her for greater Kingdom fruitfulness.  May your salvation spring up and your righteousness flourish within each believer and each local church.   As churches meet together today, may congregants have sincere and glad hearts, praising you, and seeing more and more new believers come to faith in Jesus Christ.  Give us great faith and courage as we remember that you are for us and stand guard over your children who call on your name. Prepare each body of believers to be ready to do what you call it to do, above and beyond your call to go and make disciples, so that we are ready to receive the new people you are calling into relationship with you.  In these last days, pour out your Spirit upon all people - old, young, men, women - knowing that as you do so, it will help to heal our land.  We pray in the powerful name of Christ, Amen.  

"Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the Lord, have created it." (Isa. 45:8)

  28  I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your old men will dream dreams,
    your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
30 I will show wonders in the heavens
    and on the earth,
    blood and fire and billows of smoke.
31 The sun will be turned to darkness
    and the moon to blood
    before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
32 And everyone who calls
    on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Joel 2) 

45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  (Acts 2)

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 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)

October 17, 2020 Prayer

 
God of Justice,

Today we pray that those who are entrusted to carry out the laws of our nation will do their jobs with integrity, fairly, and lawfully.  May each decision they make be such that the law is rightfully applied and fairly executed.  Where elected or appointed leaders may consider cheating on their duties or unfairly applying the law, give them godly avisors and hearts to turn back to you and to righteousness.  May you thwart any effort of the enemy of our souls that seeks to circumvent the law, especially with regard to the collecting and counting of ballots in this election process. Help us weary and leary citizens remember that you see everything and, even if not in this world, you will bring justice to those who break your law.  May those who cheat, mock, or even hate the law be removed from office so that godly men and women who love justice can be put in places of governance.  And may those you have appointed for such a time as this do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God.  For the honor and glory of your name and for the furtherance of your Kingdom we pray, Amen. 

"Can someone who hates justice govern?" (Job 34:17)

“(God's) eyes are on the ways of mortals;
    he sees their every step.
22 There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness,
    where evildoers can hide.
23 God has no need to examine people further,
    that they should come before him for judgment.
24 Without inquiry he shatters the mighty
    and sets up others in their place.
25 Because he takes note of their deeds,
    he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.
26 He punishes them for their wickedness
    where everyone can see them,
27 because they turned from following him
    and had no regard for any of his ways.  (from Job 34)

“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)

October 16, 2020 Prayer

God,

We pray today that you would help our nation be united.  Many, many people are using the current cultural, economic, and political climate to divide this country.  Her people are divided into focus groups and target demographics instead of understood and appreciated for the strengths and varieties they bring to the nation.  Each person is pushed to identify as "red" or "blue," and then expected to virtually hate the other choice. Our Founding Fathers did not created a "red" or "blue" nation but a United States of America. Help us to honor their work in creating this nation and to not allow ourselves to be ripped apart in this time.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen

“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." - Jesus (Mt. 12:25 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)

October 15, 2020 Prayer

 God of Light,

We thank you for your illuminating power in our lives and in our government.  We know that now is the time you are searching out, tearing down, and killing the spiritual forces of evil which seek to undermine and attack good governance. And we thank you that you are already bringing your Light of Truth to places of deep darkness, corruption, and fraud. We pray you will continue to put into place the courageous, wise, and godly people and systems to expose and eliminate all types of corruption and fraud, both in the government and in the voting/balloting system.  We pray for integrity and honor to be poured out on those who work in these areas so that the will of the voters will be clearly and honestly expressed and tallied, and so our government will be filled with employees who do their jobs to build up this nation and protect and support her federal and state Constitutions.  As evil is exposed and replaced with your Light, may your Peace be poured into this nation.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

"There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,

    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3     a time to kill and a time to heal,

    a time to tear down and a time to build,

4     a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

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

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

6     a time to search and a time to give up,

    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7     a time to tear and a time to mend,

    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8     a time to love and a time to hate,

    a time for war and a time for peace." (Eccl. 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)

October 14, 2020 Prayer

Timeless God,

Thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Thank you for your timeless words of wisdom to us, your People in your Church.   Holy Spirit, guide us into your Truth and help us to know what is Truth in this world.  Help us to remember that our first allegiance as Believers is to your Truth and your Kingdom, not to patriotism, jobs, friends, or even family.  Help us to vote for candidates whose policies will not inhibit the work of your Church in this world.  Help us to vote for candidates who, both in words and in deeds, support free speech, free association, and free practice of religion.  And give us boldness to encourage others to vote in such a way the Church can be freed to continue her mission in this world. We know that your timing and your ways are perfect and so it is not an accident that we were born into this era, to pray in these circumstances, and to serve in your Church.  Help us to pray with confidence, knowing our prayers will be heard.  We pray that those elected into political office will not hinder or prohibit your Church, but will encourage and even support your work through your people to make disciples, do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.   In the strong name of Christ we pray, Amen. 

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  (Esther 4:14)

"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)

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." (Eph. 4:15)

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

    And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

    and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

“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)

October 13, 2020 Prayer

God of Hope,

Lift up our hearts when we are bombarded by news of economic woe, national/international strife, hurting people, impending weather catastrophes, and other worries.  Help us to not be discouraged when the ways of the world seem so strong and dark.  Fill us with all joy and hope in our believing.  Remind us that you are the One who is worthy of all praise and worship.  Do not let us make idols of government, institutions, jobs, families, recreation, or anything else.  Focus us on that which is true, noble, pure, trustworthy, and of you.  Help us to relax into your peace, knowing you are always in control.

Amen.

Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.  (Phil. 4:8-9 NIV)

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!  (Psalm 43:5 NLT)

“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)

October 12, 2020 Prayer

Omnipotent God,

In these last weeks before the Nov. 3 elections there are many people voting early. I pray that every legal vote is counted fairly, tallied correctly, and then recorded accurately.  I pray in the name of Jesus that you would thwart anyone who plans to dishonor the legal ballot process - by registering and voting multiple times, by sabotaging election equipment or ballots, by allowing ineligible persons to vote, by altering ballots, by intimidating any voters or election personnel, or in doing anything else that would in any way cause an honest vote not to be cast and counted honestly.  We pray for a voting process free from fraud, manipulation, or dishonesty.  We pray that our election system would function well and the will of the American people would be expressed accurately.

In the holy name of Jesus I pray,
Amen

"Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel." (Prov. 20:17)

"They have sunk deep into corruption, as in the days of Gibeah. God will remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins." (Hosea 9:9)

"Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him." (Isaiah 1:4)

“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)

October 11, 2020 Prayer

Unifying God,

This world is a mess.  Nations fight against nations, people against people, brothers against brothers. There truly is nothing new under the sun.  But you hold your children to a different vision - to see your Kingdom come and your Will be done.   You prayed that your children - your Church - would be united just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are united.  So I pray that you would unite your children to seek first your Kingdom and righteousness.  Help us to follow hard after you.  And help your Church in the United States to pray for unity and for Holy Spirit-led revival in this nation.

For the glory of Christ I pray,
Amen


"The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us....
Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me." - Jesus (John 17 Msg)

“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)

October 10, 2020 Prayer

Protecting God, 

We pray today for political candidates at every level.  First, we pray they would be godly men and women who are seekers after your heart and for whom you are their refuge and their dwelling.  But we pray that as they travel and campaign, your angel armies' protection would be strong around them.  Thwart any plans of the enemy for vehicle trouble, illness, or even assassination. Guard their vehicles, their motion, their health.   Give wisdom, discernment, and courage to the men and women who serve to help and 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.  May they, too, know your presence and protection.  

In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

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 91:1, 9-12)

“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)