March 19, 2021 Prayer - For Children, Education, and our Future

God of the Children and the Future,

You, Lord, are our God and we love you with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.  From everlasting to everlasting, your Love is with those who fear you - who have reverential respect for you.  Thank you for the promise that those who seek you, who keep covenant with you, those who remember to obey you, will know your love and your righteousness.  Anointed One, you are always the same - yesterday, today, and forever, and you have plans for peace and well-being for our future.  Sometimes it is hard to see those good plans in the midst of the darkness of this world, but we believe that your plans and thoughts give us a future and a hope, both for this generation and for future generations.  We pray that both now and in the future we would see children as a blessing, a love-gift, and heaven's generous reward.  We pray that people not yet created may also praise the Lord. We know that you want all children to come to you so they can enter the Kingdom of God; help us to be people who do not hinder them, but instead encourage and bless these precious ones.   We pray that each child will be trained up in your Word and Ways, so that he/she seeks your wisdom and will for his/her talents and abilities.  We pray that they will fan into flame the gifts you have given them - in arts, sports, technology, healing, creating, communicating, and other areas - so that everything they do, in word and in deed, gives thanks and honor to you, their God. We pray for each and every person who helps to educate these generations.  May your deep and abiding wisdom be on parents and grandparents, family members, school board members, administrators, curriculum writers, teachers, aids, and other educational employees, coaches, mentors, pastors, and everyone else who helps to educate children.  No matter what church, activity, or educational system, at every level from preschool through higher education, may these precious ones be influenced only by godly and righteous Jesus-followers.  May that training and your hand on each of these children be so strong that they do not ever depart from your ways. As these beloved ones listen to you, may they grow in wisdom, may their hearts be drawn into understanding, and may they be empowered to make the right decisions.  God, may your Word be written deeply in their hearts and minds. May your truths be taught diligently to this generation and generations to come, so that they fear and serve only the Lord their God.  By your Holy Spirit, cause them not to follow other gods of this world, for we know you are a jealous God, demanding what is rightfully and uniquely yours.  We pray that the power of the wickedness of this generation will be broken over these young people. Lord God, protect them from abortion, addictions, ungodly activities, curses, divorce, poor and ungodly education, false accusation, unemployment, absentee parents, untimely death, human trafficking, neglect, mental and physical health struggles, lies of the enemy of our souls, prostitution and pornography, unrighteousness, power-hungry adults, violence, and so much more.  You promise us that no weapon formed against us will prosper and that your faithfulness will help us to not be tempted beyond our abilities. You tell us that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. So, we pray that these children will be protected from the enemy's schemes, plots, and plans. Let them abide under the shadow of El Shaddai, and be hidden in the strength of God Most High.  You are the hope that holds them and the stronghold to shelter them, their great confidence who rescues them from every trap of the enemy.  Help them to delight in you and to be loyal to you.  Protect them from anything and everything that can keep them from you.  Answer their cries every time they pray; help them to feel your presence in times of trouble.  Deliver them and bring them honor. Satisfy them with all you are and help them enjoy the fullness of your salvation.  May their futures be bright and filled with a living hope that will never fade away.  We pray over this generation and generations to come in Jesus's name, Amen!

“But from everlasting to everlasting

    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,

    and his righteousness with their children’s children—

with those who keep his covenant

    and remember to obey his precepts.” (Psalm 103:17-18 NIV)

"Jesus, the Anointed One, is always the same—yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 TPT)

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"  (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP)

“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord…” (Psalm 102:18 NIV)

“Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord.” (Psalm 127:3 CEV)

“Children are God’s love-gift; they are heaven’s generous reward.” (Psalm 127:3 TPT)

Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17 NIV)

Your future is bright and filled with a living hope that will never fade away. As you listen to me, my beloved child, you will grow in wisdom and your heart will be drawn into understanding, which will empower you to make right decisions.”    (Proverbs 23:18-19 TPT)

“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one [the only God]! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being]. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. You shall teach them diligently to your children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand (forearm), and they shall be used as bands (frontals, frontlets) on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates...You shall fear [only] the Lord your God; and you shall serve Him [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect] and swear [oaths] by His name [alone]. You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, for the Lord your God who is among you is a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His]...” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 13-16 AMP)

“[H]e commanded our ancestors to teach their children,

so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born,

    and they in turn would tell their children.

Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds

    but would keep his commands.” (Psalm 78:5-7 NIV)

“Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 AMP)

“The power of the wicked will be broken,

    but the Lord upholds the righteous.” (Psalm 37:17 NIV)

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands…” (2 Timothy 1:6 ESV)

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 ESV)

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” (Proverbs 14:34 NIV)

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV) 

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper."  (Isaiah 54:17 NKVJ)

1

When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai,

    you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.

2 

He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me,

    the only God for me, and my great confidence.

3 

He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,

    and he will protect you from false accusation

    and any deadly curse.

4 

His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.

    You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.

    His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.

5 

You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night

    nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.

6 

Don’t fear a thing!

    Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you,

    nor will the powers of evil be launched against you.

7 

Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed,

    you will remain unscathed and unharmed.

8 

You will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,

    for they will be paid back for what they have done!

9–10 

When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High,

    our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm.

    How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?

11 

God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go,

    defending you from all harm.

12 

If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you

    and keep you from stumbling.

13 

You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness,,-

    trampling every one of them beneath your feet!

14 

For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:

    “Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name,

    I will greatly protect you.

15 

I will answer your cry for help every time you pray,

    and you will feel my presence

    in your time of trouble.

    I will deliver you and bring you honor.

16 

I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you.

    For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!”  (Psalm 91 TPT)

March 18, 2021 - Prayer for spouses of political figures

Father God,

We praise you for your grace and the peace you give to us.  You are the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, the One who gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Your voice thunders as you fight for us.  Today we pray for godly spouses of your children who are serving you in political positions.  We pray that their marriages would be knit together with you as a cord of three strands that cannot be broken.  We pray that their parenting would be courageous and with the intent of training up their children in your ways, so that your Spirit and your Word will not depart from them or their descendants.   We pray for encouragement and empowerment where spouses have grown weary in the political climate; give strength and hope to them so they can run and not grow weary pursuing the purpose you have set before them.  We especially pray that you would protect these families from the attacks of the enemy of our souls.  We pray that you would expose and rebuke the plans of the enemy, breaking the plots of the foes against your good people.  Take hold of your children who are exhausted by the political fight - exhausted by trying to bring righteousness and godliness to this nation - exhausted by the fight against the things of the Lord - and draw them out of despair and discouragement into a spacious place of peace. Give them good friends for support and a fresh outpouring of your Spirit to strengthen, encourage, and guide them.  God of Grace and God of Glory, on your people, pour your power for the facing of this hour.  We pray all this in the strong name of Christ.  Amen. 

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:2-4 NIV)

"Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

    But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV)

"“My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord." (Isaiah 59:21 NIV)

"Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6 AMP)

"He gives strength to the weary

    and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

    and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV)

"The Lord thundered from heaven;

    the voice of the Most High resounded.

He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,

    with great bolts of lightning he routed them.

The valleys of the sea were exposed

    and the foundations of the earth laid bare

at your rebuke, Lord,

    at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

He reached down from on high and took hold of me;

    he drew me out of deep waters.

He rescued me from my powerful enemy,

    from my foes, who were too strong for me.

They confronted me in the day of my disaster,

    but the Lord was my support.

He brought me out into a spacious place;

    he rescued me because he delighted in me." (Psalm 18:13-19 NIV)

March 17, 2021 Prayer - For Miracles, Signs, and Wonders in our Day

God of Miracles,

We give thanks to our Lord and call upon your name.  We sing praise to you for all your deeds and wonders, for all your glory, and for your strength.  We seek your face continually, longing to be in your presence.  We remember with gratitude your marvelous deeds which you have done, your miracles and the judgements from your mouth.   When we remember all the mighty deeds you have done, all your holy ways, all your power displayed in miracles, we joyfully praise you!  Blessed is the King of Kings who comes in the name of the Lord!   God, we know of your renown and stand in awe of your work.  But in this day and age, we cry out to you - we beg you - to make your good works known today.  Even though there is great darkness upon this earth, you have not completely abandoned your people; in your wrath, may you remember mercy.  Revive your people in this time and place; revive your renown among those who do not know you as Lord and Savior.  God, pour out your Holy Spirit through the revelation and power of faith.  Pour out your miracles, signs and wonders in this day.  Pour out your Healing Power and your Convicting Presence in such a way that every person knows it was you who did the miracles.  We know that where there is unbelief, you cannot do many mighty miracles, so we pray for a great outpouring of belief upon us.  We know that our belief shouldn't be rooted in religious laws but in the Way, the Truth, and the Life in Jesus Christ and because of the Power of Holy Spirit.  So, help the lovers of God teach your Truth so that your Life is opened up within all who hear it and your instruction delivers us from the ways of death.  We pray in the name of Jesus for a great outpouring of your Spirit, especially manifest in signs, wonders and miracles in this day!  Amen.  

"O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name;

Make His deeds known among the peoples.

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;

Speak of all His wonders.

Glory in His holy name;

Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

Seek the Lord and His strength;

Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence].

Remember [with gratitude] His marvelous deeds which He has done,

His miracles and the judgments from His mouth..." (1 Chronicles 16:8-12 AMP)

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

I will consider all your works

    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Your ways, God, are holy.

    What god is as great as our God?

You are the God who performs miracles;

    you display your power among the peoples." (Psalm 77:11-14 NIV)

"[T]he whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!'" (Luke 19:37-38 NIV)

"O Lord, I have heard of your renown, and I stand in awe, O Lord, of your work. In our own time revive it; in our own time make it known; in wrath may you remember mercy." (Habakkuk 3:2 NRSV)

"Their unbelief kept him from doing many mighty miracles..." (Matthew 13:58 TPT)

"What does the lavish supply of the Holy Spirit in your life and the miracles of God’s tremendous power have to do with you keeping religious laws? The Holy Spirit is poured out upon us through the revelation and power of faith!"  (Galatians 3:5 TPT)

"Jesus explained, “I am the Way, I am the Truth, and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father except through union with me. To know me is to know my Father too." (John 14:6 TPT)

"When the lovers of God teach you truth, a fountain of life opens up within you, and their wise instruction will deliver you from the ways of death." (Proverbs 13:14 TPT)

March 16, 2021 Prayer - Comfort and Provision for those who grieve

Comforting God,

Praise be to the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion who comforts us in all our troubles. Thank you that Holy Spirit is our Comforter.  Thank you that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from you. Today we pray for families who are grieving.   Although it is a beautiful thing when an elderly Believer who has lived a life furthering your Kingdom goes home to be with you, we know that many other deaths do not have such circumstances.  So, today, we pray for those who have lost loved ones suddenly, by accident or health crisis, or by suicide.  We pray for this who have watched a loved one suffer greatly from physical or mental health battles.  We pray for those who do not know if their loved one was saved and we pray that your Spirit of Comfort would be upon the survivors   We pray for those whose circumstances are devastated by the loss of a loved one - whether financial, lodging, or relationship support - and pray that you would provide all they need.  We pray for young children who have lost parents and for parents who have lost children.  We pray that your Church and individual believers would have the grace, strength, courage, and peace to stand around those that mourn and be a blessing to them as they walk this journey of grief.  We pray your blessing on those who mourn, that they will be comforted.  To you be glory for every and ever; in Jesus's name we pray, Amen. 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV)

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." (Romans 12:15 NIV)

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4 NIV)

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Philippians 4:19-20 NIV)

March 15, 2021 Prayer - For Businesses

 Jehovah Jireh,

Thank you for all you do to provide abundantly for us.  Thank you for our many gifts, talents, opportunities, and our work ethics, creativity, and health so that we can do all we do to your glory. Today we pray for struggling businesses, their owners, and their employees.  We know that it is normal for some businesses to fail, but the economic trials of the last year and the covid-induced state government shut-downs have decimated the small business community.  We pray for these business owners.  We pray they will seek you for wisdom and discernment for how to run their businesses, for we know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and that righteousness guards the person of integrity.  We pray they would make good decisions for their business, their families, and for the employment of their employees.  Where there is discouragement or despair, help them to see opportunities and hope.  Where there is a lack of finances, provide abundantly. And where this business "door" is closed, open a "window" of opportunity in a new place that will be a blessing to them.  We pray in Jesus's name that you would provide them with all they need.  Amen. 

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 ESV)

"Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner." (Proverbs 13:6 NIV)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
    To him belongs eternal praise." (Psalm 111:10 NIV)

March 12, 2021 - Prayer for the Mountains of Business, Arts & Entertainment, and Media

Creative, Wealth-Giving Communicator, 

How deep are the riches of your wisdom and knowledge; how unsearchable your judgements!  Who has known your mind or been your counselor?  Who has given to you that you should have to repay?  You have given your children great potential for creativity, communication, and business success.  We pray that we would use the gifts you have given for your glory - to build up and bless others.  Help us to be faithful with what you have given to us so that you may fruitfully multiply our efforts to bring Light into the world.  We pray for exposing of darkness in the areas of business, media and social media, and arts and entertainment.  Help people in those industries not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of their minds, so they may discern what is the will of God and what is good and acceptable and perfect. May their professional practices be righteous in their actions and in your eyes. May their words be good, helpful and encouraging, true, honorable, just, pure, commendable, and excellent. May leaders in these areas have hearts tuned in to your Spirit and your Ways as they go about their work, communication, and artistry. Help them to walk with integrity of heart, setting their minds and hopes not on riches, but on how they can bless others and bless you. Help them be generous and ready to share. Help them to remember that they cannot serve both God and money, and that those who oppress the poor to gain their own wealth will come to poverty. You are the One who gives the ability to produce wealth, so help business people, artists, entertainers, and communicators to commit their work to the Lord, to work hard with all their hearts, and to heartily serve you, so you will give them everything they need.  May they be filled with the Holy Spirit and fan into flame the gift you gave them so that they can create works that honor and glorify you. Today we pray for businesses and families that are hurting in the current economic environment, through venue closures, job losses, business failures, and so much more. May your provision, favor, wisdom, prudence, knowledge and discretion - your counsel and sound judgement, your insight and power - be poured out upon these business, media, and arts and entertainment areas. May everything these industries do, in word or deed, be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. You have given us all things; to you be the glory forever!  In Christ's name we pray, Amen!

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
    How unsearchable his judgments,
    and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
    Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
    that God should repay them?”
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
    To him be the glory forever! Amen." (Romans 11:33-36 NIV)

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 ESV)

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 ESV) 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” (Proverbs 16:8 ESV)

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” (Luke 16:10 ESV) 

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36 ESV)

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT)

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11 ESV)

“I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” (Psalm 101:2-3 ESV)

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV)

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)

“But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 ESV) 

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 ESV)

“Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” (Proverbs 22:16 ESV)

“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.” (Proverbs 8:12-14 NIV)

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3 ESV) 

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33 NLT) 

“Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don’t skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it…” (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 MSG)

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…” (Romans 12:6 ESV) 

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (Proverbs 10:4 ESV)

““See, I have called by name Bezalel...and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.” … “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel... and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills – to make artistic designs...” (Exodus 31:2-5 ESV, and 35:30-33 NIV)

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands…” (2 Timothy 1:6 ESV) 

March 11, 2021 Prayer - Psalm 73 - Encouragement in the face of wickedness

God of Justice,

Thank you for your goodness and mercy to those who seek you and whose hearts are pure before you.  Thank you that when we see the wickedness in this world, we can be reminded that you are God.  You do not sleep or grow tired or weary; you do not leave or forsake those you have called as children.   Lord God Almighty, sometimes it seems that the arrogant, wicked, prideful, and malicious of this world have no problems. Their evil imaginations have no limits and they seem free from common human burdens.  Yet, surely, you place them on slippery ground where they can easily be swept away and destroyed by terrors of your true justice.  Sometimes in this world we become grieved or embittered as we watch the apparent success of the ungodly.  Yet, your word says that those who are far from you - who are unfaithful to you - will perish.  You promise that the power of the wicked will be broken, but you uphold the righteous. You, God of Truth, guide us with your counsel.  You, God of Justice, encourage us with your Justice.  We have nothing in heaven or on earth that is as valuable as you are, Lord.  Our flesh and heart may fail, but you are our strength and our portion forever.  It is good to be near you, our Sovereign Lord and Refuge.  Guard us and guide us, we pray in Jesus's name.  Amen.

"Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." (Psalm 121:4 NIV) 

"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 NIV)

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)

"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." (Proverbs 21:15 NIV)

"The power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous." (Psalm 37:17 NIV)

1

"Surely God is good to Israel,

    to those who are pure in heart.

2 

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;

    I had nearly lost my foothold.

3 

For I envied the arrogant

    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 

They have no struggles;

    their bodies are healthy and strong.

5 

They are free from common human burdens;

    they are not plagued by human ills.

6 

Therefore pride is their necklace;

    they clothe themselves with violence.

7 

From their callous hearts comes iniquity;

    their evil imaginations have no limits.

8 

They scoff, and speak with malice;

    with arrogance they threaten oppression.

9 

Their mouths lay claim to heaven,

    and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10 

Therefore their people turn to them

    and drink up waters in abundance.

11 

They say, “How would God know?

    Does the Most High know anything?”

12 

This is what the wicked are like—

    always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

13 

Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure

    and have washed my hands in innocence.

14 

All day long I have been afflicted,

    and every morning brings new punishments.

15 

If I had spoken out like that,

    I would have betrayed your children.

16 

When I tried to understand all this,

    it troubled me deeply

17 

till I entered the sanctuary of God;

    then I understood their final destiny.

18 

Surely you place them on slippery ground;

    you cast them down to ruin.

19 

How suddenly are they destroyed,

    completely swept away by terrors!

20 

They are like a dream when one awakes;

    when you arise, Lord,

    you will despise them as fantasies.

21 

When my heart was grieved

    and my spirit embittered,

22 

I was senseless and ignorant;

    I was a brute beast before you.

23 

Yet I am always with you;

    you hold me by my right hand.

24 

You guide me with your counsel,

    and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 

Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.

27 

Those who are far from you will perish;

    you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 

But as for me, it is good to be near God.

    I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;

    I will tell of all your deeds." (Psalm 73 NIV)

March 10, 2021 Prayer - Psalm 72 for the President and Vice President

Ruling God,

Praise be to you, our Lord God, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to your glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with your glory.  Thank you that your law is perfect, refreshing the soul, and your statutes are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  Thank you that your precepts are right and give joy to the heart; your commands are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  Thank you that your decrees are firm and righteous, more precious than gold. We know that if we keep your laws we receive great reward and blessing.  Thank you for the call to pray for those in authority so we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  Today we pray for the President and Vice President of the United States.  We pray you would make the President and Vice President godly persons like Jesus, and give them the gift of justice, too.  Help them to give your true justice to your people, honorably and equally to all, not just their favored businesses, projects, or people.  May the mountains they influence be fruitful and, from your righteousness, may peace and prosperity flow to all the people.   May the poor and humble, the middle class, the small business owners, those with differing political views, have an advocate with the President and Vice President.  May they consider precious the children in the womb and crush the cruel oppression of abortion.   May your favor fall like rain on our surrendered lives, like showers reviving the earth.  In this year, we pray your Holy Spirit will pour out Revival and Awakening on this nation; cause the righteous to spring forth and pour out an abundance of peace and prosperity on your people so they can bless others.   We pray that you will protect this nation from her enemies and they would be humbled.   We pray that one day every nation will serve the Lord Jesus Christ and bow before him in worship.  But today we pray that our President and Vice President would have a mind to encourage policies that give equal opportunities for all people - the needy and neglected, the humble and helpless - so they will be able to work to become free from the tyranny of poverty, despair, and government programs.  We pray today for our President and Vice President and pray for blessings upon them so they make decisions that line up with your justice and righteousness.  In Jesus's name we pray, Amen.

7 "The law of the Lord is perfect,

    refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

    making wise the simple.

8 

The precepts of the Lord are right,

    giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

    giving light to the eyes.

9 

The fear of the Lord is pure,

    enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

    and all of them are righteous.

10 

They are more precious than gold,

    than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

    than honey from the honeycomb.

11 

By them your servant is warned;

    in keeping them there is great reward." (Psalm 19 NIV)

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV)

1

"O God, make the king a godly judge like you

    and give the king’s son the gift of justice too.

2 

Help him to give true justice to your people,

    honorably and equally to all.

3 

Then the mountains of influence will be fruitful,

    and from your righteousness

    prosperity and peace will flow to all the people.

4 

May the poor and humble have an advocate with the king.

    May he consider the children of the poor

    and crush the cruel oppressor.

5 

The sun and moon will stop shining

    before your devoted lovers will stop worshiping;

    for ages upon ages the people will love and adore you!

6 

Your favor will fall like rain upon our surrendered lives,

    like showers reviving the earth.

7 

In the days of his reign the righteous will spring forth

    with the abundance of peace and prosperity forevermore.

8 

May he subdue and take dominion from sea to sea;

    may he rule from the river to the rim.

9 

Desert nomads are bowing at his feet;

    every enemy is falling facedown, biting the dust!

10 

Distant kings will surrender and come with their gifts

    from every continent and coastland;

    they will offer their tribute to you.

11 

O King of kings, they will all bow before you.

    O King of kings, every nation will one day serve you.

12–13 

He will care for the needy and neglected

    when they cry to him for help.

    The humble and helpless will know his kindness,

    for with a father’s compassion he will save their souls.

14 

They will be rescued from tyranny and torture,

    for their lifeblood is precious in his eyes.

15 

Long live this King!

    May the wealth of the world be laid before him.

    May there be ceaseless praise and prayer to him.

    May all the blessing be brought to him.

16 

Bless us with a bountiful harvest,

    with golden grain swaying on the mountain fields!

    May the cities be full of praising people, fruitful and filled—

17 

so that his name may be honored forever!

    May the fame of his name spring forth!

    May it shine on, like the sunshine!

    In him all will be blessed to bless others,

    and may all the people bless the One who blessed them." (Psalm 72 TPT)