Day 4 - Intense Treatment - Cleansing through the Blood of Jesus Brings Joy

God of Joy,

Thank you that you have made a way for us to live in your Spirit-infused joy, by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Christ.  Thank you that the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, will cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.  We know that the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.  Thank you that Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many.  He will appear a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Thank you for the invitation to wait on his return and live in communion with him.  I know that the ways of this world - things that vex or influence my spirit - run interference for my ability to be in communion with Christ.  Show me the places where I am not communing, and cleanse me through the blood of Christ.  Purify me from everything that contaminates my body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. Where my spirit feels crushed, without courage, and unable to cope, give me refreshing, renewal, and transformation. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. And may your Spirit fill me with joy so that I will show your Love and Joy and Grace to the world.  In Christ's name I pray, Amen. 

A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
    but heartache crushes the spirit.  (Proverbs 15:13 NIV)

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 NIV)

The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?  (Proverbs 18:14 NLT)

The will to live sustains you when you’re sick, but depression crushes courage and leaves you unable to cope. (Proverbs 18:14 TPT)

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:12 NIV)

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV)

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

16 In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17 because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18 This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19 When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. 20 He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” 21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.   (Hebrews 9 NIV)

"O the Blood" 
by Mary Elizabeth Miller and Thomas Miller (c) 2010 Gateway Music

O the blood

Crimson love

Price of life's demand

Shameful sin

Placed on Him

The Hope of every man

O the blood of Jesus washes me

O the blood of Jesus shed for me

What a sacrifice that saved my life

Yes, the blood, it is my victory

Idea from:  https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=25704 

Some notes from:   NIV Study Bible (c) Zondervan, 2011

Day 3 - Intense Treatment - Purity in Heart so I can SEE God

"BLESSED" = the ultimate well-being, and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus, Rabbi, Teacher,

You taught your disciples/followers/learners that...

I am blessed if I am poor in spirit, not spiritually proud, and self-sufficient, for I will inherit the kingdom of heaven as a gift and reward.

I am blessed when I mourn over personal and corporate sins, for I will be comforted.

I am blessed when I am meek and humble before God, for I will inherit the new promised land.

I am blessed when I have a deep longing for personal righteousness and justice for the oppressed, for this hunger will be filled.

I am blessed when I am merciful, for I will be shown mercy.

I am blessed when my heart - the center of my being, my mind, will, and emotions - is pure, for I shall see God.

I am blessed when I promote peace, as far as it depends on me, because it reflects the character of God and I am called a child of God.

I am blessed when I am persecuted because of righteousness, when I have to prove my fitness for the Kingdom, for you will bless me in your Kingdom.

I am blessed when people insult me, persecute me, and falsely say all kinds of evil against me because of God. Even in that I will rejoice, because my reward in heaven is great.  In the same way, the prophets before me were persecuted.  I am blessed. 

What you are doing will seem like nothing I have seen before.  I will be strong and work.  For you are with me and your Spirit remains within me.  I will not fear.  

In a little while you will shake all the nations in judgement. What is desired by all nations - what is highly esteemed - will come.  You will fill your house, your people, your nations with your GLORY - your material splendor and presence.  All riches are yours.  The glory of today and tomorrow's Church will be greater than that of yesterday's Church.  God almighty will grant peace.

I will seek to live in obedience to God and righteousness and you will bless me.  You will overturn royal thrones and shatter foreign kingdoms. You will overthrow those who try to fight against me, as one of God's people, for you have chosen me. 

I pray that I will enjoy good health and all will go well with me, even as my soul is getting well.  I am receiving the end result of my faith, the salvation of my soul. I get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and I humbly accept the Word planted in me, which can save me.  I ask you to create a pure and clean heart because I know that the pure in heart will SEE God.  I ask you to send help and aid to my soul so I can attain my highest end. 

I declare that my feelings, desires, affections, and aversions will come under the alignment of the Holy Spirit.  I declare that my end will be greater than my beginning, in Jesus's name.  I declare that I will seek a clean and pure heart so I can SEE God.  

Amen. 

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  (Matthew 5:1-12 NIV)

1 On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: 2 “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them, 3 ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? 4 But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’

6 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

Blessings for a Defiled People

10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Haggai: 11 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Ask the priests what the law says: 12 If someone carries consecrated meat in the fold of their garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, olive oil or other food, does it become consecrated?’”

The priests answered, “No.”

13 Then Haggai said, “If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?”

“Yes,” the priests replied, “it becomes defiled.”

14 Then Haggai said, “‘So it is with this people and this nation in my sight,’ declares the Lord. ‘Whatever they do and whatever they offer there is defiled.

15 “‘Now give careful thought to this from this day on—consider how things were before one stone was laid on another in the Lord’s temple. 16 When anyone came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten. When anyone went to a wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were only twenty. 17 I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not return to me,’ declares the Lord. 18 ‘From this day on, from this twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, give careful thought to the day when the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid. Give careful thought: 19 Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit.

“‘From this day on I will bless you.’”

Zerubbabel the Lord’s Signet Ring

20 The word of the Lord came to Haggai a second time on the twenty-fourth day of the month: 21 “Tell Zerubbabel governor of Judah that I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. 22 I will overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms. I will overthrow chariots and their drivers; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother.

23 “‘On that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”  (Haggai 2)

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.  (3 John 2 NIV)

You are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  (1 Peter 1:9 NIV)

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:21 NIV)

Idea from:  https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=25704 

Some notes from:   NIV Study Bible (c) Zondervan, 2011

Day 0 - Intense Treatment - Intro

 Last week I came upon a post that challenged me.  I will be blogging on my personal journey through this 21-Day Intense Treatment, so these posts will look different than my "normal" prayers.  They are much more personal than communal, but if my words speak to you, please use them. 

Here's part of the explanation for the "Intense Treatment."

Dear Advancing Ones:

The Word of God is alive – full of power and like a sword, dividing a person's soul from their eternal part, the spirit. As a result of this incredible power, the Word causes our hearts to change. I believe this change is both spiritual and physical. Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."

Satan's greatest strategy is to stop you from hearing what God has to say to you. He knows that when the voice of God penetrates you, it goes deep into your bone marrow and rearranges the cell structures within your body. He knows it has a powerful effect on the blood flow within your body. When the Word of God successfully penetrates us, when we allow it to be stored in our hearts and develop the way we think, our blood system begins to be purified. The Spirit of God literally begins to invade our blood structures.

On Sunday morning, the Lord released an unusual word about His Blood penetrating us:

"I AM putting you through 21 days of intense treatment. My Blood will become hotter than the blood that is running through your body and, by the Spirit, it will begin to find cells that have not been found. These next 21 days will be a time of divine, intense treatment. A 21-day intense treatment is coming into My people. I AM about to do something in you in these next 21 days that is different than [anything that] has ever been done before!"*

Please join me in this season of "Intense Treatment" and let's see how the Lord develops our spirits and souls!

*https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=25704#word-truncate

Why I Have Changed the Way I Pray for America - by Mario Murillo

 

WHY I HAVE CHANGED THE WAY I PRAY FOR AMERICA

by Mario Murillo | Jun 27, 2021 |

Let me ask you a question. How is it possible for Biden to do and say the things he does, with little or no backlash from America? We are watching the single fastest decline in the history of this nation, ever, and it is all a result of its current leader.

Biden makes everything about race. He blurts out lies with impunity. Yet, for all of the catastrophic decisions that have come from the evil that resides in the White House, there is seemingly no consequence to him or his team.

The same lack of accountability applies to the media that is acting in concert with Biden. As are the ‘woke’ corporations that regularly commit grievous crimes against innocent people, and Silicon Valley which is obliterating decency. The inmates are running the asylum.

I saw a taste of this under Obama’s sad presidency, but it was nothing like what we see to today.

Sky News Australia reported this: “President Joe Biden’s administration is keeping the “racial narrative” going because it is the “biggest smoke screen” to all its policies, according to US political commentator Benji Irby. Mr. Irby told Sky News the country under Joe Biden at the moment is “absolutely horrible”. “The country is way more racialized than usual; everything’s about race,” he said. “Everybody’s concerned about all types of slights and micro aggressions and the left are really taking over everything. “We’re in really bad straits here, it’s not very good”.

Mr. Irby went on to say, “The left and the Biden administration are fueling racial tensions and using it as a smokescreen. No one’s ask asking about Hunter Biden and this new gun scandal, no one’s asking about Joe Biden being bought and sold by China. ‘No one’s talking about the fact that China now has a larger navy than the US, and that China is making moves towards Taiwan, and is taking over our country as far as business is concerned. ‘We’re so busy enthralled in race, enthralled in fighting one another.’”

I had to go to God to ask for help. I write almost every day to warn people. I explain to leaders what we must do to counteract the bombardment of filth and falsehood that is showering down on us. But, most of all, I prayed.

I knew there was something more that I could do. I knew I had to learn a better way to fight back against this indefinable evil. Then I got my answer from the Lord, “I want you to change the way you pray.”

The Holy Spirit let me see the demonic hedge of protection around Biden and the leftist agenda. This hedge is what is blinding millions. It is dulling the natural sense of danger and outrage that America should be feeling right now.

The America we once knew is under a spell. The focus of our prayers must shift to a declaration of war against those devils. We must cast them down. The Bible says we can. We can do it by preaching. We can do it by casting out devils. But our greatest weapon is to tear down this hedge with intercessory warfare.

Here are our key verses: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, “For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)”

I took those verses as a direct promise that the body of Christ has authority over the Biden hedge of protection. I felt a strange confidence and I felt faith rising within me. I found myself asking and declaring specific things. I raised my hands to heaven and began to say, “The weapons I am using now will tear down strongholds!” I believe the power of God will move through prayer—mighty prayer:

1. To confuse the media. Just as God came down and confused the languages at the tower of Babel, I declare that confusion and division will come between the leftist powers in the media and government.

2. To derail the agenda of the Democrats, ‘woke’ billionaires, and China. According to 2 Chronicles 20:22-23, “Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them.  And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.”

3. To bring greater fire into the hearts of vessels of God as well as terrifying conviction upon lukewarm preachers, until the church rises as one voice to rebuke the workers of iniquity for their depravity.

Will this kind of prayer work? In Exodus 17, we see the model. Joshua went down to the battle, while Moses went up to the heights over the battle and raised the rod of God. Aaron and Hur helped to hold up his arms, until the battle was won.

Moses was cutting off the demonic confidence of the Amalekites, just as cutting off the hedge of protection of the ongoing evil is how my prayer is now targeted.

This is no time to cave in to fear and anger. This is not time to fret about the future of our nation. This is the time to remember an old familiar friend: prayer. And not only that, but to see anew the power that resides in prayer. Let us unlock the power of this old friend to tear down impossible strongholds. We must funnel all the energy that you used to expend worrying and being angry over the evil in our nation, into a new way to pray for America.

Join me in prayer and, together with Lord of the Armies of Heaven, let’s tear down these strongholds!

https://www.mariomurillo.org/2021/06/27/why-i-have-changed-the-way-i-pray-for-america-2/

Day 2 - Intense Treatment - Abundant Life lived under the leading of the Shepherd-King

Shepherd King of My Soul,

You are my Shepherd-King in whom I have total security and lack nothing.  I lay down in green pastures.  I'm led beside quiet waters.  My soul is refreshed by my Shepherd.  I am guided along the right paths of security and prosperity in God, bringing Honor to the Shepherd's Name.  Even when I walk through circumstances of greatest darkness and peril, I fear no evil for the Shepherd is with me.  His authority and support guide, rescue, protect, comfort, and reassure me.  I am received at the Shepherd's Table as an under-king, an honored friend.  Even as my enemies are around me, I am anointed with my Shepherd's oil and my cup of blessing overflows.  The Shepherd's goodness and unfailing love pursue me all the days of my life.  I will dwell as a welcome guest in the house of the Lord forever.  The Lord my God commands me to follow his decrees and laws.  I am to carefully observe them with all my heart and all my soul.  I declare that the Lord is my God and I walk in obedience to him.  I will keep his decrees, commands, and laws.  I will listen to him.  I am God's treasured possession and I will keep all his commands.  As I listen to and follow the leading of Holy Spirit, I will love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind.  I will love my neighbor as myself. He has declared that he will set his people in praise, fame and honor high above the nations he has made.  I will be set in praise, fame, and honor, holy to the Lord my God as promised.  I will not worry about my life, what I eat and drink.  I will not worry about my body, what I will wear.  My life is more than food and my body is more than clothes.  The thief - the enemy of our souls - comes only to steal AND kill AND destroy.  Jesus came that I could have a full and abundant life.  Therefore, I ask God for the restoration of my soul - the breathing of my entire inner nature and personality.  I will be set on a new place with a seal called "special" upon my heart.  God's love is as strong as death, his jealousy as fierce as the grave. Because of the leading of my Shepherd-King, I will have life abundantly.  In Christ's name I pray and declare: AMEN. 

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3     he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk

    through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

    for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever.  (Psalm 23 NIV)

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25 NIV)

16 The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him. 18 And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. 19 He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.  (Deuteronomy 26:16-19 NIV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  (John 10:10 NIV)

Set me as a seal upon your heart,

    as a seal upon your arm,

for love is strong as death,

    jealousy is fierce as the grave.

Its flashes are flashes of fire,

    the very flame of the Lord.  (Song of Solomon 8:6 ESV)

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV)

Idea from:  https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=25704 

Some notes from:   NIV Study Bible (c) Zondervan, 2011

Day 1 - Intense Treatment - Prayer of Identity

Creating God of Peace,

    You've searched me and know me, Lord.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.  There's no place I can go, no place I make my bed, no place so dark you cannot find me and shine Light on me.  You brought forth the innermost center of my moral sensitivity and emotions - that which you test and examine when you search.   You knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

    Your thoughts of me are vast and precious.  If only you, God, would slay the wicked who are bloodthirsty and have evil intent, who rebel against you.  Search me and know my heart.  Test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Examine me, see the integrity of my devotion, and keep me true.  Lead me in the Way everlasting. 

    I used to be dead in my transgressions and sins when I followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air who is now at work in those who are disobedient.  I used to gratify the cravings of my flesh and follow its desires and thoughts.  I was deserving of wrath.  BUT because of your great love and rich mercy for me, I was made alive in Christ, even when I was dead in transgressions.  It is God's grace that has saved me.  I am raised up and seated with Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms so that he can show the incomparable riches of his grace expressed in his kindness to me in Jesus.  It is by grace through faith I have been saved.  This is the gift of God - not by works - so that I cannot boast.  I am God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works that God prepared in advance for me to do.   I was separate from Christ, without hope, and without God - far away.  But now I have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  

    Jesus is my peace. His purpose was to create in himself one humanity.  He came and preached peace to all.  I have access to the Father by the Spirit.  I am not a foreigner or stranger, but a citizen - a member of his household, which is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets with Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone.  In him I am a part of a holy temple to the Lord, who is being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.   

    I rejoice always.  I pray continually, I give thanks in [not "for"] all circumstances.  I do not quench the Spirit.  I do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test them.  I hold on to what is good and reject what is evil.  

    May the God of peace sanctify me through and through.  May my whole spirit, soul , and body be kept blameless until the coming of my Lord Jesus Christ.  I am called by the faithful One who will do all he promise and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is with me.  

    I declare that my whole spirit, soul, and body will be sanctified, in Jesus's name!  AMEN!

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 

You have searched me, Lord,

    and you know me.

2 

You know when I sit and when I rise;

    you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 

You discern my going out and my lying down;

    you are familiar with all my ways.

4 

Before a word is on my tongue

    you, Lord, know it completely.

5 

You hem me in behind and before,

    and you lay your hand upon me.

6 

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

    too lofty for me to attain.

7 

Where can I go from your Spirit?

    Where can I flee from your presence?

8 

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

    if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 

even there your hand will guide me,

    your right hand will hold me fast.

11 

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

    and the light become night around me,”

12 

even the darkness will not be dark to you;

    the night will shine like the day,

    for darkness is as light to you.

13 

For you created my inmost being;

    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

15 

My frame was not hidden from you

    when I was made in the secret place,

    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 

Your eyes saw my unformed body;

    all the days ordained for me were written in your book

    before one of them came to be.

17 

How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!

    How vast is the sum of them!

18 

Were I to count them,

    they would outnumber the grains of sand—

    when I awake, I am still with you.

19 

If only you, God, would slay the wicked!

    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

20 

They speak of you with evil intent;

    your adversaries misuse your name.

21 

Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,

    and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

22 

I have nothing but hatred for them;

    I count them my enemies.

23 

Search me, God, and know my heart;

    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 

See if there is any offensive way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139 NIV)

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.  (Ephesians 2 NIV)

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-28 NIV) 

Idea from:  https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=25704 

Some notes from:   NIV Study Bible (c) Zondervan, 2011

Prayer request for educational systems

 From an email prayer list based in our state:

The schools is a trending topic in America right now. Rightfully so. 

I have a specific prayer request for our state's schools. 

• Pray that the DIRTY and the DEMONIC get uncovered SOON 
• Pray for a Holy Spirit awakening in parents, school boards, teachers and in students 
• Pray for the leaders that are GETTING TO THIS INFORMATION [about evil in schools] - God will show them a plan, a strategic roadmap for pushing the info out there, and that He will fill them with hope and solutions 
• Pray for an INCREASE OF ANGELIC WARRIORS around these leaders that are encountering the dirty facts, the dangerous information that the enemy (spiritual and physical) does not want us to see. When one gets access to truth, it can be burdensome, it can be wearying, and it can be defeating. Pray for the Christian men and women that are in key places of influence and power in our state when it comes to Education that they will KNOW THE NEARNESS OF GOD, WILL know great REST, will have great PEACE AND JOY and that Holy Spirit will closely protect them and their teams and loved ones as they work to reveal this information 
• Pray also for the grassroots/citizen leaders that as they “catch” the football of info, God will show them how to run the play with strategy, wisdom, favor and effectiveness 
• Pray for those who are CAUGHT in this demonic trap — that as their hearts start to turn to Him, as they get “caught” in their dirty work, as they get exposed — God will have Christians positioned around them to catch them as they turn to Him. 

Please please please pray for EDUCATION AND OUR EDUCATION LEADERS. 

Psalm 89:1-20 Prayer - For Kingdom Leaders

Strong and Mighty God,

We sing of the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord forever; with our mouths we will make known Your faithfulness from generation to generation. Goodness and lovingkindness are built up forever; you establish your unchangeable and majestic faithfulness.  You have made covenants with your people; the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord. There is no one like the Lord of hosts, awesome above all those around you.  You rule over the sea and still the waves when they rise.  You scatter your enemies because righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne - truth and lovingkindness go before you.  Blessed and happy are the people who know the joyful sound of your voice. They walk, O Lord, in the light and favor of your countenance! In your name they rejoice all day, and in your righteousness they are exalted. You are the glory of their strength, for our shield belongs to the Lord, the Holy One.  You give help to those who you have set in leadership positions.  You anoint them with your holy oil and establish and strengthen them as they seek your will and ways.  We claim and pray in the name of Jesus that their enemies will not outwit the godly leaders you have set into place, nor the wicked afflict them.  Instead, we pray you crush the adversaries and strike those who hate them. Your faithfulness and steadfast lovingkindness shall be with them.  We pray, Holy Spirit, that you would strengthen the spiritual warriors you have raised up for such a time as this.  Guide them, guard them, but especially fill them with an outpouring of yourself.  Fill them with your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and self control.  Give them an overabundance of courage and strength as you guide them in their work.  May they cry out to you, "Father, God, the rock of my salvation." And may your Kingdom come and your Will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.  In Christ's name and with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit we pray, Amen!


For if you remain silent at this time, liberation and rescue will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish [since you did not help when you had the chance]. And who knows whether you have attained royalty for such a time as this [and for this very purpose]?” (Esther 4:14 AMP)

But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP)

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 AMP)

Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10 AMP)

1 I will sing of the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord forever;
With my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness from generation to generation.
2 For I have said, “Goodness and lovingkindness will be built up forever;
In the heavens [unchangeable and majestic] You will establish Your faithfulness.”
3 [God has said] “I have made a covenant with My chosen one;
I have sworn to David My servant,
4 I will establish your seed forever
And I will build up your throne for all generations.” Selah.
5 The heavens (angels) praise Your wonders, O Lord,
Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.
6 For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the divine beings is like the Lord,
7 A God greatly feared and reverently worshiped in the council of the holy [angelic] ones,
And awesome above all those who are around Him?
8 O Lord God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty Lord?
Your faithfulness surrounds You [as an intrinsic, unchangeable part of Your very being].
9 You rule the swelling of the sea;
When its waves rise, You still them.
10 You have crushed Rahab (Egypt) like one who is slain;
You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.
11 The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours;
The world and all that is in it, You have founded and established them.
12 The north and the south, You have created them;
Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon shout for joy at Your name.
13 You have a strong arm;
Mighty is Your hand, Your right hand is exalted.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Lovingkindness and truth go before You.
15 Blessed and happy are the people who know the joyful sound [of the trumpet’s blast]!
They walk, O Lord, in the light and favor of Your countenance!
16 In Your name they rejoice all the day,
And in Your righteousness they are exalted.
17 For You are the glory of their strength [their proud adornment],
And by Your favor our horn is exalted.
18 For our shield belongs to the Lord,
And our king to the Holy One of Israel.
19 Once You spoke in a vision to Your godly ones,
And said, “I have given help to one who is mighty [giving him the power to be a champion for Israel];
I have exalted one chosen from the people.
Once You spoke in a vision to Your godly ones,
And said, “I have given help to one who is mighty [giving him the power to be a champion for Israel];
I have exalted one chosen from the people.
20 “I have found David My servant;
With My holy oil I have anointed him,
21 With whom My hand shall be established and steadfast;
My arm also shall strengthen him.
22 “The enemy will not outwit him,
Nor will the wicked man afflict or humiliate him.
23 “I will crush his adversaries before him,
And strike those who hate him.
24 “My faithfulness and My steadfast lovingkindness shall be with him,
And in My name shall his horn be exalted [great power and prosperity shall be conferred upon him].
25 “I will also [a]set his hand on the [Mediterranean] sea,
And his right hand on the rivers [the tributaries of the Euphrates].
26 “He will cry to Me, ‘You are my Father,
My God, and the rock of my salvation.’" (Psalm 89:1-26 AMP)

Psalm 88 Crying out for revival, restoration, and reformation in our nation

 Lord,

You are the God who saves us.  Hear our prayers day and night.  May your ear be turned to our cries, as we intercede for this nation and her troubles.  Sometimes it seems she is like one without strength, set apart with the dead, cut off and remembered not by her God.  Her sins are many and your wrath lies heavily on her.  Some of our closest allies view us as repulsive and our eyes are dim with grief at the strife and hatred within our nation. We cry out to you for help; do not reject us or hide your face from us, your people and your Church.  Show your wonders and your love to us.  When it seems your wrath has swept over us and your terrors have destroyed us, show us your mercy and hope.  When it seems this nation is surrounded like a flood by enemies within and without, show us your power and glory.  When it seems that our closest friends and neighbors have abandoned us, show us your presence.  Your Word tells us that you are close to the brokenhearted and you save those who are crushed in spirit.  Even when our individual circumstances or the chaos in our society feels overwhelmed with troubles, help us remember that our hope is in Jesus. Holy Spirit anointed Christ to bring Good News - release from sins, recovery of sight, freedom to oppressed, and favor of God on the people of God. Holy Spirit, pour out your presence as you did at Pentecost to bring this nation at this time your Good News.  Cause Revival and Reformation to move in your people, your Church, and this nation.  Bring her back to her first love, Christ Jesus; forgive her many sins; thwart the plans of the enemy to destroy her; and restore this nation to your favor and blessing.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah), because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy), to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the favor of God abound greatly].”  (Luke 14:18-19 AMP)

1 Lord, you are the God who saves me;

    day and night I cry out to you.

2 May my prayer come before you;

    turn your ear to my cry.

3 I am overwhelmed with troubles

    and my life draws near to death.

4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit;

    I am like one without strength.

5 I am set apart with the dead,

    like the slain who lie in the grave,

whom you remember no more,

    who are cut off from your care.

6 You have put me in the lowest pit,

    in the darkest depths.

7 Your wrath lies heavily on me;

    you have overwhelmed me with all your waves.

8 You have taken from me my closest friends

    and have made me repulsive to them.

I am confined and cannot escape;

9  my eyes are dim with grief.

I call to you, Lord, every day;

    I spread out my hands to you.

10 Do you show your wonders to the dead?

    Do their spirits rise up and praise you?

11 Is your love declared in the grave,

    your faithfulness in Destruction?

12 Are your wonders known in the place of darkness,

    or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion?

13 But I cry to you for help, Lord;

    in the morning my prayer comes before you.

14 Why, Lord, do you reject me

    and hide your face from me?

15 From my youth I have suffered and been close to death;

    I have borne your terrors and am in despair.

16 Your wrath has swept over me;

    your terrors have destroyed me.

17 All day long they surround me like a flood;

    they have completely engulfed me.

18 You have taken from me friend and neighbor—

    darkness is my closest friend.